BUCHANAN RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Glamping Down the Upper James: Four Days from Glen Wilton to Alpine
A 4-day, 44-mile unguided descent of the Upper James River that lays out daily mileage, campsites and logistics for planning the trip.
Glamping Down the Upper James: Four Days from Glen Wilton to Alpine.
Paddle through remote stretches of the Upper James River on a four‑day wilderness trip, camping on primitive riverside sites along a Virginia Scenic River corridor. The route is designed for people who want several days of river travel to relax, disconnect and experience class II rapids and backcountry camping.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Four days on the Upper James
A multi‑day wilderness route down the Upper James River, beginning below the Jackson–Cowpasture confluence and traversing remote sections of the river over four days.
Primitive riverside campsites
Each night is spent at primitive riverside campgrounds along the water trail, giving a backcountry camping feel with riverfront camp locations.
Daily river miles, rapids and resupply
Daily paddling varies from a short final day to longer middle days with fun rapids; there is an opportunity to pull off and resupply when you pass the Twin Rivers Outfitters shop on day three.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The trip unfolds as a classic small‑group river journey: a morning check‑in and safety orientation, a shuttle to the put‑in at Glen Wilton, long paddling days broken by scenic riverside camps, and a short final run to the Alpine takeout. It’s an unguided route meant to let paddlers settle into river travel, camp beside the James and move at a steady four‑day pace.
THE ROUTE
Four days on the Upper James
A multi‑day wilderness route down the Upper James River, beginning below the Jackson–Cowpasture confluence and traversing remote sections of the river over four days.
THE CAMPS
Primitive riverside campsites
Each night is spent at primitive riverside campgrounds along the water trail, giving a backcountry camping feel with riverfront camp locations.
THE PACE
Daily river miles, rapids and resupply
Daily paddling varies from a short final day to longer middle days with fun rapids; there is an opportunity to pull off and resupply when you pass the Twin Rivers Outfitters shop on day three.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Complete liability waivers and payment prior to check‑in; arrival at the shop precedes gear issuance and a trip orientation.
Rental dry bags are issued to pack your gear; pack and place dry bags in the shuttle vehicle or boat per outfitter instructions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip and how many miles do we paddle each day?
The itinerary is four days and three nights covering 44 miles total: roughly 8 miles day one, 17.2 miles day two, 14.4 miles day three, and 4.5 miles day four.
Where and when do we meet for the trip?
Meet at the Twin River shop at 640 Lowe Street, Buchanan, VA for check‑in; after orientation you will be shuttled to the put‑in.
Is this a guided trip?
No. The trip is unguided; customers must be able to paddle, navigate class II rapids and recover a boat without outfitter aid.
Can I book this trip as a solo paddler?
No. You must have at least two people in your party; solo paddlers are not permitted.
Are there opportunities to resupply during the trip?
Yes. On day three you pass the Twin Rivers Outfitters shop and may pull off to resupply and take a break in Buchanan.
Are there weight or physical restrictions?
Participants must be able to paddle and camp for four days; the trip is not recommended for anyone over 350 lbs.