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JAMES RIVER Milepost 63.6 |
Places to Stay
Places to Visit Things to Do
The James River has been a major
transportation artery through Virginia for centuries. Although originally planned to
provide a navigable waterway from Great Falls at Richmond to the Ohio River, the James
River and Kanawha Canal was destined to extend no further west than Buchanan. When
completed in 1851, it was the primary commercial route in the state, measuring 196.5 miles
long and incorporating 90 lift locks raising water levels more than 700 feet. But civil
war, floods, and railroads spelled disaster for the canal, causing it to fail within the
next thirty years.
Near
the James River visitor center, visitors can see one of the restored canal locks. The
James River/Otter Creek recreation area is one of five developed areas along the Blue
Ridge Parkway in Virginia, and is located near two highway crossings, state routes 501 and
130. Besides the visitor center, the area has a campground, restaurant/gift shop, picnic
area, and handicap-accessible fishing dock.
- Campground - The Parkway operates a campground adjacent to Otter Creek (milepost 60.8), with sites for 42 tents and 26 trailers. Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks but no showers or hook-ups. Stop by and enjoy the campfire circle where interpretive programs are given during the summer.
- Visitor Center - The visitor center is a good place to get acquainted with the history of the area. It has an exhibit on the James River and Kanawha Canal as well as background on the actual restoration of the lock. You can browse through the small bookstore or grab your hiking boots for the James River Trail and the Trail of Trees.
- Picnic Area - You can relax next to the James River year-round at any of the several scattered picnic tables located just down the hill from the visitor center. However, open fires are not allowed.
- Restaurant - The Otter Creek Restaurant is usually open from May through November and is located next to the campground. But, don't forget to browse through the gift shop situated next door. For additional information call (804) 299-5862.
- Interpretive Programs - During the summer season there are regularly scheduled programs and guided lock tours, as well as the annual James River Batteau Festival. Stop by the visitor center for a schedule.
- Trails - Conveniently accessible directly from the visitor center are the half-mile Trail of Trees and the easy James River Trail leading to the restored lock. Two longer trails begin at the campground.
- James River and Kanawha Canal lock - Lock No. 7 was a ruin for nearly 100 years before it was reconstructed by the National Park Service in 1963 with the help of old photos and letters. Examine it first-hand after a short walk from the visitor center.
- Fishing - There is a handicap-accessible dock located on Otter Lake at milepost 63. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome - please note the special regulations posted lakeside.
