The James River Association commends the Virginia General Assembly for passing Senate Bill 1196 and House Bill 1454, which extend Scenic River designation on the Upper James River from 14 miles to 59 miles. The extended segment of scenic river flows through Botetourt and Rockbridge Counties and the Towns of Buchanan and Glasgow. Scenic River designation is made possible by the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program, which began in 1970 when the Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia State Scenic River Act. The program identifies, recognizes and provides a level of protection to rivers with significant scenic, historic, recreational, and natural values.
Trailhead at Glasgow Landing
The Scenic River designation complements the recently extended Upper James River Water Trail, a 63 mile recreational blueway beginning at the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers and terminating at Snowden. The physical extension of the Upper James River Water Trail is underway. A new trailhead was installed by James River Association staff members with assistance from the Town of Glasgow on February 17th. The existing trailhead at Alpine was refreshed with a new panel reflecting the extended water trail. The James River Association is coordinating with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to install a new trailhead at Snowden. The Snowden trailhead will be installed in the near future.
Spring is just around the corner so plan an adventure on the Upper James River Water Trail, Virginia’s premier water trail destination. Visit www.UpperJamesRiverWaterTrail.com.