Dragon Run in Virginia

by  Skyclad

A self-supported trip created by Skyclad

Trip Overview

This is a beautiful place to paddle. The launch area is very nice, almost like it was actually made by paddlers. Biggest problem is that there is not much parking space, so larger groups could have a problem.

The current was not too bad, just enough to make picking a line through the deadfalls interesting. And there were lots of deadfalls to work around/through. Dragon Run also has lots of cypress swamp areas along the river, so all sorts of little side channels beacon to be investigated.

I saw several large birds, most likely blue herons, and many ducks while kayaking. Also spotted one owl that couldn't care less that I was there. I got within about 15 feet of it to take a picture. It watched me the whole time, but didn't even lift a wing while I was coming and going.

I only had a few hours to spend, so I didn't get as far up the river as what I wanted, but I will certainly try to make it back here to paddle again.

Accommodations:

Not much right at the river. There is a campground a few miles up the road, but I don't even know the name.

Directions:

From I-64, take Rt33 east to West Point, Continue on Rt33; it will join with US-17 north about 11 miles past West Point. Just over 1.5 miles north of the 17/33 intersection, you will cross over Dragon Run. There is a gap in the guardrail on the right side of the road. Turn right there to get to the launch area.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location