Access Site
VA
Saltville
City: Saltville, VA
County: Smyth County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 36.89332098, -81.75627491
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Nearby Gauge Conditions
N F Holston River near Saltville, VA
0.6 mi away
M F Holston River at Seven Mile Ford, VA
9.5 mi away
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on North Fork Holston River
2 runsDifficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
II(III)
Downstream from here (4.2 mi to put-in)
2. Clinch Mt. Landing to Hayters Gap (Rt. 80)
11.0 mi
12 ft/mi
II+(III)
Upstream from here (9.8 mi from take-out)
1. Rt. 624 to Rt. 630
9.2 mi
22 ft/mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Saltville boat ramp provides access to the North Fork Holston River, a large flowing river classified as a stream order 6 waterway. This section of the river features an average flow of approximately 976 cubic feet per second with a velocity of 2.77 feet per second, creating moderate current conditions typical of a river of this size. The ramp is located in Smyth County near the town of Saltville, positioning paddlers and boaters relatively close to the headwaters of this 140-mile river system. With a significant average gradient of 12.7 feet per mile, users should expect active water movement and be prepared for river navigation skills. The North Fork Holston drains a 709 square mile watershed and maintains consistent water volume throughout much of the year, making it a viable destination for various paddling activities and boating pursuits.