Paddle 10.5 miles of Class I–II rapids on the Upper James River
5 - 6 Hours
4 or more people
Boat rental, shuttle, gear
Explore a 10.5-mile stretch of the Upper James River Water Trail with Class I and II rapids and mountain scenery. This full-day run starts in Buchanan and finishes at the Alpine boat landing with a required shuttle back.
Minimum group size is 4 people. Return shuttle pickup time is mandatory at 3:30 PM. No alcohol allowed.
Full refund with 4 days advance notice. Full refund if Twin River Outfitters cancels due to high water levels, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances as deemed appropriate by the Outfitter. No refunds with less than 4 days notice. No-shows charged full price.
Plan around the mandatory 3:30 PM pickup time for the return shuttle.
Arrive dressed for the river (swimsuit, T-shirt, quick-drying shorts). In cooler weather, wear clothing that keeps you warm when wet (such as polypropylene). Bring old tennis shoes or river sandals with ankle straps (no flip-flops or bare feet), plus water in non-breakable containers, sunscreen, and a picnic lunch if you want one.
No. Alcohol is not allowed.
640 Lowe Street Buchanan, VA 24066
Robert, John, and the rest of the crew here have built something genuinely special on the James River. The multi-day glamping kayak trips get the most praise, with reviewers raving about how thoroughly the staff prepares guests before they ever hit the water. Detailed maps, personalized route briefings, gear transport between campsites, and mid-river check-ins all point to an operation that has clearly thought through every detail. The glamping setups themselves seem to consistently impress, with raised platform tents, cots, fire pits, and river views making for a comfortable overnight experience without sacrificing the adventure. Single-day kayak and tubing trips get high marks too, with staff earning repeated praise for making first-timers feel confident and welcome. The customer service extends well beyond the trip itself, with reviewers noting how flexible and accommodating the team is when plans change. Honestly, the reviews here are remarkably consistent in their enthusiasm, which is saying something across hundreds of trips. If you are looking for a well-organized river outfitter where the staff genuinely cares about your experience, this appears to be a standout choice in the region.
This was an absolute amazing adventure!! We loved it!! We did the 6 mile kayak excursion. (Sit on top kayaks) The rapids were fun and not too much to handle. The staff were so friendly and explained things well! They have you call and check in at a certain point to make sure you are doing okay. It’s a smooth running outfit!
Cheryl Shaffer
May 18, 2026
This was an absolute amazing adventure!! We loved it!! We did the 6 mile kayak excursion. (Sit on top kayaks) The rapids were fun and not too much to handle. The staff were so friendly and explained things well! They have you call and check in at a certain point to make sure you are doing okay. It’s a smooth running outfit!
Cheryl Shaffer
May 18, 2026