Overview:
Potts Creek is one of the most unusual creeks in Virginia. It has springs which boil out into the creek, a section where the river runs underground, occasional precipitous ledges, and unbelievably high cliffs. Sadly, it also has quite a few hovels and rural detritus along its banks, though its scenic attributes more than make up for the occasional garbage. Potts Creek holds water longer than nearby Wilson or Dunlap Creeks, and seems runnable generally at least 48 hours after a good rain, and generally is runnable during winter or spring except in a dry spell.
Directions to put ins and take outs:
View Potts Creek in a larger map
Covington: Potts Creek joins the Jackson at the southern edge of Covington, but the creek has a dangerous dam with extremely inconvenient portages shortly above the confluence, so the superior take out is the second Route 18 bridge south of Covington (the first one is next to the dam, which is visible from the road). This informal takeout has a gravel lot on river left but no boat ramp. This bridge is 2.5 miles or so south of the city line.
Bridge Gauge: The fourth Route 18 bridge south of Covington has a USGS steel tubular gauge next to it and very limited roadside parking. Unlike many other Route 18 bridges, it is pretty convenient to take out here and adjacent private land is not posted.
The Sinks: The sixth Route 18 bridge south of Covington is above the geologically notable sinks, where Potts Creek goes underground. There is a stub road on the south side of the river here with access to the creek, though it would be advisable to knock on the door of the beautiful white house with two two-story porches since the old road is essentially his front yard. This put in is right across the river from the Rt 613 junction with Rt 18.
Boiling Springs: The eighth Route 18 bridge south of Covington is shortly upstream of Boiling Spring, a powerful spring which surges up into Potts Creek. Access to the river can be obtained by asking landowners for permission. Note: for bridges further upstream/farther from Covington, see Ed Grove/Roger Corbett.
Sections of River to run:
Boiling Springs to the Sinks: Boiling Springs is visible on the left side of the river shortly downstream of the put in. Water surges from the creek substrate up into the creek and creates bubbles of a foot or more in diameter which come far above the water's surface. The creek makes two fairly tight bends through class I rapids with nice mountain scenery before the Rt 18 bridge above the Sinks becomes visible. Above this bridge is a class I-II rapid depending on one's route. On the right side one will approach a horizon line, then drop over a fairly shallow sloping ledge into a hole. This side appears too shallow at medium to lower runnable levels. When the right side has insufficient water or an easier route is preferred, river left is an easy class I shoal.
The Sinks to the bridge gauge: Below the Sinks put in and the attractive ledge one will see a large, attractive white house on the right. It has elegant two story porches and an unusual modernist addition on its west side, which is a square three story box with a translucent facade. The whole building is twisted. Apparently this landowner does not appreciate visitors, although I have not encountered him when I have paddled through here. Below this two-house set near the bridge is the first ledge above the Sinks, a straightforward two foot drop. Below that ledge is an old mill on the left, which is located at a larger four foot high vertical ledge. This ledge could create dangerous hydraulics at higher water levels. At low to medium levels, I recommend running off one of the tongues that protrude and allow the paddler to shoot clear of some slightly indented hydraulics. Though the concave parts of the ledge have more water they are more likely to result in swamping or getting stuck in a hole. There is a nice prow with water on it on river left, which allows the paddler to get out of the water in an eddy in case of a mishap. Immediately downstream of this ledge is a class II ledge/slide with small boulders and, on either side, very large, very old mill equipment or trees in the water. It would not be safe to be swimming near the shore above either of these features. Below this ledge/slide and the old mill, a large concrete abutment is visible on the left. Stay on river left, as 80% of the volume of Potts Creek enters a cave on the right. Paddlers entering this cave are unlikely to see daylight again, as the ceiling is too low to permit passage and the channel is choked with boulders and strainers. Instead, portage the ledge on the left. Or, at medium to higher levels, run it on the right. The left side of the ledge (which is approximately 5 feet high) is very shallow and will result in pitons, broken boats, and swimmers. The right side also has a high probability of pitons but at least one has a slim chance of running it cleanly, particularly in more rockered boats. Below this ledge is another short slide, then a large pool with cliffs on either side and a cave on the left. Near the end of the pool Potts Creek emerges from its cave. I doubt any human has navigated the entire cave except in drought conditions. Below this remarkable series of ledges, slides, mills, modernist architecture, and underground rivers, the paddler will float through miles of class I whitewater alternating between scenery that alternates between the tawdry and sublime. Potts Creek passes by small collections of hovels with picnic shelters, chained dogs, and oxidizing automobiles, then darts away from human habitation before flowing beneath hundred foot high cliffs. As depressing as the trash and settlements are, the extraordinary shale cliffs, hemlock stands, cedar forests, and general wildness of the river is overwhelming. One has the feeling of discovering a river with wonders which the Hudson River school painters would have documented if they'd known about it. The next take out, at the gauging station, is evident by the gauge on the left.
Bridge Gauge to Covington: Do not take out at the bridge gauge because the subsequent few miles have unbelievable scenery and cliffs as high as those along the lower Cowpasture or New River. Potts Creek doesn't change much in size but passes by cliffs that increase in height, with the most impressive being at least 300-400 feet high with extraordinary pines growing on a few limited shelves. Be sure to remember the last bridge, as your car will not be visible unless you park in the part of the gravel lot closest to the water.
