O.C.T. upper Russell Fork

[David]

This is a dam release in Dickenson County, VA from a Corps of Engineers reservoir. The "upper" is about 5 miles long, 2 miles of class 2 with some nice play and then three miles with about 6 class 3 rapids. One rapid, "Twenty Stitches," I would rate a class 3+.

The releases are 800 cfs the first three weekends of October and 1000cfs the 4th.

Excellent camping, hiking, and dining are to be had at Breaks Interstate Park, on a plateau above the much more difficult Russell Fork Gorge. Downstream of the gorge in Kentucky is a class 2 section with one (easily carried or snuck) class 4, "Hamburger Helper."

I plan to be there the first two weekends. Friday October 12 I want to hike along Guest River's "rail trail." This is a class 5 creek with numerous sieves; I am just looking, not scouting. Give me a shout if you want to come over and paddle or just check out the nice scene. It's a sweet way to enjoy fall colors.

[benrybolt]

I am interested in paddling. I don't have a car and I would need a ride. I would be able to go friday and return anytime sunday.

Reach me at ben.rybolt@richmond.edu
or
423 580 4641

Ben "I need to paddle" Rybolt

[STRAKER]

I am going to look at getting down there some time in the next couple of weeks. Ill keep you posted so we can get together and paddle. So you are going to be down the sixth and the thirteenth weekends correct? My buddy and I have had this section on our wish list and was hoping to have someone show us the way. How long do you think the drive would be from Charlottesville Va? Thanks, Chris

[CLAMS!]

How long do you think the drive would be from Charlottesville Va? Thanks, Chris

It's about 4.5 to 5 hrs from C-ville. Probably closer to 5.

[AndreaJ]

It is 3 - 3.5 hrs from Christiansburg. Best route to drive there is to pick up Rt 460 (either at Christiansburg or off of I-77 in WV) and go west. Go thru the town of Grundy and take a left onto Rt 609 a couple of miles past the town. Once you get into the community of Breaks, take a left and go to Rt 80. Take a left onto Rt 80 then look for the Park entrance on the right.

It's not hard to find - just fill up your gas tank around Claypool Hill / Richlands, if you are driving in late.

AJ

[lionrampant]

I would be interested in doing the class III+ bit this Sunday (oct 6). I am demo-ing a boat but dont really have anyone to paddle with.

Malcolm

[Bob Dole]

The lower, gorge, is the class V section.

[lionrampant]

The lower, gorge, is the class V section.

ah... sorry I edited my post taking away my question just as you replied to it. I relized that davids post contained the information I needed.

[STRAKER]

I am trying to put together a trip for Saturday the 13th if anyone is interested. I'll post when the trip is offical ( meaning i get off work). Oh yeah the upper not the lower. Sorry I'm not that bad a#$ ..................................YET. Chris

[Dave K]

Out of curiosity, is anyone planning on running the Upper RF the weekend of the 20th?

The RF makes me angry.

[David]

Oct. 20 I will be a the Coastals' gathering in Shenandoah country. I would consider coming to RF Oct. 27 Saturday to run it at 1000cfs. I have never done that.

As for this weekend, Sat. and Sunday at 9am in the parking lot in front of the restaurant at Breaks Interstate Park. Leaving from Blacksburg either tonight or early Sat., coming back after Sunday's run.

[Paddle Daddy]

STRAKER I may be able to do that, keep me in the loop. Have room for a few others.

[STRAKER]

Sounds good as of right now my work schedule seems to be working out. I think the plan is going to be, drive down 10/12 Friday afternoon. Camp that night and run the river 10/13 Sat morning. Then the long tired drive back on Sat afternoon. Chris

[Ol'Geezer]

The official club trip is the 13th and 14th,...........?

[STRAKER]

Is anyone else going to be down there or is everyone going to the Lower Yock?