Overview:
The Jackson is one of the prettiest, most remote rivers in the state. Tall mountains, deep gorges, and occasional open farmland surround this father of the James. It had some of the better trout fishing in the state, though an invasive algae called Ditmo has killed off many of the benthic macroinvertebrates, and with them the trout. (Be careful not to transport a wet boat, wet equipment, or any of the Jackson’s (or Smith’s) water to any other trout rivers in the state, as the ditmo could infest them too. Despite the ditmo infestation, the Jackson is a stellar river of beauty that is beyond sublime. You will not find a more rewarding place to canoe anywhere.
Recommended Trips:
- Overnighter: Rt 623 to Lake Moomaw (requires permission from Boiling Springs Rod and Gun Club to run Richardson Gorge section)
- Day trip: Rt 623 to Hidden Valley State Park
- Day trip: Hidden Valley State Park to Lake Moomaw (requires permission from Boiling Springs Rod and Gun Club.)
Directions to Put Ins and Take Outs:
View Jackson River in a larger map
Rt 623: Turn west onto Rt 623 off of Rt 220. Follow 623 downstream to where it crosses the river, or continue to a Forest Service parking lot and canoe put in. I recommend putting in at the first bridge to avoid missing any scenery.
Hidden Valley: This is a nice state park with camping, hiking, and a boat put in. It is located on Hidden Valley Road, which intersects McGuffin Road/Rt 621, which connects Rt 39 with Rt 220, a bit west of Warm Springs.
Lake Moomaw: There is a public put in where Rt 603 crosses the Jackson at the upper end of Lake Moomaw, just after Back Creek joins the Jackson. You’ll know you’re near this take out when Richardson Gorge opens a bit and you hit backed up dam water.
Route 605: Just south of where 605 goes over the dam, turn downhill into what appears to be a parking lot area and drive to the bottom of the hill, putting in just below the dam. You have to drive back up to the top of the hill, park, and walk back down.
Route 687/Jackson River Road: Rt 687 intersects Rt 220 just east of here. There is a nice public boat lauch.
Sections of River to Run:
Rt 623 to Hidden Valley State Park: This may be the single prettiest stretch of river in the state, going through the magnificent and isolated Hidden Valley. This stretch of river is about 8 miles, and is entirely in National Forest land, with great camping.
Hidden Valley State Park to Lake Moomaw: Downstream of Hidden Valley are some pretty farms walled in by mountains. You’ll shortly pass under Rt 39, which does not appear to have a spot to either park or put in or take out. Then you’ll pass through more farmland before entering Richardson Gorge. To go through this gorge you’ll need permission from the rod and gun club, and don’t even think about fishing here. They’re good folks to deal with, though, and getting permission is worth it, because the gorge is spectacular, with constant class 1-2 whitewater and mountains towering springing directly from the riverbanks to tower overhead.
Route 605 to Rt 687: This is the stretch of river from right below the Lake Moomaw dam to just above Covington. In any other part of the state it might be notable, but here it pales in comparison to the river above Lake Moomaw. There is more development along this stretch, as Rt 220 runs nearby. I’d run the Hidden Valley section twice or do an overnighter before running this section.
