Roanoke

Ran yesterday May 6, 2012 at 220 cfs. Green Hill Park to Salem water intake. This splits the run about in half at 3 miles. Ran in a tandem sit-on-top, solo sit-on-top, and solo canoe. Ample water. One mild I-II rapid makes this section harder than from the water intake to 419. A very nice float for kids.

Ran May 12, 2012 at 150 cfs in two single sit-on-tops. Green Hill Park to Salem water intake. Bumped a few spots but no problem getting down. Minimum solo likely in the 100 cfs range.

Ran today May 23, 2009 at 230 cfs - Salem water intake to 419 bridge. The water intake is 2 miles below Greenhill Park and 3 miles above 419. Low, but easily passable in a tandem canoe with just a few bumps. Estimate minimum maybe 150 cfs tandem and 100 cfs solo. At this level one shoal dumps into an overhanging tree trunk with fast water underneath - not much room to maneuver but adequate - easy to drag in shallows to avoid. Beautiful pleasant family run with good water quality.

The park and play is great/safe place to learn how to surf and I have seen great boaters play the hell out of it at higher water levels. When the water is up like it is today (1000CFS) this is a fun run that take just over an hour. There are about 3 spots on this run that make it fun enough for an afternoon after work. There is a great ledge that creates a fun wave/fall half way between the BP gas station on Mill ln and Duiguids Ln. This is runnable above 300CFS. Also try Masons Creek that runs along Rt 311. there is a 5 ft drop over an old Damn and one bridge to watch out for at higher levels.

one good spot for park and play at a hole created by a large pipe going across the river bed. locals know this to be across from were they always fly them danged remote control airplanes. . so annoying. .