This is swiftwater Class II paddling with a couple of rapids and surfing spots. Water is too swift at release levels for rank beginners but with any previous experience most paddlers will do fine. Levels in the range of 500cfs are good and may go lower.
Putin: 271 Trent Hill Drive
Takeout: 3512 River Road Fieldale VA 24089
Look for the dam releases. Any release is good to go. River maybe be too low for reasonable paddling if they are not releasing. Most releases are M-F in the afternoon during peak power generation.
See Also:
_Virginia Whitewater_, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 545.
_Exploring Virginia's Waterways_, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 315.
Smith Reaches:
1\. Iron Bridge Rd(Route 704) to Union Bridge Rd at backwater of Philpott Lake, Class II-III
2\. Philpot Dam to North Basset, 6.4 miles, II+
4\. Fieldale to Doe Run, 5 miles, II
5\. South Martinsville to Sports Complex, 4 miles, II
6\. Sports Complex to Mitchell Bridge, 6 miles, II(III)