Dan
0.1 Sawteeth Gorge
| Difficulty | I-III+(IV) |
| Length | 6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 42 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 25, 2026 |
Projects
Townes Dam and Talbott Dam on the upper reaches of the Dan (a.k.a. Pinnacles of the Dan) River in Patrick County VA have severely impacted the Dan River for decades. These dams control flow on three stretches of river that range from Class II-V and if the river reaches [...]Read More
River Description
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)
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportPlease correct the description of this section. The specs. are incorrect.
This section is 6 miles in length with gradient in the 40-50 fpm range. Please note the contour intervals on USGS topo maps are 20 ft. and not 40. A local trout guide who has waded this entire stretch stated there is no real whitewater here. I have waded one mile of this stretch and observed nothing more than class I water. It can be floated but even at 60 %, it will be a scratch and rub ride. The drainage size is only about 30 square miles which is smaller than the Tye.
if are kind enough to release flow for the kibler valley run... why not release straight from the dam too??
The New Green River Narrows? It has the Gradient, it has the dam...All we are missing is the access