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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Buchanan, VA/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Kayaking Tours/
    5. James River 5-Mile Kayak or Canoe Trip from Springwood to Buchanan
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    James River 5-Mile Kayak or Canoe Trip from Springwood to Buchanan

    Easy 5-mile paddle with Class I rapids, ideal for beginners and families ages 6+

    From$41/ person

    Duration

    2–3.5 hrs

    Includes

    Boat rental, life jackets, shuttle

    Highlights

    Glide down a 5-mile stretch of the James River featuring gentle Class I rapids and riffles. This easy outing suits first-timers and anglers and ends at the Buchanan riverfront.

    • Paddle a 5 mile section with easy Class I rapids
    • Learn basics during a pre-trip safety orientation
    • Use provided boat, paddles, life jackets, and dry bags
    • Navigate with supplied river maps on a beginner route
    • Finish at the Buchanan riverfront location
    • Expect about 2 to 3.5 hours on the water

    What's Included

    • Boat rental
    • Paddles
    • Life jackets
    • Safety orientation
    • River maps
    • Dry bags
    • Required shuttles

    Things to know

    Trips require at least two people per party. Participants must be able to swim, wear proper footwear, and be at least 6 years old. No alcohol is permitted; arrive 15 minutes before your reservation time.

    Cancellation policy

    Full refund with 4 days' advance notice. Full refund if the outfitter cancels due to high water, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances. No refunds with less than 4 days' notice. No-shows are charged in full.

    Meeting location

    Twin River Shop 640 Lowe Street Buchanan, VA 24066

    Experience provided by Twin Rivers Outfitters
    Experience provided by Twin Rivers Outfitters

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #A227VA

    Customer in a Canoe

    $41.27

    All prices per person. Maximum 2 person per canoe.

    0

    Sit-on-Top Single Kayak

    $41.27

    One person per kayak

    0

    Sit-Inside Single Kayak

    $41.27

    One person per kayak

    0

    Customers in a Tandem Kayak

    $41.27

    All prices per person.

    0

    Customers in a Raft

    $41.27

    Minimum two adults to steer with a maximum of five total customers per raft. All pricing per person.

    0

    Private Boater

    $28.13

    Shuttle Passenger only. Bringing own boat. Canoe/Kayak only. Pricing is per person.

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • Greetwell Approved

      This experience meets our quality and safety standards

    • Includes Concierge Support

      Our team is here to help with questions, timing, or special requests

    • Flexible Cancellation

      Plans change? Most experiences offer flexible cancellation

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    Discover what we've curated for you

    4.9 stars• 630 reviews

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    630 reviews•Google Maps

    Twin River Outfitters stands out for its exceptionally organized operation and genuinely friendly staff. Multiple reviewers mention how thoroughly prepared they felt before hitting the water, thanks to detailed maps, safety briefings, and knowledgeable guides who explain river obstacles. The equipment is consistently described as top-notch, and the staff goes above and beyond with things like declining tips and showing remarkable flexibility with weather-related reschedules (including full refunds when needed). Several paddlers specifically note the professionalism paired with a personal, welcoming touch. The James River trips themselves sound beautiful and peaceful, with clean water, wildlife sightings including turtles and ospreys, and manageable rapids. The glamping option gets rave reviews for its well-equipped wall tents and gear transfer service, which lets you paddle without being weighed down by camping equipment. Whether you're booking a multi-day adventure or a simple half-day paddle, the operation runs smoothly from start to finish. Repeat customers keep coming back, and that tells you everything you need to know.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    Just completed the 3 day, 2 night glamping trip Glen Wilton to Buchanan. I would highly recommend this trip and Twin Rivers in general. We checked in and were given great packets with maps and mileage, as well as a briefing by staff. Definitely helped us be prepared for the conditions. We got paddles and PFDs and put our gear in the kayak trailer, dry bags were available for our use but we didn’t need them. We were taken to our second night campsite first, just to familiarize and see where to exit the river. We then went to our first night campsite, same drill but we left our gear there. A quick trip to the launch point and we were off. I can’t stress enough how well prepared we felt before we even hit the water. The campsites (Glampsites) were really nice, wall tents with cots, fire pits, chairs, tables, fresh water container, bathroom, and firewood for sale. Really very comfortable! We utilized Twin Rivers gear moving service, so all we took on the water was fishing gear, lunches, and day bags. Twin Rivers had all our other gear moved to the next site and waiting for us. Very convenient, made the paddling way easier and more comfortable. Overall a definite 5 star experience, a professional and friendly outfit and staff, competitive pricing, and a well thought out experience. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Twin Rivers, I will definitely be doing it again!

    Photo of Steve Bohr

    Steve Bohr

    October 14, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Just completed the 3 day, 2 night glamping trip Glen Wilton to Buchanan. I would highly recommend this trip and Twin Rivers in general. We checked in and were given great packets with maps and mileage, as well as a briefing by staff. Definitely helped us be prepared for the conditions. We got paddles and PFDs and put our gear in the kayak trailer, dry bags were available for our use but we didn’t need them. We were taken to our second night campsite first, just to familiarize and see where to exit the river. We then went to our first night campsite, same drill but we left our gear there. A quick trip to the launch point and we were off. I can’t stress enough how well prepared we felt before we even hit the water. The campsites (Glampsites) were really nice, wall tents with cots, fire pits, chairs, tables, fresh water container, bathroom, and firewood for sale. Really very comfortable! We utilized Twin Rivers gear moving service, so all we took on the water was fishing gear, lunches, and day bags. Twin Rivers had all our other gear moved to the next site and waiting for us. Very convenient, made the paddling way easier and more comfortable. Overall a definite 5 star experience, a professional and friendly outfit and staff, competitive pricing, and a well thought out experience. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Twin Rivers, I will definitely be doing it again!

    Photo of Steve Bohr

    Steve Bohr

    October 14, 2025

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