If you want a big adventure, Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan [pronounced Buckanan], Virginia, will equip you for a multiday paddle down the James River. Dry bags protect your food, and a map advises where to find primitive camp sites every night. With 62 miles of waterways, it’s feasible to spend several days on the river.

Instead, my flotilla of eight kayaks and one three-person raft chose a six-mile float that lasted about two and a half hours. On the riverbank, our guide Kevin presented us with a choice of kayaks. They all seemed to have their pros and cons – I chose a Jackson that was guaranteed to take on lots of water but very unlikely to flip over. I figured a wet butt was a small price to pay to keep the rest of me dry.

Old suspension bridge in Buchanan over the James River

The trip was mostly easy paddling, except for a few tiny rapids. The rapids looked like hardly anything. But this being my first time taking a kayak over any sort of rapids, they were plenty for me. I realized it’s awfully difficult to steer once the rapids have hold of you. I hit one rock hard and turned my kayak all the way around. Fortunately, the next rock I slammed pointed it back in the desired direction.

Other than the rapids, the mood was more peaceful than exhilarating. We had plenty of time to contemplate the green water and green banks, and think our private thoughts.

Twin River Outfitters has been in business since 1978. Most of their trips are self-guided, though you can hire a guide if your group wants one. They rent canoes, kayaks and tubes, and own three private campgrounds located a paddling day apart. They’re about 20 miles north of Roanoke. Check their site for a very handy James River water level update.