City: Buchanan, VA
County: Botetourt County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 37.55482373, -79.63705990
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Run
I(II)
Put-in
James - 1.6. Arcadia to Alpine
Current Conditions
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• 500.00-25000.00 cfs
James River at Buchanan, VA
Whitewater Runs on James River
12 runs (10 nearby)Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I(II)
Put-in at this location
1.6. Arcadia to Alpine
4.8 mi
I-II
This location is on this run
01. Iron Gate to Glen Wilton
4.1 mi
I-II
Take-out at this location
1.4. Buchanan to Arcadia
6.2 mi
7 ft/mi
I-II
Downstream from here (3.2 mi to put-in)
1.8. Alpine to Glasgow
10.0 mi
II+(III)
Downstream from here (14.1 mi to put-in)
2. Glasgow to Snowdon
4.8 mi
11 ft/mi
I-II
Downstream from here (17.1 mi to put-in)
3. Snowdon (Route 501/130) to Six Mile
30.2 mi
I
Upstream from here (3.4 mi from take-out)
1.2. Springwood to Buchanan
4.8 mi
I-II
Upstream from here (7.3 mi from take-out)
1. Eagle Rock (Route 43) to Springwood (Route 630)
17.0 mi
4 ft/mi
I
Upstream from here (13.7 mi from take-out)
03. Gala to Eagle Rock
3.9 mi
I-II
Upstream from here (15.4 mi from take-out)
02. Glen Wilton to Gala
7.3 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Arcadia boat ramp provides access to the James River, a major waterway flowing through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. As a headwater stream, the river is relatively shallow and fast-moving in this area, with an average gradient of 2 feet per mile.
Paddlers and small boat users will find the Arcadia site suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorized vessels. However, the access requires navigating a steep path from the parking area down to the river's edge, so extra caution is advised when carrying and launching your craft. The river at this location features a mix of pools and riffles, with some rock ledges to be aware of.
Nearby campgrounds provide options for overnight stays, with several reservable sites within 10 miles of the Arcadia access point. Boaters and anglers should be prepared for the river's substantial size, as the James flows for over 1,100 miles and drains a watershed of more than 10,000 square miles. Checking water levels and conditions before your trip is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
Paddlers and small boat users will find the Arcadia site suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorized vessels. However, the access requires navigating a steep path from the parking area down to the river's edge, so extra caution is advised when carrying and launching your craft. The river at this location features a mix of pools and riffles, with some rock ledges to be aware of.
Nearby campgrounds provide options for overnight stays, with several reservable sites within 10 miles of the Arcadia access point. Boaters and anglers should be prepared for the river's substantial size, as the James flows for over 1,100 miles and drains a watershed of more than 10,000 square miles. Checking water levels and conditions before your trip is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.