Virginia | Campbell County / Long Island–Brookneal
Staunton RiverLong Island DWR ramp to Brookneal DWR ramp
An approximately 11-mile Staunton River scenic-reach trip between the DWR Long Island ramp and the public Brookneal ramp, with direct USGS 02062500 stage data and local 5–6 ft kayaking guidance.
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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 named Staunton River scenic reach with direct Brookneal stage monitoring, a conservative 5 ft local operating screen, difficult Class II–III rapids, and two public DWR ramps.
Access map
Put-in
DWR Long Island public boat rampUse only the DWR Long Island and Brookneal ramps as endpoints; the nearby Clarkton Bridge access is permanently closed and is not a substitute.
Take-out
Brookneal DWR public boat rampThe Long Island ramp has riffles above and below that limit motorboat access; inspect the launch and take-out and confirm current parking conditions.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use only the DWR Long Island and Brookneal ramps as endpoints; the nearby Clarkton Bridge access is permanently closed and is not a substitute.
- The Long Island ramp has riffles above and below that limit motorboat access; inspect the launch and take-out and confirm current parking conditions.
- Do not camp or picnic on private bottomland without landowner permission, and carry emergency supplies because the reach is remote in places.
Watch for
- USGS 02062500 below 5.0 ft, rapidly rising, unavailable, or inconsistent with the river visual
- Class II–III rapids, riffles, strainers, cold water, and rapid-rise or warning-siren conditions
- private-bank constraints, ramp closures, thunderstorms, debris, and failed daylight or shuttle plans
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
Roanoke (Staunton) River at Brookneal, 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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Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.
Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
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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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Roanoke (Staunton) River at Brookneal, VA |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| Discharge | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 5.00 ft |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Old Dominion Expeditions Brookneal water-data report: 5–6 ft ideal for kayaking |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
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 corridorStaunton River scenic reach; Long Island to Brookneal; approximately 11 river miles
Virginia DWR names the reach, both public ramps, distance, and Class II–III character.
- Direct live gauge and thresholdUSGS 02062500 gage height; 5.0 ft conservative minimum screen, 5–6 ft local ideal band
Old Dominion Expeditions publishes 5–6 ft as ideal for kayaking at Brookneal. The product records 5.0 ft as a conservative minimum screening criterion and clearly labels the source as outfitter/community guidance.
- Access and hazard documentationDWR Long Island and Brookneal ramps; difficult Class II–III rapids, riffles, rapid rise, and private bottomland
DWR documents the endpoint facilities, rapid character, warning-siren response, and private-bank restrictions.
- Camping logisticsNo on-route camping assumed; nearby basecamp only unless private permission is obtained
DWR explicitly requires landowner permission before camping or picnicking on adjoining bottomland.
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
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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Quick answers
Staunton River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Long Island DWR ramp to Brookneal DWR ramp route on the Staunton River?
Paddle Today watches Roanoke (Staunton) River at Brookneal, VA and uses 5.00 ft as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.
Where does the Long Island DWR ramp to Brookneal DWR ramp route on the Staunton River start and end?
This route starts at DWR Long Island public boat ramp and ends at Brookneal DWR public boat ramp, Approximately 11 river miles on the water.
Is the Long Island DWR ramp to Brookneal DWR ramp route on the Staunton River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a hard route. Treat the live score as a planning aid, then confirm conditions, hazards, access, and group skill before launching.
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