BUCHANAN KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Four Days on the Upper James: Glen Wilton to Alpine Wilderness Paddle
A 4‑day, 44‑mile unguided river expedition that threads remote Virginia waterways, primitive riverside campsites and daily rapids — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Four Days on the Upper James: Glen Wilton to Alpine Wilderness Paddle.
Adventure brief
Four Days on the Upper James: Glen Wilton to Alpine Wilderness Paddle
Take a four‑day wilderness adventure down the Upper James River Water Trail, beginning below the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture rivers and following remote, Virginia Scenic River stretches to Alpine. The route offers long paddling days, primitive riverside campsites and the opportunity to resupply mid‑trip, making it a straightforward plan for groups who want to disconnect and travel by river for several days.
Embark on an exhilarating 4-day, 3-night kayaking journey from Glen Wilton to Alpine, guided by Twin Rivers Outfitters. This adventure offers a perfect blend of scenic waterway exploration and outdoor camaraderie, making it ideal for paddlers seeking a multi-day escape in Virginia's stunning landscape. Over the course of the trip, you'll navigate calm rivers and spirited rapids, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic mountain views. Camp along pristine shores each night, enjoying the serenity of nature and the opportunity to spot local wildlife. The trip is well-suited for those with intermediate paddling skills, and it provides a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from daily routines while experiencing Virginia's natural beauty firsthand. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or eager for your first multi-day paddle, Twin Rivers Outfitters ensures a safe and memorable experience with expert guidance and quality gear. This adventure not only challenges your outdoor skills but also fosters a deep appreciation for the environment. Perfect for group adventurers, families, or solo travelers seeking a transformative outdoor experience, this journey captures the essence of outdoor exploration amid Virginia’s scenic waterways.
Route Schematic
Route schematic & daily stops
A concise progression of the trip’s launch, daily camps and takeout — follow these stops along the Upper James.
Twin River Shop — check‑in & orientation
Arrive at the Twin River shop for check‑in where staff issue rental dry bags, provide trip orientation, maps and a river safety briefing before shuttling you to the put‑in.
Glen Wilton public boat launch — put‑in
TRO staff shuttle the group to the Glen Wilton public boat launch, where paddlers begin the river portion of the trip.
Gala Campground — night one
Paddle just under 8 miles on day one to Gala campground to establish the first primitive riverside camp.
Horseshoe Bend Campground — night two
Day two is the longest stretch (17.2 miles), ending at Horseshoe Bend campground for the second night.
Twin Rivers Outfitters / Buchanan — mid‑trip resupply
On day three you pass the Twin Rivers Outfitter shop in Buchanan, where groups are welcome to pull off for lunch and to resupply before continuing downstream.
Arcadia Campground — night three
Finish day three at Arcadia Campground, located approximately 6.5 river miles below the TRO shop, and camp for the final night.
Alpine boat launch — takeout
On day four paddlers cover the final ~4.5 miles to the Alpine boat launch. Pickup time from Alpine takeout is scheduled so TRO staff can shuttle you and your gear back to the shop.
This is an UNGUIDED trip; participants must be able to paddle and navigate up to Class II rapids, recover a boat without outfitter assistance, camp in wilderness for four days, and travel in groups of two or more. Not recommended for anyone over 350 lbs.
What the day feels like
What the four‑day river journey feels like
The itinerary unfolds as a sequence of long paddle days punctuated by primitive campsite evenings: an initial shuttle and orientation at the outfitter, under‑8‑mile day one to Gala, a heavy 17.2‑mile day two to Horseshoe Bend, a 14.4‑mile third day that passes the Twin Rivers shop for a possible resupply and a short final day into Alpine. It’s designed for paddlers who want to relax into multi‑day river travel through remote stretches of the Upper James.
THE ROUTE
A four‑day wilderness run on the Upper James
This trip covers 44 miles over four days from Glen Wilton to Alpine, following remote sections of the Upper James River Water Trail and Virginia Scenic River corridors.
THE CAMPS
Primitive riverside sites each night
Expect to camp at primitive riverside campgrounds—Gala, Horseshoe Bend and Arcadia are used as overnight stops—keeping the focus on simple, backcountry riverside camping.
THE FLOW
Daily miles, fun rapids and a mid‑trip resupply
Each day delivers substantial river miles with fun rapids to navigate, and on day three paddlers can pull off at the Twin River outfitters in Buchanan to resupply before finishing at Alpine.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Twin Rivers Outfitters issues rental dry bags for packing gear; bring personal clothing and camp essentials sized to fit those dry bags.
Pack gear into the provided dry bags and place them in the shuttle vehicle or boat as directed during check‑in and orientation.
You must book the trip with at least two people; solo bookings are not permitted.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip and how many miles will I paddle?
The trip is 4 days / 3 nights covering 44 miles total: day one ~8 miles, day two 17.2 miles, day three 14.4 miles, and day four ~4.5 miles.
Where do we meet before the trip?
Meet at the Twin River Shop, 640 Lowe Street, Buchanan, VA 24066 for check‑in, orientation and gear issuance.
Is this a guided trip?
No. This trip is UNGUIDED; customers must be able to paddle and navigate without a guide.
What skills are required?
Participants must be able to paddle, navigate up to Class II rapids and recover a boat on their own without outfitter assistance.
Can I book this trip alone?
No. You must have at least two people in your party; solo paddlers are not permitted.
Is there a place to resupply during the route?
Yes. On day three you pass the Twin Rivers Outfitter shop in Buchanan where you are welcome to pull off for lunch and resupply.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:43:11.362Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.