Canoe
We offer two float adventures:
• Five Bridges
• Overnight

Five Bridges
Looking for an easy and convenient way to relax? If so then this is the float for you. 

The five bridges float originates in Lynchburg and meanders nine miles east to the Campbell County line.  This is a true, lazy river float. 

If this float is for you, be sure to arrive at our shop no later than 1:30 pm (the last trip leaves at 2:00 pm) and get ready to relax and spend some quality time with friends and family. $25 per person or $50 per canoe.

You will be amazed as the hustle and bustle of Lynchburg drifts away behind you and the wild and scenic river unfolds before you. 

It is not uncommon to see all varieties of wildlife -- most exciting and often seen are a pair of bald eagles.  These majestic birds are spotted on a daily basis, and have been known to leave our guests speechless. 

Also, because of the gentle nature of this float no previous boating experience is required.  This is an excellent run to learn the basics of canoeing. 

That being said there are plenty of opportunities for an experienced canoer to hone their abilities, catching little eddies and running the different lines and chutes around the small islands. 

Maybe history is your thing. If so, we recommend showing up early for this float.  There are several stone culverts as well as some lock ruins left from the grand ole days of the Kahnawa Canal. 

There’s a Civil War Gun Encampment on the Amherst side and several miles of stone wall built to contain the canal.  Whatever it is you are looking for, I am sure you will find at least a little bit of it on this float. 

All that have experienced this float have enjoyed it thoroughly.  We recommend packing a lunch as well as a cooler, and it never hurts to bring a fishing rod (several of our guests have caught 6 lb+ small mouth on this float, it’s safe to say the fishing is phenomenal). 

Book a trip online.

Overnight Tours

James River Float Company is excited to be offering even more overnight trips this year. 

We are the only outfitter in the state of Virginia that offers fully guided trips.  By this we mean, your tent, sleeping pad, even your sleeping bag are furnished by us.  All the meals as well as non alcoholic beverages and necessary accessories are included in these unique trips. 

This trip is available 7 days a week, however because of the intricacies of it we ask that you give us a minimum of 2 weeks notice.  This trip also has a minimum of 8 people and costs $124 per person.  This trip is not available on holidays.

THIS TRIP CANNOT BE BOOKED ONLINE. CONTACT US FOR INFO.

Let the river entertain you and our guides spoil you.  Our guides are well trained, experienced outdoorsmen.  Safety and comfort is of the upmost importance.  You will surely be able to get used to this kind of livin’. 

Float all day, relax by a roaring fire that night, and eat a hearty meal prepared right in front of you.  Another unique thing about these trips is that all the camping equipment and personal gear is transported to camp via a gear raft. 

No gear laden boats to worry about capsizing, instead you will be able to lean back, kick your feet up, and enjoy a stress free float down the mighty James River. 

Which brings up a good point: which overnight is right for you?  If canoeing is your thing then you will love our private island getaway.  This trip starts at our guide post, just across the river from Lynchburg, Virginia. 

All guests will be issued their river equipment (life jacket, paddle, dry bag, etc.)  There will also be a river safety talk given.  Our guides will then load you in our company vehicle and off to the river you go! 

Upon arrival the guides will get you set up in your boats, go over basic canoeing skills (no experience required), they will answer any questions you might have, and that point when every one is comfortable and ready to go the trip begins. 

The first day will consist of a 4-5 hour float on one of the most scenic sections of the James River.  In the late afternoon you will arrive at our private island where our guides will help you pick the perfect spot to pitch a tent. 

The island is over one mile long, covered predominantly by large walnut trees and offers many great wildlife watching opportunities. 

Or if you just want to relax in the water there are the perfect ripples just in front of the camp, wade out, sit with you back upstream, and let the James River massage your worries away.  Meanwhile, your guides will be collecting firewood and preparing the evening meal. 

After a hearty dinner, enjoy watching the sunset.  During the summer months, the sun sets off the west point of the island, facing upstream.  It almost looks as if it drops into the river.  I would describe it nothing short of spectacular. 

After the sunset most guests enjoy sitting by the campfire, cooking smores, and recalling the day’s activities without a worry in the world.  If you are an early riser, you are in for a real treat. 

The sun rises directly off the east end of the island, down river.  It’s a beautiful sight as it burns off the early morning fog.  Before you can walk back up to camp, our guides will already be preparing a traditional southern breakfast.  After breakfast there is a relaxed pace in breaking camp. 

No need to rush out here, that’s for the birds.  Once camp is broken you will load back in the canoes and lazily meander down the river until it is time for a cold lunch. 

After lunch, we will continue down river, stopping to look at remains of the old Kanawha Canal and old batteau navigation sluices in the river bed.  These, even by today’s standards are almost incomprehensible achievements, especially when you consider they had no machinery. 

Mid to late afternoon we will drift into Howardsville, VA where you will be greeted by our driver who will transport you back to Lynchburg, where your vehicle will await you.  Although this is an important feature of the trip, we find most customers have never been so unhappy to see their cars.  If you find this to be the case, don’t panic, we run these trips 7 days a week spring through fall.