Alleghany Outdoors: Virginia’s Jackson River Kayaking & Biking

Covington, Virginia, presents a powerful draw for river lovers and bike enthusiasts, anchored by Alleghany Outdoors. This local outfitter crafts hands-on adventures along the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers, weaving paddling, biking, and camping into flexible day trips and multiday combos. The clear, gently rolling waters of the Jackson River, framed by rugged limestone bluffs and dense hardwood forests, offer a mix of calm stretches and manageable rapids that suit paddlers of all levels. Beyond the water, the 16-mile Jackson River Rail Trail follows the river’s path, rewarding cyclists with views of pristine river bends, old railroad bridges, and wildlife glimpses.

Alleghany Outdoors stands out by blending easy access with variety—whether renting electric bikes to tackle hilly terrain or embarking on guided shuttle-supported bike rides to Cedar Creek. Paddling options range from peaceful sections like Smith Bridge to lively stretches ending at Intervale or the local favorite Petticoat Junction, where lunch breaks highlight fresh, locally sourced treats. The company’s thoughtful setup, flexible trip planning, and attentive staff, praised in many reviews, create a confident experience even for those new to kayaking or trail riding.

For those seeking deeper immersion, multiday packages combine kayaking, tubing, biking, and camping under the starry Virginia sky. Special events like full moon lake floats with sound baths or volunteer trail and river cleanups invite visitors into the community fabric. Alleghany Outdoors not only opens doors to high-quality outdoor recreation but also embodies stewardship of this lesser-known Blue Ridge foothills corner. Its offerings encourage visitors to move at their own pace and soak in the region’s fractured sandstone cliffs, native flora, and the unhurried rhythm of river currents and bike wheels turning down quiet country lanes.