This remote backcountry float begins below the dam of Talbott Reservoir and flows approximately 4.9 miles to the mouth entering Townes Reservoir. Typical of eastern mountains, it has periodic drops interspersed with pocket drops and short rapids. More of a large creek during average flows.
This stretch is complicated as the access to the put-in and take-out are fairly decent, but there is a significant 1.3 mile flatwater paddle across Townes Reservoir to exit. You must acquire a permit either in-person or via email (see below). There is also no reliable flow estimation, both from a rainfall runoff or release point. Since Talbott catches most of the upstream influx, a significant rain would be required to influence this run outside of a generation release.
In addition, this section of river is confined by steep canyon walls in numerous places, making deadfalls, logjams, and strainers very common since flushing flows happen sporadically. If this was a roadside stretch, it probably wouldn't warrant anything above class 3. However, since you will be very far from help, it pays to scout and always paddle with a group.
Permit Required:
http://www.danville-va.gov/658/Pinnacles-Hydro-Complex
Release Info: (276) 251-5141
More to come......BLP (May 2015)