Smith River in Virginia
| River: | Smith |
| Skill: | Novice |
| Trip Date: | 08/13/2022 |
On Saturday, August 13, eight boaters from the Carolina Canoe Club and Coastal Canoeists met at 11 a.m. at the takeout (North Bassett Canoe Access) at Trenthill Drive in Bassett, Virginia to paddle the Smith River in Virginia: Linda Grasfeder & David Roadcap (IK), Pat Williams, Kelly Perkins, Charlie Whittle (OC-1), Raymond Williams (K-1), Trent Fentress and Jerry Thomsen (Shredder).
This 6 mile class 2 section is a treat on hot summer days when most small rivers are too low. With the release from Philpot Dam, the water is cold (40-50 degree range), and it’s a scenic section with several play spots. The lower range release of 280 CFS meant that there were a few spots where the boats bumped the river bottom, but still floated over without anyone needing to drag their boats.
We put in on the Franklin County side just below the dam. There is a developed access and clean restrooms there. Currently, the Henry County side is closed due to repair work on the dam’s turbines.
With temperatures in the 70’s – low 80’s, and mostly sunny skies, it was an ideal day to be on the river. The conditions also attracted trout anglers who used the convenient road side access to wade the river in the first half. We floated past them as quickly and quietly as possible to avoid disturbing their fishing, and our interactions were friendly. There were also several people fishing from kayaks and small rafts along the way, but the river was uncrowded.
At 280 CFS, there were a number of eddies to catch and several fun surf spots, especially at the last major rapid (Fish Camp). However, the two biggest surf waves were too shallow to surf, and the top rapid at Fish Camp had the eddy behind the big rock blocked by a tree.
We paddled at a leisurely pace and surfed where possible, especially the smaller wave at the top of Fish Camp rapid. People also enjoyed the scenery, riverside flowers, and birds.
We stopped below Fish Camp for a late lunch and to stretch.
We spent about 3 ½ hours on the water (including the long lunch break). With a shorter break and faster paddling in the moving current sections, this could be a 3 hour trip at 280 CFS. If the level gets up to the 400 – 600 CFS range, then there are more surfing waves and eddies to catch.
At an 1 – 2 hour drive from Roanoke, the Triangle area, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem, the Smith is worth checking out on hot summer days.