This is the easier stretch of the James River rapids through Richmond. Suggested levels are between 4 - 7.5 ft. (see the above River Level #). Above 7.5 ft. the river takes on a much "pushier" characteristic with few self rescue options. Above 9 ft. an expert only permit is required.

Put in at Pony Pasture / Take out at Reedy Creek (second opening after Mitchell's Gut on right side of river. Look for large white "Takeout" sign.)

Broad clump of rocks near shore upstream of access steps. Nice opportunities to ferry and surf, and to hone technique. Popular at 6-8 feet; more technical below 5. Clear passage down the center with right turn and rocks to avoid at the end. Crowded with sunbathers in summer.

Broad band of rock across entire river just before Powhite Highway Bridge. Regular standing waves at 5-6 feet; pick your way thru at center, go left below that. Prepare to go under the bridge at far left.

One broad series of waves flowing to the right with a nice rock island on the right to pull out on for lunch. This is a remnant of Grant's Dam, a wing that once pushed water to the opening of the Richmond Canal, the first boat canal in America.

Long rock garden along the south shore opposite the end of the big island. Note drop over concrete pipe on right side of island near the tip, after Choo-Choo. At low water (5 ft and below) this is run near to the island. The preferred route after Choo-Choo is to the right of the island below 6 ft.; to the left above 6ft.

Below the Boulevard (steel truss) bridge just after the picnic shelter on river right. Above 5 ft., start in the main current to the right of center and follow slightly left through large waves farther down...Lots of fun. Below 5 ft., start farther left towards the center of the river, work right then follow the main flow going left again to the waves below.

Caution required for this stretch due to the more violent nature of these rapids! It is strongly suggested to go with someone already familiar with these rapids.

Put in at Reedy Creek near the Park Headquarters / Take out just after the 14th Street Bridge

Once a magnificent set of tall standing waves caused by the first break-out of the Belle Isle dam when viewed from the island. This has largely washed out as the dam has crumbled to create a wide, shallow opening. An eddy on river left allows easy travel upstream behind the remaining wall to practice surfing and run the waves again. Popular at 4-6 feet.

This fun alternative to the main rapids near Belle Isle is on far river left next to the tall dam. It is best accessed by going thru the "Variation" break-out in the dam upstream of "First Break" and working left across the river. The main channel is approximately 200 ft. from the dam. Catch eddys at the top and then follow the largest waves down the center. Watch out for holes on the left. Best from 5 - 8 ft.

Approximately 200 yards downstream from 1st Break, to the left of the large rock formation that is situated adjacent to Belle Isle. Follow the main current as it makes a right turn that culminates in a two-foot drop. Any capsizes here should be dealt with quickly on river right as the current picks up speed just above major rapids. Caution needed above 6 ft.

These linked rapids are just downstream from the painted "Grateful Dead" rock on river right and just upstream from Hollywood Rapid. Striptease is a hydraulic formed by water washing over a ledge that protrudes from the right, off rocks located about 200 ft. from the shore. It is best run just to the left of the foamy water while working right to avoid Stripper, which is a large pour-over rock in the middle of the channel. Run to the right of Stripper rock. Extra caution is needed here due to the close proximity to Hollywood Rapid. Rescue from capsize has to be immediate to prevent swimmers from getting beaten on the rocks below Hollywood. Major caution needed above 6.5 ft.!

Hollywood gets very violent and hard to run correctly at levels below 3.5ft. and above 6.5 feet (Westham Gauge, 646-8228). Do not run blind for the first time. You can scout on river right, or run with a person who knows the river.

Best run with someone familiar with the route. Entrance is on left side of river about six bridge pier openings from the left shore. Be extremely cautious of the dam below the pilings! Rescue is unlikely if caught in that hydraulic. Undercut rock hazards at low water.

Pipeline gets very dangerous at levels above 8 feet. Do not run unless you are an experienced boater and go with someone who knows the line. Great play spot at the third major drop of the rapid. Major undercut rock death hazard at concrete slab on river right in the last drop!

The Richmond Raft Company offers whitewater rafting through some of the best urban whitewater in the United States. They offer trips ranging from 3 - 6 hours, including trips on the upper, lower or both sections. If you just want to go on a leisurely float down the river, take a trip on the upper section. The lower James provides the action packed whitewater found on the river as it runs through downtown. These trips run from April 3 until October 31, and they range in price from $35 to $50. They also provide trips for blind and handicapped individuals. You can call the Richmond Raft Company at (804)-222-RAFT. This is a great way to have fun and see the outdoors.

Float the river in an innertube from the Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek. This is a 3 1/2 mile trip through mostly rural and relaxing water with several sets of rocks and small rapids towards the end. Buy your own innertube at a gas station or float through the James River Park on a Sunday afternoon on a park program. Telephone: 646-8911

Go wading with the children in the shallow pools and rapids of the Pony Pasture Rapids, 42nd Street Rocks or Belle Isle. Wear old tennis shoes. Avoid Saturdays at Pony Pasture! The parking lot is usually full by10 am on a HOT day. Be very cautious around the rapids at Belle Isle. Consider using the sandy beach on the east end or the flat rocks on the west end.

Run the rapids of the upper section of the James or canoe the flatwater from the Huguenot Woods section of the park up to Bosher's Dam. Occasionally this is done in the moonlight. Rent a canoe and choose a day or night of the full moon (know the takeout!). Bring a flashlight and insect repellent.