Virginia

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

James River Tubing Has Epic River Tubing In Virginia

Twin River Outfitters offers a premier river tubing experience on Virginia’s Upper James River with rentals and transportation.

Updated Jul 7, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Twin River Outfitters is an excellent resource for planning a safe and successful float trip down Virginia's James River. Offering transportation and equipment for rent, this local company in Buchanan has it down to a science. Here's more on why you'll love the opportunity to tube down the cool, refreshing waters of the Upper James River, some of the best river tubing in Virginia. Twin River Outfitters has a summer adventure waiting for you on one of the best lazy rivers in Virginia. Are you ready for some James River tubing?

For multiple decades, Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan has offered adventurers from all over the state a chance to experience the best river tubing in Virginia. Here, you'll tube a breathtaking segment of the James River, known as the Upper James.

A serene river scene with several kayakers paddling among lush green trees and rolling hills in the background.
Twin River Outfitters / Facebook

This river tubing outfitter has long been a favorite place for tubing in Virginia. The Twin River Outfitters reviews are glowing with praise.

advertisement
A stack of colorful inflatable tubes in various sizes, resting on gravel in a grassy area.
Twin River Outfitters / Facebook

Rent a tube and get ready for an afternoon to remember this summer!

Two girls in colorful inner tubes splash water while floating on a calm river, enjoying a sunny day.
Twin River Outfitters / Facebook

Shuttles provide folks and equipment a ride to the launch point, making for an easy peasy day out in Virginia nature.

People floating on colorful inner tubes in a river surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Twin River Outfitters / Facebook

Gather your friends and family and get ready for a fun summer adventure in Virginia! Once you're on the water you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the splendid scenery on some of the best tubing in Virginia.

People floating on colorful inner tubes down a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees.
Twin River Outfitters / Facebook

Each James River tubing trip takes approximately 1.5 hours. If that's not quite enough water time, you can take the shuttle back and start the trip for a second time!

People enjoying a sunny day kayaking and tubing on a calm river surrounded by lush greenery.
Twin River Outfitters / Facebook

Tubers must be at least six years old to participate. Knowing how to swim is also an important safety measure for this kind of activity. The rental fee includes a high-quality tube, life jacket, safety orientation, and transportation.

advertisement

For more information about reserving a time slot and renting equipment, be sure to visit the website for Twin River Outfitters. Have you ever done any James River tubing or James River kayaking? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments!

If you'd rather swim than tube, hit the road and check out these lovely beaches in Virginia:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/va-hidden-beaches-road-trip/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s A Gorge In Virginia That Looks Just Like The New River Gorge, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia, known as the Grand Canyon of the South, offers stunning geological formations and abundant wildlife.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

The New River Gorge is one of the most iconic wonders on the East Coast, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Yet you don’t have to cross state lines to experience a natural wonder in Virginia that’s equally striking. In our opinion, Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County, looks a lot like the New River Gorge, and if you’ve never visited, it’s high time you planned a trip. So, come with us to see one of the most unique gorges in Virginia that will literally blow your mind.

advertisement

Millions of years ago, upon the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, a wave of earth and rock was created. Today, at the westernmost point of these ancient formations, you'll find Breaks Interstate Park.

Snow-covered mountains and a winding river are visible from a wooden overlook under a clear blue sky.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Nothing short of a natural wonder and a geological phenomenon, this region of Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The 1,000-foot gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the South, is the result of the Russell Fork River.

A scenic view of lush green mountains under a colorful sunset sky, with a river winding through the valley below.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

The giant sandstone cliffs, known as the Towers, ascend above the canyon, creating a stunning visual effect. Even photos, as beautiful as they are, can't quite do justice to the view!

A scenic view of rolling hills covered in autumn foliage, with mist rising over a river valley.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the Breaks, be sure to check out Breaks Overlook, an iconic view of the landscape. It's especially stunning when the fog rolls in.

A scenic view of a fog-covered valley from a rocky overlook, with clear blue skies above.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Overlooks Trail is another gorgeous view of the park. Just look at those stunning colors!

A stunning sunset over lush green mountains and a winding river, with vibrant clouds in the sky.
Breaks Park

And while Breaks Interstate Park is famous for its canyon, the abundance of wildlife here is equally as mesmerizing.

A lone elk stands in a grassy field against a soft blue sky at dusk.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

During certain times of the year, visitors are invited to see Virginia's Elk Restoration Zone.

advertisement

Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? What was your experience at this look-a-like gorge in Virginia? Feel free to share your adventures with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more unique destinations to visit, be sure to check out our list of natural wonders in Virginia.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/natural-wonder-va/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Sand Dunes Hiding In Virginia

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia offers a stunning and unexpected landscape with tall sand dunes and diverse wildlife.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

When you think of sand dunes, you likely picture New Mexico's White Sand Dunes National Park, or perhaps the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. You may not have realized that Virginia also has a collection of sand dunes, and it's just as spectacular. To view this wild, rugged, and somewhat unexpected landscape, head to Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Cape Charles. Prepare to be amazed by the untouched beauty of some of the coolest natural wonders in Virginia!

advertisement

Virginia's most visited beaches are popular for a reason: they're easy to access, offer amenities such as restaurants and boardwalks, and often have the buzz of crowds.

alt
Len Richardson / Google

Yet there's something special about the quieter, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and today's feature destination certainly qualifies.

alt
Patrick Kerr / Google

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is comprised of 298 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.

alt
Patrick Kerr / Google

The dunes are among the tallest natural points on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

It's a stunning gem of a beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore, made all the more spectacular by the presence of 50-foot sand dunes for which the area is named.

alt
Len Richardson / Google

The preserve, which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is open to the public, yet it's absolutely vital to respect both nature and wildlife here.

alt
Stephen Linenfelser / Google

As you can imagine, the beach, dunes, and maritime forest make up an important habitat for countless plants and wildlife, including tiger beetles and migratory songbirds.

advertisement

Visitors will find a small public parking lot as well as three hiking trails for safely exploring the area.

alt
Bill Dyas / Google

If you do plan to visit, be sure to leave only footprints in the sand!

alt
Bill Dyas / Google

Did you know about this unexpected wonder hiding in Virginia? Have you visited Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area in Cape Charles? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For related content, check out our natural wonders road trip through Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials!

Love all things Virginia? Check out this amazing footage of Shenandoah National Park:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
National & State Parks

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in North Carolina That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

by Beth Copenhaver
on Nov 8
alt
Stays

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Oregon Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 8
alt
Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Hawaii’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Megan McDonald
on Nov 8
alt
Nature

The Remote Destination in California Where the Drive Is Worth the Final View

by Megan McDonald
on Nov 8
alt
Stays
Vacation Rentals

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Wisconsin Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Nikki Rhoades
on Nov 8
alt