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Blueways In Franklin County |
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The
Pigg River Blueway was the first blueway in Franklin
County. This enjoyable eight mile float
takes you through some of Franklin County's beautiful
landscapes. Traveling from Waid Park (directions)
to Vernon Lee Lynch II Riverside Memorial Park (driving
directions), you
will travel along a waterway that was once a transportation
lane for Franklin County's iron industry in the 18th century. |
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The
Pigg River Blueway is home to
the Annual Pigg River Ramble, drawing crowds from all over Virginia
and neighboring states. This is a fun race for young and
old alike. Enjoy your trip through
Franklin County's history on the Pigg River: Click
here for a Pigg River map.
Due to down
trees, the last mile of the Pigg River float is not passable at
this time. |
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The
Blackwater River Blueway is the
newest blueway in Franklin County. This pleasant eight
mile float takes you through some of Franklin
County's scenic farm lands. Traveling from Brubaker
Park (at the intersection of Coles Creek Road and
Hickman Road) to the intersection of Jamestown Road
and Blue Bend Road, you will travel along a waterway
that offers views of green fields and rising
mountains. |
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This float is part of a 34-mile float on the
Blackwater River,
traveling from Brubaker Park to Smith Mountain Lake.
"From the Blue Ridge to the Lake" drift, fish, and
swim while enjoying the beauty of Franklin County.
The Annual Blackwater Blackout is held here every
June and brings individuals from all over to enjoy
in the fun.
Click here for a Blackwater River map.
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The
Smith River
has several put-in locations, spreading
through Patrick, Franklin, and Henry
Counties and are all home to some very spectacular
views. Smith River in Patrick County is known for its White Falls. These falls vary from 2 to 6.5 feet
in depth and are only accessible from the
river. Smith River empties into the Philpott Reservoir,
with various different entry points throughout
Franklin, Patrick, and Henry Counties. |
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The surrounding land of
Philpott Reservoir
is primarily undeveloped, with rolling green hills
of trees & nature. It is enjoyed by those boating,
canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Ending at the dam, Philpott Reservoir ends and the
Smith River begins its flow, again.
Smith River Map &
Philpott Reservoir Map
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Whether you are a beginner or an expert,
the Franklin County Blueways can be an
exciting way to spend your day.
Experience all the beauty that nature
has to offer.
Water levels should
be monitored
before any canoeing adventure is
started.
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Franklin County
Creek Freaks Paddling Club
This local paddling club is
family oriented and organizes
fun paddling trips and events
once every month. They also
assist with river clean ups and
are very involved in all blueway
projects in Franklin County. There is a $25 annual
membership fee for families. To find out more
information on this club please email Jennifer Martin, President, at
jennifermartin@franklincountyva.org
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF
RISK
River running is not risk free. Unlike a theme park setting,
your adventure will take place in a natural environment over
which Franklin County Parks & Recreation Department has no
control. The same elements that contribute to the unique
character of river running, such as constantly changing water
levels, can cause loss or damage to equipment, personal injury,
or in extreme cases, permanent trauma or death. We simply want
you to know in advance what to expect, and to be informed of
some of the possible risks. As a participant, you will be totally responsible for your
own movement and safety while on the
river. Due to the inherent
nature of the sport, you will be primarily responsible for your
own rescues. Certain sections of the river are
inaccessible by public safety extraction equipment for some
distance. Although accidents
are rare, injury may be sustained by (but not limited to)
walking or climbing long the river bank, diving or jumping into
the river, getting into or out of the watercraft, falling out of
the watercraft, the watercraft overturning, the watercraft
becoming entangled in or pinned against rocks, branches, logs,
down trees, or low water bridges. Of course, drowning is always a possibility when around water. “Hypothermia is a risk
when floating in cool or cold weather. Remember, it is
possible to get hypothermia when the air and water temperatures
are both above freezing. Heat-sunburn, wind,
rain, lightning, or being in the open for extended periods may
be uncomfortable or cause injury. Also, certain plants, insects,
or animals may cause discomfort or injury. Before embarking on river adventure, make certain that the
people in your party are in good physical condition and are
fully capable of participating in this river trip. Check, and doublecheck, and doublecheck again the condition of your
equipment including your canoe/kayak, rescue ropes, and other
river safety equipment. Blueway users assume full responsibility for the safety of themselves while on the water.
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