2. Griffith (Route 630 Ford) to James River

This is a great trip, with beautiful scenery and good water quality.  Although there isn't a lot of whitewater, the current moves along well and there are plenty of riffles and small wave trains.  The main rapid is a small ledge (II or II+) about a mile downstream from Griffith.  Run on the left side with a little left angle.  Two other spots may be worth mentioning for novices.  First, after passing under the I-64 bridges, there is a third bridge (Longdale Furnace Rd.) where the main current flows directly into a bridge piling (see the gallery for what can happen here).  However, it's easy to see from upstream and move to the right.  Second, about a mile downstream, there is an island where most of the flow goes left.  Near the end of the island, the flow accelerates and pushes into a cliff on the left.  This can be avoided with some right angle and a little paddling. Alternate accesses are at Sharon park (5 mi.) and Evans Tract (10 mi.), where the gauge is located.  Generally 600-700 is the minimum for putting in at the Griffith ford. See Also: _Virginia Whitewater_, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 250. _Exploring Virginia's Waterways_, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 180.