The road to the put-in dead-ends at a gravel parking area on the Maury River, just upstream of a railroad trestle which lies between the put-in and the confluence of the James and Maury Rivers. There is a gravel boat ramp that can be used to access the river. Some choose to seal launch off the grassy bank to the left of the ramp.

Adam Goshorn exits Confluence and enters a fog covered James River

Adam Goshorn exits Confluence and enters a fog covered James River

Photo of Adam Goshorn by Hank Goshorn taken 2002 @ Medium-Low

The first rapid after the put-in is actually on the Maury River just prior to joining the James. The typical line is down a tight slot right of center. Due to its reputation for flipping many beginners, some choose to walk down the right bank past this rapid to put-in directly onto the James River.

First Wave

First Wave

Photo of Wave below Confluence by S.King @ 5500

After the confluence of the James and Maury Rivers, the first ledge forms a small glassy wave in channel left of center. At some higher levels the ledge can form surfable waves just right of center as well.

Island

Island

Photo by S.King @ 5500

An island composed of light colored sandstone boulders gives this rapid its name. The island splitting the river provids various routes and playspots on either side. At levels over 4 feet the river right contains a hole that is great for left spins and low angle cartwheels. This spot gets better as the water rises until it washes out somewhere over 7 feet.

After White Rocks and prior to reaching Balcony Falls, the small tributary Big Cove Branch enters on the river right. Paddlers encounter a river wide series of ledges named for this creek. While this ledge series had endless possible routes, the best play features are located on far river left.

Typical summer scene and level at Balcony Falls, James River, VA

Typical summer scene and level at Balcony Falls, James River, VA

Photo by Hank Goshorn taken ~1998 @ Low

The mountains come together forming the largest constriction on the run with a large sandstone island in the center of the river. The normal line is down the larger channel, left of the island, starting center, driving left, and ending in the large eddy on river left. Other more technical lines exist through the rocks further left or going right of the island. There is also a channel against the river right bank to sneak the whole rapid.

After Balcony Falls paddlers enter The Rock Garden, which is exactly what it's name indicates. There is no exact line, but to access the play spots near the end, start left at the top then work all the way to river right.

After working from left to right in the Rock Garden, paddlers can catch a ride on a nice green wave with two distinct breaks. A play feature that is easiest to catch on the fly, it is also possible to get multiple rides using the river right eddy for access. This feature is good at levels of 4-6 feet.

Just above Little Balcony, when the river is up in the 5-7 foot range, a great surf wave spans about 40 feet on the right. When it is in it's lots of fun, providing good surfing for as many people as want to join in.

Panarama of Jump Rock and Seal Launching Rock on the James River, VA

Panarama of Jump Rock and Seal Launching Rock on the James River, VA

Just below Little Balcony is a popular swimming area on far river right. At higher flows a good wave forms just left of the largest boulders. Check out the video to see some sweet looping action from 8.5'.

The official take-out is a boat ramp located in the mouth of Rocky Row Run, a small creek that flows in above Snowden Dam. To access the take-out paddlers must paddle into the mouth of the creek and pass under US 501/130.