Walker Creek
Bland (Route 608) to New R. (Route 636)(Big Walker Creek)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 50 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 12 fpm |
| Gauge | Walker Creek at Bane, Va |
| Flow Rate as of 28 minutes | 67 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | February 22, 2026 |
River Description
There are multiple sections to paddle on Big Walker Creek, with 50 miles of stream from near Bland to the confluence with the New River at Ripplemead. All of the rapids are straightforward and do not exceed class II at moderate flows.
The most popular and scenic section is the lowermost 8 miles between Farley Wayside park on Hwy. 100 near Staffordsville to the Ripplemead takeout on the New. The first half (to the Rt. 622 bridge) features several streamside cliffs. Below Rt. 622 the creek is more remote and in the spring and summer is a beautiful green tunnel. It is possible to paddle only the first half (4 miles) if you are short on time or want to do a bike shuttle (2.5 miles using Rt. 708). The full section requires a 10-mile shuttle through Pearisburg (not bikeable). This section requires about 350-400 cfs at Bane; ideal flow is 600-900.
The next section upstream is from Poplar Hill (Hwy. 100 bridge) to the low-water bridge upstream of Farley Wayside. This section is 8 miles with a shuttle of less than 5 miles. There is a good put-in on the upstream side of the Hwy. 100 bridge at a large gravel pull-out. The Little Walker Creek confluence is on the downstream side of this bridge, adding significant flow. Near the end of this section, the creek passes under another Hwy. 100 bridge (no access) and the next mile or so down to the takeout has a nice series of rapids. The takeout is at a low-water bridge (Rt. 749) a half mile upstream of Farley Wayside. Since this requires a portage, plus an easier exit and shorter boat carry, most people prefer to take out here, or you can continue to Farley Wayside. 400 cfs should be enough.
White Gate to Poplar Hill is 11 miles with two portages. The first is a 6-foot low head dam which can be seen from Rt. 733 (Old Mill Dam Rd.) Portage river left where it's easy to step out onto a concrete structure. Since the first 4 miles are mostly flatwater, and a portage of the dam is required, a better put-in would be a
...River Features
Put In - Rt. 608
River left access at creek confluence near Central United Methodist church.
Access - Rt. 608 bridge
River right access at Rt. 608 (Skydusky Rd.) bridge.
Access - Rt. 738
River left access at Byrnes Chapel Rd. bridge. You can drive down Rt. 640 (Trails End Rd.) a couple of miles on river left to cut off some of the flatwater.
Low water bridge
Low water bridge, portage river left. At high water passage may be possible on the far right.
Access - Rt. 670 Mt. Zion Rd.
River right access along Mt. Zion Rd.
Access - Kimberling Creek confluence
River right access along Flat Hollow Rd.
Access - Old Church Ln bridge
River right access at Old Church Lane bridge, a short distance up Rt. 670 from Rt. 42. Alternatively, access may be available just upstream on river left along Flat Hollow Rd.
Dam - Portage
6-foot low-head dam, portage left. No public access along Old Mill Dam Rd.
Access - Spring along Rt. 42
River left access at a spring and a concrete culvert tall enough to walk through. Large gravel pullout along Rt. 42.
Portage - low water bridge
Low-water bridge, portage river left. With enough water, you can paddle across the bridge along the river right bank.
Access - Rt. 100 at Little Walker Creek
River right access upstream side of bridge. Large gravel pullout along Rt. 100.
Access - Rt. 749 low water bridge
River right access at Rt. 749 low water bridge. Caution: at higher flows (1000+ cfs) this bridge creates a river-wide hydraulic.
Access - Farley Wayside park
River right access at Farley Wayside park upstream of Rt. 100 bridge. Alternatively, access may be easier a half mile upstream at the Rt. 749 low water bridge.
Take Out
The takeout for the lowermost section of Big Walker Creek is on the New River at Ripplemead, which is half a mile downstream from the confluence on river left. To get there from put-in, Farley Wayside park at the Hwy. 100 bridge, turn left (north) on Hwy. 100 and drive into Pearisburg. Turn right at the light on Wenonah, and don't make any other turns. Keep straight, eventually passing under Hwy. 460, as the road becomes two lanes, one lane, and then gravel as it passes under 460 again and travels upstream to the boat ramp. From Pembroke, cross the 460 bridge and then take the Ripplemead exit, and turn right at the end of the ramp.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportDid the section from Rt 100 access at the junction of Big and Little Walker Creeks.
The low water bridge takeout was completely submerged, not visible but for a river wide hydraulic below. There is an eddy on river right at the bridge that we used one boat at a time to takeout. Have a plan and exercise caution.
Could possibly sneak far right but this takeout is much better than continuing to Farley Wayside.
Easily paddlable up to 400cfs... Can be done down to 250cfs with some scraping.
Looking at north slope of Walker Mountain between Poplar Hill and Staffordsville.
We paddled the lower 8 miles of this stretch which is probably the best section of the creek. This is a beautiful stretch of creek that is class I-II and, I've been told, is a favorite fishing spot, too. Minimum level is generally around 350-400 cfs. We paddled it at 650 cfs and had a very enjoyable trip with plenty of water.
About 3 miles into the trip, pay attention to the cliffs on the right. A pair of bald eagles have been spotted nesting in the area and they are sometimes visible - especially in the spring.
The best putin for this stretch is at Rt 100. There is a park on the upstream side of the bridge that has plenty of parking.
The best takeout is on the New at the Ripplemead access point; just upstream of the Rt 460 bridge. To get to it, get off of Rt 460 at the first westbound exit to Pearisburg. At the end of the ramp, turn away from the town of Pearisburg and follow the road downhill and under the Rt 460 bridge. Look for a pull off on the left after crossing the RR tracks and going under the bridge; about a 1/4 mile upstream of the bridge.