On the Water

Immerse yourself in the waterways of Virginia's Great Southwest. Whether you long for designated scenic rivers, a lazy float downstream, are angling for some good catches, or want get your speed on in a reservoir - the Heart of Appalachia has it to offer.

#2

Enjoy A Flatwater Paddle

Grab an oar for a breathtaking flatwater paddle in a canoe or kayak, even on a standup paddleboard. Now, where to go. Decisions, decisions. The region's top destinations include Norton Reservoir, Bark Camp Lake, Cavitt’s Creek (Lake Witten), Flannagan Reservoir and Laurel Lake at near Breaks Interstate Park.

#1

Go Tubing

A float in a colorful tube along the Clinch River, one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world, is among the easiest and most relaxing ways to enjoy the water in the Heart of Appalachia. Rent a tube from an outfitter, like Clinch River Adventures in St. Paul, for a lazy family float.

#3 #5

Get Wild With Whitewater Rapids

On the Russell Fork River, take on class II-IV whitewater rapids. There's no better place to do so in all of the Heart of Appalachia. For maximum adrenaline rush, come see us in October for Lord of the Fork*

Lord of the Fork is an extreme class V downriver race in Breaks Gorge for expert kayakers that takes place when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opens up the J.W. Flannagan Dam, nearly doubling the river's water flow. The heart-pumping event attracts more than 100 adrenaline chasers each year.

#4

Drop A Line

The Heart of Appalachia is teeming with fantastic fishing holes where you can drop a line for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegills and channel catfish. Among the top spots in the region for fishing include Big Cedar Creek near Cleveland, Bear Creek Reservoir in Wise, Lake Witten near Tazewell and Norton Reservoir in Norton. For licenses and information: dwr.virginia.gov/fishing

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNIN'

Gas-powered motor boaters, take your watercraft out on the Flannagan Reservoir near Haysi for a full day of fun in the sun. It's a great place to go fishing too in the crystalclear water, especially for black bass (even trophy size catches), catfish and crappie. In summer and fall, the water visibility can exceed 20 feet, making fishing even more of a mandatory activity in the Heart of Appalachia.

For a regional map with the top trout streams, public lakes, rivers and trout heritage waters, visit heartofappalachia.com.