Smith River in Virginia

Trip Overview

We started our trip just below the Martinsville dam. Putting in at the public access the first rapids were a bit shallow on the right side of the island. Fortunately the river depth improved as we continued south with several nice class one runs that had some good drops in them. There was quite a bit of trash along the shoreline in the slower running parts of the river.

This part of the river runs through the industrial part of Martinsville, so it's not one of the most scenic rivers you can run. About 2 hours into the paddle you will come to Eggleston Falls. A sweet class 2 rapid that makes the previous slower sections worth the trip. The calm water before the falls allows you to paddle right up to the drop and scout a good route thru before committing. There is a public access just after the falls on the right. Paddle up a small creek and the steps are on the right.

Fees:

No fees unless you need a shuttle service. 3RO in Eden provides service to this section of the river.