All trip prices include your ride upriver, boat, paddle, life jacket and a map upon request. Prices are the same per person whether you decide to canoe, kayak or raft. Please note that we do not provide fishing tackle, bait or rods, so if you intend to fish, plan to bring your own gear.

BOAT-TO-GO for the day (no shuttle)? We rent Canoes & Double Kayaks for $60 per day and Single Kayaks for $45 available from 8am to 5pm and for multiple days. Cancellation policy details here.

Canoes

We have 16′ Old Town Campers. They are a great lightweight canoe for river trips and track well. Each boat has two molded seats and comfortable carrying handles. These canoes will seat (2) people.

Kayaks

We have 11.5′ single person sit on top style kayaks. They are great all purpose kayaks, track well in flat or rapid filled water and are great for beginners. The high seat back is great for extra support on full day trips and each has a storage area for a 14 quart cooler.
Minimum age: 10 years old

Rafts

Our rafts are rugged for rapids but are just as effective in flat water. They have a raised floor that allows them to skim across the water like a bug. Rafts are lightweight enough for two people to haul. Rafts allow for (4) or (6) people.
Minimum age: 6 and up
4 Person Minimum for rafting

*We do not match groups for rafting excursions; if you only have 2 or 3 people in your party, we recommend a combination of canoes and kayaks.

All trips listed take off from our Headquarters and you will be carried upriver to float back to Scottsville unless otherwise indicated. The driver will go through all trip details, a safety briefing and general paddling instruction upon request at the drop point. These trips are for canoes, kayaks, and/or rafts. Tubing is only permitted on the beginner 4 mile trip. All equipment is due back by 5pm.

*Please note that the duration of each trip is an estimated paddle time based on current river conditions.

Below are the 4 different trip styles that you may choose for Canoe, Kayak or Raft:

Hatton Ferry to Scottsville, Beginner Short Trip

Distance: 4 miles
Departure: 11, 12, 1 & 2pm (weekdays & weekends)
Duration: 1-2 hours depending on River Conditions
Rapid Class: Beginner with flat water & riffles
Price: $32 per person

This is a scenic introductory run over calm water that begins at the historic Hatton Ferry (the only pole operated ferry left in the United States). Great for beginners learning how to paddle and/or people with a tight schedule that want to only spend a couple of hours on the water. It is also the most flexible for arrival times.

Hatton Ferry to Scottsville | Beginner Paddle

Warren Ferry to Scottsville, Beginner – Intermediate (1/2 day)

Distance: 7 miles
Departure: 8am* and 10am (*subject to availability – call ahead)
Duration: 3-4 hours depending on River Conditions
Rapid Class: Beginner/Intermediate with Class I rapids & riffles
Price: $37 per person

This is our most popular day trip starting at the old Warren ferry location. It consists of mostly calm riffle-filled water with (1) set of Class I rapids. There are plenty of islands and sandbars on which to stop and enjoy your riverside picnic and it is a great step up from the beginner run if you’re looking for more excitement.

Warren Ferry to Scottsville | Half Day Paddle

Howardsville to Scottsville, Intermediate/Experienced (full day)

Distance: 12 miles
Departure: 8am early riser only (b/c of trip duration)
Duration: 4-6 hours depending on River Conditions
Rapid Class: *Intermediate/Experienced with flat water and Class I & II rapids
Price: $45 per person

Bring your own tackle and gear for full day of fishing and floating on the James. This trip departs our HQ bright and early at 8am. It starts at the mouth of the Rockfish river and includes a couple of challenging Class I – II rapids. Besides the two sets of rapids, the river is mostly clam and this section offers some great fishing. There are lots of islands and sandbars for you to pull onto for some wade fishing and/or picnicking.

*This trip is geared toward experienced river enthusiasts that have some paddling experience in Class I & II rapids.

Howardsville to Scottsville

Scottsville to Bremo Bluff, Experienced/Advanced (full day)

Distance: 12 miles
Departure: 8am and a pick up time downriver of 3pm at Bremo Bluff
Duration: 5-6 hours depending on River Conditions
Rapid Class: *Experienced paddlers only! Class I, II & occasional Class III rapids
Price: $48 per person ; Overnight/2 day option is $65 per person (includes tax); camping at Hardware WMA (no facilities – tent camping only) pick up at 3pm on day 2 at Bremo Bluff
2 boat minimum This is our most remote river trip, so we require you to have a buddy boat per company safety policy.

This trip starts from our HQ in Scottsville and goes downriver to Bremo Bluff. It is geared toward experienced paddlers only. A full day on the James with riffles, ledges and Class I rapids offering some of the best fishing on the James. There are a few Class II rapids to make it a challenge for the experienced paddler. This is our most popular fishing float for those who want to bring their gear and enjoy the most remote option that we offer. Pick up time at Bremo Bluff is 3pm.

Scottsville to Bremo Bluff

River Trips