Stock Creek

The best part of this run is the rapid that carved its way through the Natural Tunnel millions of years ago. Other that this, most of the creek is easy II-III. Watch for downed trees.

The Natural Tunnel State Park has authority over the lands here and haven't seemed to mind kayakers floating through. However, keep in mind that this run has been paddled only a couple of times, so be kind to any park officials that you may encounter along the way. There is a trail that takes you to the upstream end of the tunnel on park property for scouting and alternate put in. The tunnel is a remnant of an ancient cave system in the area known as the Rye Cove Trunk channel. The actual cave collapsed eons ago and left us with this awe-inspiring formation that attracts visitors from various regions.

To putin for a run through the Tunnel, drive just past the main entrance to the park, then make a right heading uphill. Shortly after this, you will see a pullout on the left side of the road. This is the 'Spring Hill' trail. It takes you directly to the north end of the tunnel. After running through the tunnel, you have some easy rapids to the take out. The take out is noted by a large concrete retaining wall on river-right for the railroad tracks. Just around the bend is some small ledges and a pool. Eddy here on river-left and take out. This is easily recognized by the large tree blocking the creek a short distance downstream.

Follow the trail out to the chairlift. From here, you will hoof it 0.3 miles back up the hill to the parking area at the visitor center/chairlift operations building. When arriving at the park for boating, check in with Park Ranger Craig Seaver.

One more thing, PLEASE be respectful. The folks here at the park don't mind boaters, so lets keep it that way.

See Also:

Virginia Whitewater, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 433.