City: Big Island, VA
County: Amherst County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 37.59683190, -79.38933239
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Run
II+(III)
Take-out
James - 2. Glasgow to Snowdon
11 ft/mi
Current Conditions
--
• 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
3. Snowdon (Route 501/130) to Six Mile
30.2 mi
II+(III)
Take-out at this location
2. Glasgow to Snowdon
4.8 mi
11 ft/mi
I-II
Downstream from here (29.7 mi to put-in)
01. Iron Gate to Glen Wilton
4.1 mi
I-II
Upstream from here (5.2 mi from take-out)
1.8. Alpine to Glasgow
10.0 mi
I(II)
Upstream from here (14.4 mi from take-out)
1.6. Arcadia to Alpine
4.8 mi
I-II
Upstream from here (17.4 mi from take-out)
1.4. Buchanan to Arcadia
6.2 mi
7 ft/mi
I
Upstream from here (20.5 mi from take-out)
1.2. Springwood to Buchanan
4.8 mi
I-II
Upstream from here (24.6 mi from take-out)
1. Eagle Rock (Route 43) to Springwood (Route 630)
17.0 mi
4 ft/mi
I-II
Upstream from here (30.0 mi from take-out)
02. Glen Wilton to Gala
7.3 mi
I
Upstream from here (29.5 mi from take-out)
03. Gala to Eagle Rock
3.9 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 Snowden boat ramp provides access to a scenic stretch of the James River in Amherst County, Virginia. This public access site is suitable for launching canoes, kayaks, and small motorized boats. The concrete ramp leads directly into the river, making it easy to get on the water.
Paddlers and boaters should note that a dam immediately downstream prevents further downstream travel from this location. The river in this area is generally wide and slow-moving, making it well-suited for casual flat-water trips. Those looking to experience whitewater should continue downstream to the confluence with the Maury River, where they'll encounter a Class III rapid.
Several nearby campgrounds, including the reservable Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp and Otter Creek Campground, offer convenient overnight options for those looking to explore this section of the James River. Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions and regulations before planning their trip.
Paddlers and boaters should note that a dam immediately downstream prevents further downstream travel from this location. The river in this area is generally wide and slow-moving, making it well-suited for casual flat-water trips. Those looking to experience whitewater should continue downstream to the confluence with the Maury River, where they'll encounter a Class III rapid.
Several nearby campgrounds, including the reservable Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp and Otter Creek Campground, offer convenient overnight options for those looking to explore this section of the James River. Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions and regulations before planning their trip.