James River Adventures at the Upper James River Center

James River Adventures at the Upper James River Center is the premier eco-tourism and river recreation destination for the Greater Lynchburg area. Located at Riveredge Park in Madison Heights, this riverfront facility serves as a regional hub for the James River Association, a major statewide conservation nonprofit. For visitors looking to explore the water, the center hosts a full-service public outfitter program packed with outdoor experiences. Tourists can rent canoes, solo or tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for self-guided paddles past the historic downtown skyline. For longer excursions, the center offers relaxing multi-hour river tubing trips and guided eco-tours around wildlife-rich Percival’s Island. Groups can even step back in time by booking a private cruise on a historically accurate, replica eighteenth-century batteau cargo boat.