NATURAL BRIDGE STATION BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Two Nights Under the Stars, Two Days on the River: Springwood to Back Run
A guided weekend paddle covering 24.5 river miles (11 miles Day 1, 9.5 miles Day 2) with camping, shuttle service, and included paddling gear — useful for planning logistics and what’s provided.
Two Nights Under the Stars, Two Days on the River: Springwood to Back Run.
This new Twin Rivers Outfitters itinerary stitches together two full days of paddling with two nights of camping on private land in Natural Bridge Station. The route covers 24.5 miles over Friday night through Sunday afternoon, threading class I and II rapids and delivering broad mountain views; the operator supplies boats, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, dry bags and shuttles so you can focus on the river and camp routine.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
24.5 Miles Across Two Days
This is a compact, full-weekend river run: an 11-mile first day from Springwood to Arcadia Campground, followed by a 9.5-mile second day finishing at Back Run Creek campground where cars are parked. The itinerary is structured to maximize daylight paddling and an overnight camp between the two sections.
Class I & II Rapids and Mountain Views
Expect multiple class I and II rapids punctuating long flatwater reaches, with sustained mountain scenery framing the two-day float — enough flow to keep paddling engaging without technical whitewater demands.
All the Essentials Delivered by the Outfitter
Pricing covers boat rental, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, river maps, dry bags, 7‑gallon water jugs, access to private camping land and the required shuttles — the operator provides the core kit so you need only bring personal camping gear.
What the day feels like
The Weekend Flow
Drive in and set up camp the afternoon or evening before departure, then be ready for a 9AM pickup the following morning for a scenic shuttle to Springwood. Day one is an 11-mile paddle to Arcadia campground where you’ll make camp for the night; day two is a 9.5-mile paddle back to Back Run Creek campground, typically completed in three to four hours, with the trip concluding by 2PM.
THE ROUTE
24.5 Miles Across Two Days
This is a compact, full-weekend river run: an 11-mile first day from Springwood to Arcadia Campground, followed by a 9.5-mile second day finishing at Back Run Creek campground where cars are parked. The itinerary is structured to maximize daylight paddling and an overnight camp between the two sections.
THE RIVER
Class I & II Rapids and Mountain Views
Expect multiple class I and II rapids punctuating long flatwater reaches, with sustained mountain scenery framing the two-day float — enough flow to keep paddling engaging without technical whitewater demands.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All the Essentials Delivered by the Outfitter
Pricing covers boat rental, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, river maps, dry bags, 7‑gallon water jugs, access to private camping land and the required shuttles — the operator provides the core kit so you need only bring personal camping gear.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this weekend is built for — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You must bring your personal camping gear for two nights; the outfitter supplies boats, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, river maps, dry bags, 7‑gallon water jugs and required shuttles.
Arrive the afternoon before (campground check-in after 3PM), be ready for a 9AM shuttle pickup the next morning, expect to finish the final day by about 2PM.
Trip requires a minimum of four customers to run; optional add-on camping the final night at Back Run Creek campground is available for an additional fee per person.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip and how is the mileage divided?
The itinerary covers 24.5 river miles over two paddling days: an 11‑mile first day from Springwood to Arcadia campground and a 9.5‑mile second day to Back Run Creek campground.
Where and when do we meet for the trip?
The meeting/pickup location is 1019 Gillmore Mills Road, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579; the campground pickup for the shuttle is at 9AM only on the morning of the first paddling day.
What is included in the trip price?
Pricing includes rental of boat, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, river maps, use of dry bags, 7‑gallon water jugs, access to private camping land and all required shuttles.
Is there a minimum group size to run the trip?
Yes — a minimum group size of four customers is required for the trip to operate.
When should I arrive and what about campground check-in?
Plan to arrive the afternoon or evening before the river run; the night‑before campground reservation allows check‑in any time after 3PM.
Can I stay the final night at Back Run Creek campground?
Yes — there is an optional add‑on to camp the last night at Back Run Creek campground for an additional $14.00 per person per night.