The Alleghany Highlands Blueway is comprised of two lakes and two scenic rivers that offer great paddling, fishing and boating. Each river and lake has its own unique personality and history, not to mention secret fishing spots. Take your time and spend a few days exploring the entire Alleghany Highlands Blueway.
Approximately 30 miles of the wild and scenic Jackson River runs through the Alleghany Highlands and meets the Cowpasture River to form the headwaters of the James River. Several small streams feed into the Jackson River, including Dunlap Creek and Potts Creek, also offer excellent fishing.
Approximately 10 miles of the Cowpasture River flows through the eastern portion of the Alleghany Highlands. Paddling on the Cowpasture is mostly moving water with a few easy straight forward rapids with great views of the surrounding mountains.
Douthat State Park is not just one of Virginia’s oldest state parks, it’s one of its finest. Its contribution to the Alleghany Highlands Blueway is Douthat Lake, a 50-acre lake with swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing.
Lake Moomaw is the northern most portion of the Alleghany Highlands Blueway. The lake has 43 miles of undeveloped, wooded shoreline just perfect for exploring by canoe or kayak yet large enough for sailing and motorboats.
