River Ideas Please

[Jenn&Greg]

We want to take Toby to the River for some water fun, but we haven't been yet and are a little nervous. Any suggestions on some places to go? Thanks!

[03pilqobzlvp7]

Definately! You should head to Texas Beach (if it is done being flooded). It's secluded and a great place to run around. It's near the garden entrance to Maymont. Follow signs for the North Bank Trail. There is a parking lot at the end of Texas Ave and a trail that leads to the river. It's right by our house. Duff loves it!

[Jeremy]

There's a "secret" low-current water hole on the south side of the river at Pony Pasture. I've been there at high-water and it's pretty good. But it might be shallow or stagnant at low water.

If you park in the Pony Pasture lot, head east on the trail closest to the river. The main trail will branch, but stay closest to the river. You'll pass 2 water holes (they both are affected by the current). After the 2nd water hole, you'll walk about 200-300 ft and see the 3rd water hole. There's a small island connected by some fallen logs, which creates a very small fork in the river. The fork is typically very slow moving and is probably about 20-30 feet from the mainland to the island.

There are usually dogs playing at water holes 1&2. At low water, there's not too much current and are generally ok for the dogs (just be ready to jump in if they head too far downstream). At high water, it may not look like much current, but it's moving pretty fast. I made the mistake of putting Kaiya into hole #2 in high water and I ended up having to jump in and pull her out as she floated downstream rather quickly. She's also a small dog and isn't a very experienced swimmer.

I've tried to highlight a few landmarks on the map.

Jeremy

[Jenn&Greg]

Thanks for the ideas and the awesome map! We are going to try it out next weekend. Darn rain kept us back today :(.

[Katie Cole]

Mason, Dixie Max, and I have been swimming in the North Anna River about five times now. The water level and current was greater the first visits but now is lower and slower. Here's how we get there - north on 95 to King's Dominion (exit 98) and go left (away from KD) on VA-30 for about half a mile to US1 where you turn right. I don't have it exact but I'd guess it's about 3 miles on US1 - go past the lumber factories and when US1 becomes divided highway be in right lane so when you see the bridge ahead you can pull off just before the bridge (which I think is called Butler Ford Bridge) and drive down into unpaved, bumpy parking area. This is actually a county park where canoes and kayaks go in. I recommend moving upstream or downstream, away from the bridge and highway, to minimize traffic noise and danger. It's no Club Med but my friends' and my dogs have a blast! Mason, now 8-months old is a regular dog fish. Dixon was a little apprehensive at first but now dog paddles happily in the deepest water. Wear water shoes, bring a mask & snorkel to observe the fish and turtles. We throw tennis balls for the dogs to chase. I'm going to try and attach some pictures - these from mid-June when water was still high. Let me know if you need more info.

[2widfg8okrqg5]

Ditto on the Texas Beach thing! We went last week and had a blast! My 3 girls swam and Noel just loved being out there with them. Her favorite part was climbing on the rocks then jumping in after her toys! Ya gotta go!