Virginia whitewater, Russell Fork Dickenson county, Garden Hole Road to Kentucky takeout section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV-V+     3.8 miles   (...) Been a guide on this river several years and this river is one of the east coasts best. This is the area called the miracle mile. One rapid called el'horrendo was thought unrunnable several years ago. The maze is a very dangerous rapid with an undercut a river right near bottom of rapid that all the current pushes you toward and if you was under there is no way for a rescue. It will be a recovery. Awesome river have fun and paddle     safe. Says Dale This stretch of Russell Fork in Virginia is 3.8 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class IV-V+ section. The starting point is not too far from Bristol, as you can see on the road map further down. Whitewater paddling here in the Cumberland Plateau Mountains is a great experience. The wonderful Dickenson County scenery and the playfulness of the water are reasons enough to come here and paddle. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in Virginia are often easier than in other states, so better not forget that the rivers in this state are less demanding. If you're a camper you can camp at one   of the great campgrounds nearby. Getting a good workout and just hanging out with mother nature are great reasons to come. This is not the only paddling stretch in this river system, there are others too. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way around here you'll find a large number of good places. This is a somewhat short section so you'd better be prepared to walk your kayak back to put-in a few times. Briefly about the general area: You ought to certainly have a look at The Breaks since you're here at Russell Fork, and a short spree to Cold Spring is always worthwhile. Russell Fork, Garden Hole Road to Kentucky takeout 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 Russell Fork.   Whitewater Near Russell Fork: Russell Fork, Pike County, 1 miles away       Class II(III) - 2 miles long (Gorge takeout to Elkhorn City) Russell Fork, Dickenson County, 1 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 3.8 miles long (Garden Hole Road to Kentucky takeout) Grassy Creek, Pike County, 1 miles away       Class IV - 0.94 miles long (Gateway Motel to Russell Fork) Hunt's Branch, Dickenson County, 2 miles away       Class V+ - 0.7 miles long (Highway 80) Russell Fork, Dickenson County, 2 miles away       Class II-III+ - 3 miles long (Virginia 611 to Garden Hole Road) Grassy Creek, Dickenson County, 2 miles away       Class IV+ - 2 miles long (Breaks to Russell Fork) Pound River, Dickenson County, 3 miles away       Class I-II(III) - 2 miles long (Route 739 to Route 611) Prater Creek, Dickenson County, 9 miles away       Class II-III - 7.5 miles long (Prater to Haysi) Pound River, Wise/ Dickenson County, 16 miles away       Class I-II - 8.5 miles long (Route 624 to Pound Fishing Access) Clinch River, Scott/Russell County, 21 miles away       Class I - 18 miles long (St. Paul to Dungannon)   Ski Areas Near Russell Fork: Ski Beech, North Carolina , 67 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 71 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 71 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 74 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 76 miles away, 365 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Winterplace, West Virginia , 84 miles away, 603 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs   Marinas Near Russell Fork: Flanagan Marina, Clintwood , 5 miles away Appalachian Marina, Pikeville , 18 miles away   Hotels Near Russell Fork: Sleep Inn & Suites, Clintwood , 13 miles away Comfort Inn Grundy, Grundy , 14 miles away Brookshire Inn, Pikeville , 18 miles away Hilton Garden Inn Pikeville, Pikeville , 18 miles away Landmark Hotel, Pikeville , 18 miles away   Campgrounds Near Russell Fork: Breaks Interstate Park, Breaks, 1 miles away Lower Twin, Elkhorn City, 5 miles away Fishtrap Lake #2, Lick Creek, 7 miles away   Trails Near Russell Fork: Pine Mountain Trail, Letcher , 17 miles away   Public Lands Near Russell Fork: Breaks Interstate Park., Virginia , 1 miles away Panther State Forest, West Virginia , 30 miles away Jenny Wiley State Park, Kentucky , 37 miles away   Golf Courses Near Russell Fork: Willowbrook Country Club, Breaks , 4 miles away   Lakes Near Russell Fork Fishtrap Lake, Pike , 11 miles away