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Indian Draft – Jackson River Float Trip

Description

Elevation: 1341 ft.

The rapids at Indian Draft, although not large enough to cause any real danger, add a little excitement to the float down from Gathright Dam. Travelers pass through a corridor flanked by sycamores on both sides and a ceiling of clear blue sky. Moving down the river provides a continual change in landscape and wildlife. Each turn provides the observer with a surprise—maybe a white-tailed doe and her spotted fawn or perhaps a family of wood ducks with their fluffy young. On closer inspection, the banks hold numerous varieties of wildflower, including orange and yellow jewelweeds, black-eyed Susan, Asian dayflower and many more.

Notes:

  • The US Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Gathright Dam on a regular basis, but also as needed. Check the COE’s website before heading out.

Wildlife Sightings

48 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Indian Draft – Jackson River Float Trip:

    Recent Checklists:

    Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
    13 Aug 20236Lisa Mease
    13 Aug 20236DWR Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Team
    14 May 202314Kim Kozella
    29 Apr 20228Andrew Rapp
    28 Apr 202239Barry Kinzie

    See more recent checklists…

    Amenities & Accessibility

    Amenities

    • On-site Parking
    • Kayak/Canoe Launch

    Accessibility Considerations

    This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time

    Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces

    Maps & Directions

    View on Google Maps

    Physical Address: 4411 Jackson River Rd, Covington, VA 24426

    From Covington, head north on US-220 N/Hot Springs Rd, turn left onto VA-687/Jackson River Rd, and the entrance will be on the right in approximately 3.4 miles.

    Managed By:

    • U.S. Forest Service

    Access Requirements:

    • Free, Daily

    Contact Information:

    • (540) 962-2214 elizabeth.higgins@usda.gov
    • Visit Website
    • Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.

    About the VBWT

    The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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