Access to the East River is limited. There are two public access points on the East River for paddlers; Williams Wharf or Town Point Landing. Both are located on the eastern side of the river and have reasonable parking but few to no facilities. Keep in mind there are no public beaches or parks to get out of your kayak along the East River. The shoreline is dominated by private property. A number of Maritime Heritage Sites can be observed from your boat, and depending on your paddling skill level, it is possible to see quite a few sites in just a few hours. Choose which direction you want to go, which side of the river you want to see, and how many segments you think you can cover. Usually one segment is all you can cover in one trip. Advanced paddlers might make it to the river entrance at Mobjack Bay and back in one trip depending on weather conditions. The East River has a north/south orientation. Plan ahead and be aware that on days when the winds blow from a northerly directions your return trip to the public landing could be a challenge.
All mileages are in statute miles. Since some trail segments include spur trails, a range of mileage is given, with an estimated minimum and maximum number based on route. The first number is the length of the trunk of the trail segment. The second number is the length of the trunk trail plus the length of all spur trails. All mileages are approximate.
NOAA Chart 12235 – Rappahannock River Entrance (28th Ed., Dec. 5/98) NOAA Chart 12238 – Mobjack Bay and York River Entrance (34th Ed., Jan. 21/95)
Williams Wharf
Directions: From Mathews Courthouse, travel south on Route 14; right on Rt. 614 to end of road. Details: The Mathews Land Conservancy is redeveloping this historic steamboat landing site into a center for hand and wind-powered craft. Powerboats may not launch here. The site features a large floating dock, extensive parking, picnic shelter, and restrooms. For large groups, a permit is required. See contact information at mathewslandconservancy.com
Lower East River: Diggs Wharf to Weston Creek
Nearest Public Access: Williams Wharf
River Side: Eastern
Distances: Diggs Wharf to Williams Wharf is approximately 3.5 miles. Diggs Wharf to Weston Creek is approximately 2.2 miles.
Conditions: This is an exposed route. The river is wide and open to winds coming across Mobjack Bay.
Skill Level: Advanced
Landscape: Scattered homes along a mostly wooded shoreline
Sites: Remains of Diggs Steamboat Wharf, Brighton/Mobjack Farm, Inn at Tabbs Creek (B&B), Woodstock, and Sutherland
Middle East River: Weston Creek to mouth of Put-in Creek
Nearest Public Access: Williams Wharf
River Side: Eastern
Distances: Weston Creek to Williams Wharf is approximately 1.4 miles. Weston Creek to mouth of Put-in Creek/Town Point Landing is approximately 2.7 miles.
Conditions: Fairly wide open route with some wind and wave action at times
Skill Level: Intermediate
Landscape: Dominated by Poplar Grove/Tidemill and Williams Wharf
Sites: Other sites include Weston Hall, B. Williams Store, Cedar Grove, Kingston Parish/Christ Church, and Williamsdale.
Middle East River: Long Point to Raines Creek
Nearest Public Access: Williams Wharf
River Side: Western
Distances: Long Point to Raines Creek is approximately 1.7 miles
Conditions: This route is fairly exposed and can have considerable wave action when windy. River narrows above Williams Wharf. The narrowest crossover point for this western shore segment would be at the landing.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Landscape: Many interesting creeks to duck into when windy
Sites: Hicks Wharf, Zimmerman Marine, East River Boatyard/I.K. Ward Tidemill
Lower East River: Raines Creek to Mobjack
Nearest Public Access: Williams Wharf
River Side: Western
Distances: Mobjack to Williams Wharf is approximately 3 miles. Mobjack to Raines Creek is approximately 2 miles
Conditions: This is an exposed route. The river is wide and open to winds coming across Mobjack Bay
Skill Level: Intermediate
Landscape: Open landscape area with homes concentrated within the Town of Mobjack
Sites: Myrtle Grove/Davis Wharf, Compass Marina, Grace Providence Church, Town of Mobjack, and Mobjack Wharf/Philpotts Wharf
Town Point Landing
Directions: From Mathews Courthouse travel south on Route 14; right on Rt. 615 to end of road. Details: Managed by Mathews County, this modern launch ramp can accommodate trailered boats; canoes and kayaks are allowed to launch from the ramp. There is a small parking lot, shoulder parking is prohibited. No restrooms available.
Upper East River: Put-in Creek
Nearest Public Access: Town Point Landing
River Side: Eastern
Distances: Put-in Creek is 1.5 miles long and extends to Mathews Courthouse at the headwaters. Navigation along the entire length is possible only at high tide. There is no public access at the upper end of the creek.
Conditions: Protected route. Creek is rather narrow.
Skill Level: Beginners
Landscape: Numerous older homes close to the water. Charming area
Sites: Springhill, Springdale, Lanes Hotel/White Dog Inn, and Alexander James House
Upper East River: Long Point to the headwaters of the East River
Nearest Public Access: Town Point Landing
River Side: Western
Distances: Town Point Landing to northernmost fork in the river is approximately 4 miles
Conditions: This route is more protected than the lower East River, and the river narrows considerably to the north. From Town Point Landing it is best to cross over to the northern shore; taking care to avoid boat traffic
Skill Level: Intermediate
Landscape: One large creek (Woodas Creek) on eastern/northern shore. Many smaller creeks on western shore. Fun to explore there
Sites: Barnum’s Point, Capt. James William Miles House, Samarkand, Pleasant View/Tynant, and Eastbrooke all on eastern/northern shore
