Parks & Recreation Games Hotline Online Registration         Athletics Game Schedules Swimming Special Events Trails Parks Blueways Trout Stocking Tourism Shelters Recreation Advisory    Commission Disc Golf Contact	Franklin County Blueways Information Guide Safety Local Rivers Pigg River Blackwater River Smith River Roanoke River Gorge Link to Current Water Levels Guide to Water Level Safety Maps Risks Additional Information: Creek Freaks Paddling Club   Whitewater on the Pigg River in Franklin County, Virginia   Canoe/Kayak Safety Learn the basics from: Classes Lessons Experienced friend Blueways Terminology Basic paddle strokes to keep canoe/kayak straight in calm and rough waters. Jay Stroke Cross Bow Draw Simple Pry Equipment Life Jacket for each passenger (Checking weight restrictions) Map of blueway with designated access points identified First Aid Kit Matches Compass Drinking Water Pack to allow for portages Water Levels Know recommended water levels for safe access (Local Guidelines) Check the current water levels for blueway. (Local Levels) Always let a family member, close friend, or neighbor know your blueways' plans. Name of the Blueway Get-in location Get-out location Estimated time of trip Portages Are for safety Should follow portage recommendations   Pigg River Franklin County's 1st Blueway 8 - Mile Float Put-In at Waid Park Take-Out at Vernon Lee Lynch II Riverside Memorial Park Beautiful Wooded Landscapes & Farmlands Wildlife & Fish 18th Century Transportation lane for Franklin Co. Iron Industry Home of the Annual Pigg River Ramble Pigg River maps: Map 1, Map 2 Pigg River Water Levels Blackwater River Newest Blueway in Franklin County 8 - Mile Float from Brubaker Park (Intersection of Coles Creek Rd & Hickman Rd.) to to the intersection of Jamestown Road and Blue Bend Road. 34 - Mile Float from Brubaker Park to Smith Mountain Lake. Scenic Farmlands, Wooded Areas, & Mountains Wildlife & Fish Drift, Fish, and/or Swim Home to the Annual Blackwater Blackout (Preceding the Pigg River Ramble) Blackwater Maps: Bluebend, Dugwell, Grassy Hill, Headwaters, Lower, Middle Blackwater Water Levels Smith River Put-In locations in Franklin, Henry, & Patrick County. From Philpott Dam to Bassett, cold water release. Call (276) 629-2432 for water release schedule. Leading to and leaving from Philpott Reservoir & Lake (Undeveloped surroundings of wildlife, nature, trees, water, and fish). White Falls (2-6.5 feet in depth), accessible from river only. Base of Philpott Reservoir at the Dam, the Smith River has strong & challenging currents during water releasing times. Smith River Map & Philpott Reservoir Map Smith River Water Levels Roanoke River Gorge Niagara Dam to Rutrough Road Water Levels Maps Pigg River maps: Map 1 Map 2 Blackwater Maps: Bluebend Dugwell Grassy Hill Headwaters Lower Middle Smith River Smith River Map Philpott Reservoir Map Water Levels Pigg River Water Levels Blackwater River Water Levels Smith River Water Levels Virginia River Levels Franklin County Rainfall Data Water Level Guidelines   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.
Franklin County Parks & Recreation - 2150 Sontag Road - Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151 - (540) 483-9293