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Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.

Description

This is a surprisingly nice trip, considering that it follows I-64 for a while and then flows through Clifton Forge. There's decent current even at low levels, scenic cliffs near the community college, a tunnel-like experience under the railroad bridge, nice scenery and rapids at Rainbow Gap, and you can see where the James River begins at the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture. Be aware of the dangerous low bridge behind the community college about 2 miles downstream of Low Moor. Since there is nothing memorable in the first 2 miles, it's worth checking out the community college grounds for a put-in, especially if the flow is approaching 1000 cfs or above (the road to the low bridge is heavily posted, however). At 550 cfs decked boats can pass under, but canoes should probably portage on river right. Note that the gauge is upstream of the Potts Creek confluence. Add the two gauges together to get a better idea of flow at Low Moor. See Also: Alleghany Highlands Blueway for maps and info. _Virginia Whitewater_, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 275. _Exploring Virginia's Waterways_, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 195.