The hike along the upper reaches of North Creek to Apple Orchard Falls is another popular route. In addition to fire roads and basic trails, equestrians may choose from designated horse trails along Bearwallow Gap, Hunting Creek, Hellgate Creek and Day Creek. Trails in the Arcadia area vary in difficulty. Many are rocky, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Mountain bikers can expect to push or carry their bikes along some sections of trails.
Many anglers choose to float the river in canoes or johnboats.
The short section from Buchanan to the public boat takeout area at the Virginia 614 bridge is very popular. The float from the Virginia 614 bridge to Indian Rock is also popular. Small streams in the Arcadia area offer some fishing for smallmouth bass in their lower reaches, but most anglers concentrate on trout. Jennings, Middle, North and McFalls creeks are designated stocked trout waters and receive regular stockings from October through May. Some of the small creeks in the area hold some native brook trout and wild rainbow trout.