Wolf Creek
Rt. 760 to Narrows(Lower Wolf Creek)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 12 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 20 fpm |
| Gauge | Wolf Creek Near Narrows, Va |
| Flow Rate as of 30 minutes | 69 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | November 1, 2025 |
River Description
This delightful stream winds its way through Giles County, with frequent class I-II wave trains and rock garden rapids. A new rapid always seems to be around the bend. Although Rt. 61 runs alongside the creek for most of this section, it is rarely within sight from river level. The tunnel of trees interspersed with small farms and houses creates an ambience of peaceful solitude, but don't relax too much. The creek's narrowness, combined with its twisting nature, provides the ever-present risk of strainers in swift water. These hazards may not be visible until rounding the bend. While the creek is hard to catch with enough water, it is a true gem of Giles County if you are lucky enough to paddle it.
The best put-in is on Rt. 760 (along Rt. 61) below the low water bridge. The take-out is in a park in the town of Narrows beside Rt. 61 and above the dam. Minimum for a pleasant run is about 400 cfs.
See Also:
Virginia Whitewater, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 487.
Exploring Virginia's Waterways, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 351.
River Features
Put In #1
Put in at Rt. 760 (Morehead Rd.), below the last low water bridge on Wolf Creek, for an 11 mile trip to the town park.
Put In #2
Alternatively, you can put in about 3 miles downstream where Rt. 724 (Old Wolf Creek Rd.) crosses Rt. 61 next to East Chapel Community Church. From here it's 8 miles to the town park, and the trip is about an hour shorter than putting in upstream at Rt. 760, Morehead Rd.
Take Out
The takeout is on river left at the downstream end of the town park, near the basketball court. It's easiest to take out just upstream of the fence. If the gates are closed, there's a trail around the end of the fence. Park in the gravel lot just downstream of the fenced-in park area.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI paddled starting at Rt. 760 (Morehead Rd.) at 1200 cfs, about 2.5 hours to the town park with brief stops and surfing. At this level it's a fast bouncy ride without much need to worry about rocks, and the main hazard remains strainers where the creek divides around islands. Not many holes to avoid and only a few surfing waves. Most will probably prefer lower levels in order to choose routes and have better water quality.
Ran this at 1070 CFS in Sep 2018 and it was excellent. Water was fast class 2 for most of the run, with one class 3.