James, Virginia, US

5. Lower James through Richmond (Reedy Creek to Mayo Island)

Downtown Cover

Downtown Cover
Photo of Group by Julie Wilson taken 12/15/06 @ 5ft

Gauge Information

River Description

The Lower James is class III whitewater centrally located in the City of Richmond. Boaters who live or work in the area can typically reach the put-in/takeout within twenty to thirty minutes. This is a short run but provides numerous features for play and skill development. Many natural and manmade hazards exist such has low head dams, keeper holes, rebar, hidden debris, and strainers.

Warning - Danger at Hollywood Rapid: On January 21st 2006 our boating community lost one of its beloved members to a large tree (pile) strainer towards the bottom of Hollywood Rapid. Karen Abse was an experienced kayaker with over 20 years of paddling experience, including whitewater kayak instruction. It was reported that Karen flipped in Hollywood rapid for a second time and was unable to right her kayak before being pushed into the tree strainer and disappearing. Karen was paddling with a group of highly qualified kayakers who made heroic efforts to rescue her, but time was not on their side. You can learn more about Karen by visiting the Coastals' website: http://www.coastals.org/remembrance/ or the JROC website: http://jroc.net/. Efforts are underway to remove the wood below Hollywood Rapid however this section of the James is notorious for wood and at anytime a shift or new wood is possible. Please be alert.

Directions: to takeout

 From I95 south bound, exit 74B, turn right at stop light onto E. Franklin St., turn left at next stop light onto 14th St., stay on 14th St. as you pass the flood wall the access drive is immediately on the left. From I95 north bound exit 73 Maury St, at stop light turn right onto Maury St., then turn left onto E 2nd St., at light turn right on Hull/14th St. cross bridge, turning right by the north side flood wall. The parking lot is tucked in the back by a water treatment building.

This access point was built with the efforts from local boaters, the James River Outdoor Coalition and the James River Park System.

To put-in, turn left out of takeout parking lot onto 14th/Hull St, turn right at third stop light onto Commerce Rd, Turn left onto any of the next 4 streets (example McDonough St), turn right onto hwy 1/301 then turn left onto Semmes Ave (stop light), Turn right onto W 22nd St, turn left onto Riverside Dr, at Riverside Dr and Hillcrest Rd is the put-in area. There is a city parks area to unload boats. We normally park on Hillcrest Rd to better protect our vehicles. There is also a changing room in the park area.