Kayaking Percival's Island — The Classic James River Float in Lynchburg, VA

If you only paddle one stretch of water in Lynchburg, make it this one. The Percival's Island to Six Mile Bridge float is the town's classic run: about six river miles of easy Class I water, blue heron flyovers, and skyline views you simply can't get from the Blackwater Creek Trail.

The put-in: Percival's Island canoe ramp

Launch from the canoe ramp at the end of 7th Street in downtown Lynchburg, on Percival's Island itself. There's free parking, and the ramp puts you straight into a gentle channel on the far side of the island — a friendly warm-up before you reach the main stem of the James.

If you book with us, you don't even need to think about parking: our shuttle drops you and your boat right at the ramp.

⚠️ Know before you go: as you pass Percival's Island at the start of the float, stay on the left bank. Scott's Mill lowhead dam sits on the right side of the island, and lowhead dams are the most dangerous hazard on any river — never paddle over or near one. (This guidance comes straight from the Virginia DWR float guide.) We brief every renter on this before launch.

What you'll see on the water

• The Lynchburg skyline opening up behind you as you clear the island
• Great blue herons, kingfishers, and osprey — the James through here is a bird highway
• Gentle riffles below the old railroad piers that are just enough fun for first-timers
• Gravel bars perfect for a swim stop when summer water levels drop

The take-out

Most paddlers pull out near Six Mile Bridge, roughly 2.5–3 hours downstream at summer flows. Our shuttle meets you there with cold water and dry towels — pick your times when you book and we'll be waiting.

When to go

Summer levels (roughly 1.5–3.5 ft on the Holcomb Rock gauge) are ideal for rentals. After heavy rain the James rises fast and turns muddy — we'll always call you before your trip if conditions aren't right and help you rebook or switch to flatwater at one of the lakes near Lynchburg.

Book the float

A single kayak half-day rental covers this run comfortably, shuttle included. Pick Percival's Island as your launch and Six Mile Bridge as your pickup on our map, choose a date, and you're set.