It’s a Great Time to Float the Roanoke River

Floating the Roanoke River is a fun way to spend a few hours getting outside. Although it meanders through an urban environment, you’ll feel like you’re in a remote setting for much of the float.

The river is covered by a tree canopy that provides shade and hides most man-made structures along the way. Wildlife sightings include wild ducks, herons, kingfisher, deer and even bald eagles. April through June usually provides the most optimal flows and weather conditions for a safe, fun float. Water levels are great right now and will hopefully hold up well into the summer.

Safety tips for floating the Roanoke River

• Always look ahead for any obstacles such as log jams or debris piles that are frequently caused by high water events. Avoid getting pushed into any obstacles (strainers) by the current. This requires looking ahead and staying alert to what’s coming. If you see an obstacle that may be hazardous, stop and plan the best way around.
• Know your ability level: Anyone planning on floating should be able to swim. Optimal water flows for those with some experience are 200 to 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) as measured for discharge at the Roanoke River (site # 02055000). Current flows are available online on the USGS current stream conditions website.
• Anything less than 125 cfs usually requires occasionally getting out of your kayak/canoe to get through shallow areas. Those that choose to float when levels are above 500 cfs should have a fair amount of paddling experience on moving water.
• The Roanoke River is an urban stream that is subject to rapid water rise even after a brief thunderstorm. This is due to rapid runoff of rainwater on impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots.
• Wear a personal flotation device and the proper clothing. This includes quick dry clothes and proper footwear. Avoid cotton shirts and pants that won’t dry if you get them wet. Wear closed toe river shoes or old tennis shoes. Pack a drybag with extra clothes and towel. Also a good idea to pack your cell phone just in case. Use a waterproof case or heavy ziplock and keep in the drybag. Let someone know when and where you plan on floating.
• If you have limited or no paddling experience on moving water, go with someone who does to gain experience.

There are several put ins in Salem that allow for a 2-4 hour float back to different take outs in Roanoke. From Rotary Park in Salem to Wasena Park in Roanoke typically takes 2 to 3 hours depending on water flows and how much you want to paddle. Visit the Roanoke River Blueway website and use the interactive map which shows put-ins and take-outs as well as trip distance from each.

If you don’t own a kayak or canoe, Roanoke Mountain Adventures offers kayak rentals, shuttles, tube rentals and guided trips for floating the Roanoke River.

Guest post by Jim Revercomb. Revercomb has a diverse outdoor background that has led him on travels throughout the country in pursuit of outdoor recreation. Ultimately, he found the outdoor opportunities in the region could compare with just about anywhere which spurred his original vision for Roanoke Mountain Adventures.