Take Out

Beaverdam Creek is a medium-sized stream located in the Damascus area of Washington County, Virginia, serving as a take-out point for paddlers completing whitewater runs. This is a headwater stream with significant gradient, dropping 432 feet over its 31.94-mile length, which creates dynamic whitewater conditions suitable for experienced paddlers. The creek drains 115 square miles and maintains an average flow of 142.76 cubic feet per second with a notably steep average gradient of 13.5 feet per mile, making it an active and continuously flowing resource even during moderate water conditions.

As a take-out location, this site is positioned to receive paddlers finishing their runs on Beaverdam Creek's upper sections. The average velocity of 1.67 feet per second combined with the steep gradient indicates continuous moving water that requires solid paddling skills and awareness of hydraulics. Paddlers should be prepared for the characteristics of a headwater stream, including potential wood hazards, rocky terrain, and variable water conditions depending on recent rainfall and seasonal flow patterns.

Boaters using this take-out should have solid whitewater experience appropriate to the creek's difficulty level and current conditions. Water levels and flow can vary significantly with the season, and paddlers should scout conditions ahead of their trip. The site's proximity to Damascus makes it accessible for trip planning and coordination with local outfitters or paddling partners familiar with the creek's specific characteristics and hazard zones.