Information on kayaking in the Damascus, Virginia, area

Brian Combs takes on the slot.

See photos of Big Rock Falls and the Slot, submitted by Brian Combs.

Simon and Dennett scout Chain Ring Rapids on the Upper Laurel near the Creeper Trail.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Gauge/detail/id/1765/
River gauge for South Fork of the Holston near Damascus

Trip descriptions from americanwhitewater.org http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/4169/ Green Cove Creek "Small and tight in places. Wide and cushy in others. One spot on this creek MUST be portaged. It is about 300 yards above the confluence of Green Cove and Whitetop Laurel. The creek goes through a really cool looking rapid...." More http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/2026 Whitetop Laurel Creek "Whitetop Laurel is a great creek for those looking to step up a level with their creek boating. The creek has several great rapids in the run. Most notable being Whitetop's Upper Gorge...." More

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/1893/ Beaverdam Creek "This creek is a good run for those just getting into creek boating with the difficulty level being predominantly cl. II-III." More http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/4185/ Damascus to Alvarado "This river is a great run during every season. There are several nice drops and there is one class three at higher levels. It's very fun to run any day of the week. If you have about three hours to spare, grab your gear and come on down...." More http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/1957/ Damascus to South Fork of the Holston "Put in below the Old Mill in Damascus and have a blast! There are several series of ledges that are a lot of fun even in lower levels." More

Kevin Morrow photo

Jessie gets ready to take on Laurel Creek.

Members of the Watauga Paddle Club (NC) take a break
after running from Damascus to Iron Horse in water temperatures around 40.