The Lazy Staunton — Kayaking Long Island to Brookneal on Virginia's Secret River

Ask ten Lynchburg paddlers where they go to escape the summer crowds and nine will lie to you, because the answer is the Staunton. Here's the trip anyway.

The float

Long Island → Brookneal on the Staunton (Roanoke) River: 11 miles of designated State Scenic River, southeast of Lynchburg. It's a full-day float — mostly moving Class I water through rock gardens, with a couple of Class II drops that wake you up without scaring anyone who's floated the James downtown.

What makes it special is the shape of the river: braided island channels that split and rejoin, so you're constantly picking lines and finding side passages. Gravel bars appear around every other bend — built-in swim stops and lunch beaches.

Who it's for

Anyone who's done a downtown James float and wants a longer, wilder day. It's not technical water, but 11 miles is a real distance — budget the whole day and bring more food than you think you need. The gravel bars ARE the restaurant out here; pack a cooler.

Anglers, pay attention

The Staunton is excellent smallmouth water — many locals rate it alongside the James. Rock gardens mean current seams, and current seams mean bass. Single kayaks give you the casting room. Everyone 16+ needs a Virginia freshwater fishing license; check current regs at dwr.virginia.gov before your trip.

Logistics

This is exactly the kind of trip our door-to-water shuttle exists for — the shuttle drive between Long Island and Brookneal is the traditional headache of this float, and we make it not your problem. Boats, paddles, and PFDs included; a full-day single is $69, full-day tandem $89.

Book it as "Lazy Staunton" through the booking map, or ask the river guide chat to plan the day — it knows the put-ins.

When to go

Summer through early fall. After a dry stretch the rock gardens get bony and you'll do some boat-walking; after heavy rain, give it a couple of days. When in doubt, ask us — we watch levels and will call you before your trip if conditions are off.