Meherrin River in Virginia

Trip Overview

A couple of friends and I paddled the North Meherrin on a 16 foot Guide and a Wilderness Kayak. The water was really nice, and enough to sustain floatability.

We put in at Wallaces Bridge (712) Road and took out at Saffolds Bridge (635). It was a 13-mile float, if you go make sure the USGS gauge (North Meherrin) is at least 25 CFS or better, which is only after a recent rain. The spring is the only time that I have found it able to float. There was aprox. 29 cfs today which made it a no drag float:)

We encountered one tree across the river which was not a problem to cross. The first 8 miles is a narrow river prior to it ajoining the Middle and South Meherrin. There are two stands of Hemlock Trees the most eastern stand that I have encoutered in the state. There are lots of rocks and rock cliffs with an abundence of mountain laurel and honeysuckle to liven your way.

After the confluence of the Middle and South Rivers there is approx. 5 miles of slower water with some rapids to encounter. You will see an old diversion structure that diverted the once damed river to a mill that is long gone.

We encountered a couple of water snakes, turtles and deer. No bears this trip, thank goodness. The only major problems was putting in and taking out at the bridges, which was steep.

Three miles down from saffolds bridge, there is a day park owned by the town of South Hill, which has a canoe ramp. This 3 mile trek is a small reservior between the bridges that has a dam used for a small hydro unit and once the water supply for the town. It is usually a grussam paddle after spending so many hours on the water. We had a moving average of 3 mph, which didn't require too much paddling.

Accommodations:

None, pack a good lunch

Fees:

No fees; park vehicle beside road

Directions:

Chase City VA, Hwy 47 south, Traffic Road north, Wallaces Bridge road east. Use google earth for image.