Joe Crighton Access

Joe Crighton Access is a convenient put-in on the James River's eastern edge near Springfield, offering easy access to a scenic 6-mile water trail downstream to Springfield Lake boathouse. The site features a gravel parking area (8-10 vehicles), steep concrete steps, and a boat ramp suitable for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. While modest in amenities, it provides two picnic tables and connects paddlers to the James River Greenway & Trail of Honor.

The James River at this location is a large, relatively gentle waterway—a Class 7 stream with an average flow of 668 cubic feet per second and a mild 1 ft/mile gradient. Paddlers can expect predictable, manageable current suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers. Whether launching your own vessel or renting a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the Springfield Lake Boathouse (available spring through fall), Joe Crighton serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the river's wildlife and natural scenery. The site's proximity to Springfield attractions like Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and the American National Fish and Wildlife Museum makes it a convenient base for combining paddling with regional exploration.