Virginia whitewater, Cowpasture River Botetourt county, Griffith to James River section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I-II     13.5 miles   The put-in location is a short drive from Roanoke, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state is often easier than elsewhere, so better not forget that many of the sections in this state are safe for beginners. The nature scenery of Botetourt County and the sparkling of the sunlight on the water are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. Great     exercise and just hanging out with mother nature are great reasons to come. This stretch of Cowpasture River is 13.5 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class I-II section. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. The Griffith to James River stretch is one of a few paddling stretches in this river system. Since you're on this site you are probably into whitewater rafting or kayaking, either way this area has a large number of paddling rivers. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. Briefly about   the general area: While you're here at Cowpasture River you will meet lots of folks from close by Iron Gate; if you like skiing, you're in luck; The Homestead is pretty near. Going for a hike on the Beards Gap Trail is always a glorious adventure; when you're here it's always fun to take a look at Douthat State Park. This river has so much to offer. Near Cowpasture River you stumble on the Brushy Hollow Trail which is a good hiking trail. During the long summer days at Cowpasture River highs are typically in the 80's; the nighttime is a bit chillier of course, typically in the 50's. Cowpasture River, Griffith to James River road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Cowpasture River.   Whitewater Near Cowpasture River: Cowpasture River, Botetourt County, 3 miles away       Class I-II - 13.5 miles long (Griffith to James River) Wilson Creek, Alleghany County, 5 miles away       Class II-III - 7.5 miles long (Douthat Park Dam to Jackson River) Simpson Creek, Alleghany County, 7 miles away       Class II-III - 6.5 miles long (Truckstop to Route 60) James River, Botetourt County, 11 miles away       Class I-II - 16.5 miles long (Route 43 to Route 630) Colliers Creek, Rockbridge County, 11 miles away       Class II-III - 4 miles long (Collierstown to Buffalo Creek) Buffalo Creek, Rockbridge County, 12 miles away       Class I-III - 12.5 miles long (Effinger to Buffalo Forge) Roaring Run, Botetourt County, 12 miles away       Class V+ - 1.2 miles long (County line to Recreation Area) Jackson River, Alleghany County, 15 miles away       Class I-II - 42.5 miles long (Gathright Dam to James River) Mill Creek, Rockbridge County, 16 miles away       Class II-III - 7.5 miles long (Route 42 Wayside to Goshen) North Creek, Botetourt County, 19 miles away       Class II-IV - 2.5 miles long (Campground to Jennings Creek)   Ski Areas Near Cowpasture River: The Homestead, Virginia , 11 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Snowshoe, West Virginia , 36 miles away, 1500 foot drop, 14 lifts, 57 runs Wintergreen, Virginia , 56 miles away, 1003 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Canaan Valley, West Virginia , 68 miles away, 850 foot drop, 4 lifts, 34 runs Timberline, West Virginia , 71 miles away, 1000 foot drop, 4 lifts, 37 runs Massanutten, Virginia , 76 miles away, 1110 foot drop, 8 lifts, 14 runs Bryce Resort, Virginia , 87 miles away, 500 foot drop, 5 lifts, 8 runs Winterplace, West Virginia , 95 miles away, 603 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs Wisp, Maryland , 98 miles away, 700 foot drop, 12 lifts, 32 runs   Hotels Near Cowpasture River: Oak Tree Inn Low Moor, Low Moor , 9 miles away The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs , 11 miles away Americas Best Value Inn Covington, Covington , 15 miles away Magnuson Hotel Mountain View, Covington , 15 miles away Hampton Inn Covington VA, Covington , 15 miles away   Campgrounds Near Cowpasture River: Buckhorn Store And Campground, Clifton Forge, 4 miles away The Buckhorne Family Campground, Clifton Forge, 4 miles away Douthat State Park, Millboro, 4 miles away   Trails Near Cowpasture River: Brushy Hollow Trail, Bath , 4 miles away Beards Gap Trail, Bath , 5 miles away Mountain Top Trail, Bath , 5 miles away Mountain Side Trail, Bath , 5 miles away Buck Lick Trail, Bath , 5 miles away   Public Lands Near Cowpasture River: Booker T Washington National Monument, Hardy - VA , 36 miles away Douthat State Park, Virginia , 5 miles away Jefferson National Forest, Virginia , 26 miles away Seneca State Forest, West Virginia , 30 miles away   Golf Courses Near Cowpasture River: Alleghany Country Club, Covington , 11 miles away Lower Cascades Golf Club, Hot Springs , 11 miles away Cliff View Golf Club & Inn, Covington , 16 miles away   Lakes Near Cowpasture River Pike Pond, Alleghany , 8 miles away Lake Moomaw, Alleghany , 15 miles away