See all 2 routes on Jackson River
Virginia | Alleghany County / Covington area
Jackson RiverIndian Draft Boat Landing to Interstate Park River Access
A 7.5-mile Class I–II Jackson River Blueway float from the public Indian Draft landing to the public Interstate Park river access near Covington. The Blueway publishes the section-specific 200–1,000 cfs operating band tied to USGS 02011800 and identifies cold-water release, private-property, and industrial-area boundaries.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A public 7.5-mile Jackson River Blueway float with direct Gathright telemetry, a 200–1,000 cfs station-linked operating band, Class I–II rapids, cold-water release hazards, private-property restrictions, and a defined public take-out before the Covington industrial boundary.
Access map
Put-in
Indian Draft Jackson River Boat LandingThe Blueway map identifies Indian Draft and Interstate Park as public boat-access anchors. Treat both coordinates as access-area points, confirm the wetted-edge carry and parking on arrival, and do not substitute bridge shoulders or private banks.
Take-out
Interstate Park Jackson River AccessThe route ends at Interstate Park at approximately river mile 26.2. The Blueway’s mandatory Covington water-treatment/industrial take-out is downstream; do not miss the selected public take-out or continue into the industrial reach.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- The Blueway map identifies Indian Draft and Interstate Park as public boat-access anchors. Treat both coordinates as access-area points, confirm the wetted-edge carry and parking on arrival, and do not substitute bridge shoulders or private banks.
- The route ends at Interstate Park at approximately river mile 26.2. The Blueway’s mandatory Covington water-treatment/industrial take-out is downstream; do not miss the selected public take-out or continue into the industrial reach.
- Gathright release timing and pulse notices can override an otherwise acceptable gauge number. Recheck the USACE release page and local Blueway conditions immediately before launch.
Watch for
- USGS 02011800 below 200 cfs or above 1,000 cfs
- Gathright Dam release or pulse changes
- cold water and rapid current
- Class I–II rapids, rocks, strainers, and bridge features
- private-property/no-fishing closures
- missed Interstate Park take-out or downstream industrial boundary
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Jackson River below Gathright Dam near Hot Springs, VA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
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Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Jackson River below Gathright Dam near Hot Springs, VA |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
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| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
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| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 200 cfs to 1,000 cfs |
| Low threshold | 200 cfs |
| High threshold | 1,000 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Alleghany Highlands Blueway Section 2 passable range |
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NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Named public corridorIndian Draft to Intervale / Interstate Park; 7.5 miles; Class I–II
Alleghany Highlands Blueway publishes the suggested float and the map identifies the public endpoint facilities.
- Direct gauge and operating bandUSGS 02011800; 200–1,000 cfs Section 2 passable range
The Blueway ties this range to Jackson River Section 2 and separately warns about high-current releases and low-water rocks/logs.
- Endpoint coordinates and hazardsIndian Draft 37.8687028, -79.9893444; Interstate Park 37.8182222, -79.98725
The current Blueway Section 2 map supplies named access points and coordinates, private-property closures, and the mandatory downstream industrial-area boundary.
- Camping postureNearby basecamp only; no endpoint or on-route camping claimed
The Blueway FAQ says there are no campsites along the Jackson River and asks paddlers to stop only at public access points.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
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More routes to check next
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Quick answers
Jackson River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Indian Draft Boat Landing to Interstate Park River Access route on the Jackson River?
Paddle Today watches Jackson River below Gathright Dam near Hot Springs, VA and treats 200 cfs to 1,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Indian Draft Boat Landing to Interstate Park River Access route on the Jackson River start and end?
This route starts at Indian Draft Jackson River Boat Landing and ends at Interstate Park Jackson River Access, approximately 7.5 river miles on the water.
Is the Indian Draft Boat Landing to Interstate Park River Access route on the Jackson River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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