Johns Creek
2. Route 311 bridge to AW Take Out(The Gorge)
| Difficulty | III-IV(V) |
| Length | 4.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 55 fpm |
| Gauge | Johns Creek at New Castle |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 3.45 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 28, 2024 |
Projects
It will come as no surprise to Virginia paddlers that their state’s river access laws are among the least boater-friendly in the Nation. Along with Colorado and Georgia, Virginia’s laws are rare in that they fail to clearly protect a right to paddle at least some rivers. In the [...]Read More
River Description
Johns Creek is one of Virginia's whitewater treasures, with a well-documented history of use. The run is solid class IV, described as comparable to the Watauga River without Hydro or Stateline Falls. You can find descriptions in several guidebooks of classic rapids like Sirius the Dog Star, Royal Flush, Coke Island, Little Heinzerling, Bambi Meets Godzilla, Blind Man's Bluff, the Separator, and Fool's Falls.
The entire run is bordered by private property and at least one riparian landowner has opposed paddling in the past, including taking legal action against paddlers. Because of this, there was very little paddling use between the late nineties and 2015 because of legal uncertainties. In the spring of 2015 the VA Marine Resources Commission issued a letter determining that Johns Creek is a navigable stream until proven otherwise. A subsequent newspaper article stated that the County Attorney would not prosecute paddlers for criminal trespass, but that does not mean that the issue is fully legally resolved.
Because of the sensitivity of Johns Creek access, paddlers should stay in their boats if reasonably safe and at all possible, and not utilize the private shores for any purpose. This effectively makes the run extremely committing and at least a grade harder, so wise and conservative paddling choices are important. For the sake of access and safety, consider delaying a trip to Johns Creek and paddling with a solid crew that knows it well. And of course be extremely respectful of all riparian landowners regardless of the situation.
American Whitewater owns the take-out for the run, and paddlers are encouraged to
...River Features
Put In
Put in next to the bridge.
Fool's Falls
Last drop before things calm down. Run it on the right side, about 6ft off the shore. Get a nice boof
American Whitewater Take Out
American Whitewater purchased this property many years ago to preserve public access to John's Creek, and manages it with the help of volunteers. Please be respectful of this site and our neighbors, and reach out to AW if the site needs maintenance. Enjoy, and kick AW a few bucks if you use this site.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI like to run this charging hard right, almost against the dry rocks, with a good boof stroke
This rapid may be called the Separator, presumably because the hole at the bottom separated the river runner from their boat. As has been stated before, go with someone that knows the run, swimming, injuries and even scouting may effect continued access
After about 15 minutes of paddling from the put in, you'll see this attractive cabin on the right. Tighten your chin strap, the action is set to begin!
Entering into the beautiful gorge, beginning of 2.5 miles of almost continuous whitewater
I have video of jons if anybody is interested my email is crazycboater@verizon.net
The end of a low water run, back in the day.
Tom avoids the pinning rock at the bottom of Bambi.
Jack in the next to last drop of Bambi.
This one tagged my elbow pretty good. Entry is to the left of the rock in the photo. To the right of the rock way at the bottom is a slot that had a log blocking it that day.
We ran this creek twice that year, once at zero and this trip (a little low for open boats). I'd like to see it with a little more water. Maybe someday....
Entering the right side