Plan a Trip
Whether you want to paddle for a few hours or explore for a few days, the Alleghany Highlands Blueway offers enough variety to meet your needs.
Experienced outfitters can help you plan out every detail of your visit, or you can explore on your own. With numerous public access points with free parking, access to the water is simple.
If you can’t get enough of nature’s beauty, camping is available at Lake Moomaw and Douthat State Park, as well as primitive camping along portions of the Cowpasture River. Or, stay in a local hotel or inn and explore a different section of the Alleghany Highlands Blueway each day.
For information on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, click here.
Reservations at Douthat State Park or call (800) 933-7275
Reservations at Lake Moomaw or call (877) 444-6777
These experienced outfitters can help you plan a perfect trip on the Alleghany Highlands Blueway.
Alleghany Outdoors
alleghanyoutdoors.com
1903 Dressler Drive
Covington, VA
540-969-1800
Email >
Offering kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and bike rentals on the scenic Jackson River. All trips by reservations.
Covington Farm & Fuel
covingtonfarmandfuel.com
121 N. Alleghany Avenue
Covington, VA
540-962-1983
Kayak rentals and transportation to and from river locations.
Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing
WesleyHodgesFlyFishing.com
910-578-5424
Offering authentic guided fly fishing and bird hunting experiences on the rivers and uplands of Virginia.
Suggested Floats
Jackson River:
SECTION 2 – Indian Draft to Intervale
7.5 miles – allow 2.5 to 3 hours
This popular float is on the dam-augmented stretch of the upper Jackson River in Alleghany County. This section normally features crystal clear water, great current, two sets of 300’ cliffs and excellent mountain views. Many class I & II rapids make this section fun and exciting. The rapids are plentiful, but fairly straightforward. This trip launches at the Indian Draft boat landing and ends at Intervale Park. Once your trip is complete, you can enjoy one of the many picnic tables at the 5-acre riverfront park that is only two miles from downtown Covington, which means food options are plentiful, from delivery to catering.
SECTION 3 – Fort Young to Teddy Dressler
3.9 miles – allow 2 hours
A mild float with several class I rapids and plenty of wilderness just outside the Covington city limits. The float begins just behind Walmart at the Fort Young boat ramp. Once you are past the commercial area of Covington, you will find yourself immersed in a peaceful wilderness setting with good opportunities for wildlife viewing. This trip ends at Teddy Dressler Wayside picnic area with Whitey’s Convenience store, featuring a full-service grill, located just across the street.
Cowpasture River:
SECTION 4 – Sharon Park to Evans Tract
4.5 miles – allow 2 hours
This section of the Cowpasture River offers paddlers crystal clear water and steady current as it passes through rural farms along the way. The Cowpasture River is free flowing through some of western Virginia’s most scenic landscapes. This section is generally passable in the spring or after a significant rain event. In dry periods, the water level can get low, so be sure to check the river gauge before you attempt this section.
