http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/srmain.shtml">Scenic Rivers Program Rivor Corridor Conservation Mechanisms http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/land_conservation/index.shtml">Land Conservation http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_and_water/crep.shtml">CREP, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, for agricultural land along rivers. http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/virginia_land_conservation_foundation/index.shtml">VLCF, Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, to establish permanent conservation easements and to purchase open spaces. http://www.dof.virginia.gov/land/index.shtml">Conservation of Working Forests, a Virginia Department of Forestry conservation program for working forests along streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. http://www.sovawildblueway.com/maps/ The Southern Virginia Wild Blueway is easy to access and fun to explore. Within minutes of getting on the water, you can find peaceful and unspoiled shoreline brimming with wildlife. More than 100 miles of navigable river, including 38 miles of designated Virginia Scenic River, are part of the Blueway. The Staunton (or Roanoke) and Dan Rivers meet to flow into Kerr Lake, which is Virginia’s largest lake. Visit often and explore all three rivers and two scenic lakes to get the full experience of the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway. Consisting of three rivers and two lakes spanning Halifax and Mecklenburg counties, the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway offers a paddling experience unlike anywhere else in the country. Unspoiled terrain and interesting wildlife provide a feeling of wilderness, yet the Blueway is a short drive from major metro areas and has dozens of easy access points. Whether you’re looking for a couple hours on the lake with your family, or a more challenging three-day river trek, the Blueway delivers. River Experience Canoeing The Blueway’s three rivers — the Dan, the Staunton (or Roanoke) and the Banister — combine for more than 100 miles of navigable water. Of that, over 80 miles have been designated as Virginia Scenic River across all three of these rivers. Some sections of the Blueway’s rivers pass through historic waterfront towns, but far more is completely undeveloped, allowing you to paddle for miles and see more osprey or bald eagles than other humans. Fishing along the rivers is exceptional, with the Staunton River being known as one of the best spots for inland striper fishing on the East Coast. Since much of the land is public, you can pull over your canoe or kayak and enjoy a break or leisurely picnic lunch along much of the Blueway. Lake Experience Kerr LakeKerr Lake (known locally as Buggs Island Lake) and Lake Gaston make up the flat-water portion of the Blueway. The lakes combine for more than 1,200 miles of shoreline, much of which is public and undeveloped on the Virginia side. Boat ramps and access points are plentiful, allowing you to enjoy the lakes for quick trips or longer excursions. Kerr Lake, in particular, is known for its excellent fishing, with a world record 143-pound blue catfish caught in its waters in 2011. For anglers looking for a more unique experience, on the western end of Kerr Lake is the only bridge-mounted nighttime fishing light system in the United States, so you can start earlier and fish later. The bridge is located near the charming lakefront town of Clarksville, where paddlers can head to shore and stroll through town for great food or a craft beer. All told, both Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston make the Blueway even more special than the typical river-only blueways you might be used to Check Southern Virginia Wild Blueway Water Levels

At normal levels, the rivers of the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway offer an enjoyable and family-friendly paddling experience. However, conditions can change quickly, so please use caution and check these links or click on the river gauge icons on the map below for accurate information. If you plan to enjoy the Blueway below the dam on Kerr Lake, you may call for a pre-recorded message regarding scheduled releases.

water level gauge map

BANISTER RIVER AT HALIFAX, VA

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/va/nwis/uv?02077000

DAN RIVER AT SOUTH BOSTON, VA

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/va/nwis/uv?02076000

ROANOKE (STAUNTON) RIVER AT RANDOLPH, VA

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/va/nwis/uv?02066000

JOHN H. KERR RESERVOIR LEVEL (standard lake level is ~300ft-msl):

http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/

JOHN H. KERR RESERVOIR RELEASE SCHEDULE (recorded message – no website available):

434-738-6371 x276