River boating is a popular sport in Halifax County, part of the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway. Children, fishermen and river rafters are just a few of the people who will enjoy paddling the easy-flowing rivers in this part of the state.
We’ve sent some of our visitors to River Traders, which rents kayaks and canoes at Staunton River State Park, just a half-hour from our inn. Experienced boaters can stop at the Route 360 bridge over the river, get their boats and have their car driven to the River Trader store in the park, where they can end their four-hour boat ride.
Less-experienced paddlers may prefer to rent the boats at the park and paddle around the Staunton and Dan rivers, just before the waterways enter Kerr Lake, also known as Buggs Island Lake. “The water has slowed down so much by then that you can even paddle up and down the river,” says owner Bob Bateman. His rates are $50 for a canoe and $40 for a kayak at Route 360 and $40 for a canoe and $30 for a kayak at the state park. Boaters should call him first to set up a time at 434-575-1022. His email is rivertraders15@gmail.com.
Boating is also popular on Kerr Lake, Lake Gaston and the Banister River, especially where it runs through the town of Halifax. There is a landing at Kings Bridge for boating to Terry’s Bridge landing, past scenic undeveloped wilderness and an occasional egret and even bald eagle.