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Get to Know the Rappahannock – on the River, on the Rocks, and with a Rod!

River Rock Outfitter paddling

Paddling with River Rock Outfitter

Fredericksburg is a gateway to adventure, welcoming all experience levels and all ages. Fredericksburg sits on the fall line of the longest free flowing river in the eastern United States, the Rappahannock River. The banks of the river provide opportunities for paddling, rock climbing, and fly fishing.

Trip Highlights

  • Stand-Up Paddle Boarding lesson on the tidal section of the Rappahannock River
  • Friday Night Paddle, or as we refer to it, Boards, Boats and Brews!
  • Rock Climbing along the banks of the Rappahannock River
  • Fly Fishing the warm waters of the Rappahannock River

Outfitter and Guide

  • River Rock Outfitter

Day 1

River Rock Outfitter SUP with Dog

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Fredericksburg is centrally located to just about everything. We have easy access to Washington DC and Richmond, a short drive from Shenandoah National Park, and we are in the heart of the nation’s most notable historic events. Fredericksburg is the perfect spot to unpack your bags to enjoy adventures literally in every direction.

Kick things off with a Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding lesson on the tidal section of the Rappahannock. Never been on a SUP, no problem. SUP is a perfect sport for all skill levels. A SUP 101 class is the perfect introduction to both SUP Boarding and the Rappahannock River.

Take some time to enjoy Downtown Fredericksburg and the awesome shops and restaurants. Once you have refueled, you don’t want to miss paddling on the Rappahannock on a Friday night. Join River Rock Outfitter for their popular Friday night paddles, or as they like to refer to them, Boards, Boats, and Brews! As the name suggests, you will choose either a kayak or SUP and take a leisurely float upstream where you can view Fredericksburg’s most iconic bridges. This is Friday night of course so no one is working too hard. This is a “go-at-your-own-pace” kind of paddle. After your float, walk to a riverside restaurant or to one of the Downtown pubs to enjoy snacks and a beer. A perfect ending to your first night Fredericksburg.

Day 2

River Rock Outfitter Rappelling on the Rappahannock

Rappelling on the Rappahannock River

You were introduced to the slower side of the river on day 1 and now its time to pump it up and test your Vertical Limits with a Climbing 101 course. Our 70-foot crag is located right on the banks of the Rappahannock River providing an amazing back-trop the river. As Goldilocks would say – not to big, not too small, but just right! In this full-day course, you will learn proper belaying techniques, climbing safety, movements, and rappelling. This course will give you the confidence and motivation to explore the great climbing opportunities throughout Virginia and the mid-Atlantic.

Day 3

River Rock Outfitter kayaking

Rappahannock River

We’re going back to the water on day 3. However, rather than being on it, we are going hunting for what’s in it with a Fly Fishing 101 course. This 101 course is all you need to get started. In this 4-hour clinic, you will learn the cast, understand the equipment and how to use it, and our guide will show you the best fishing spots to land the big one (or little one). You will learn all of this while spending half the day on the beautiful Rappahannock River.

The good news is that you don’t need to travel to the Rockies to have a “fly fishing moment”. The Rappahannock is full of bass, sunfish, and other fishes great for catching, photographing, and releasing. Perfectly worthy fish for “fish stories” with family later.

A little instruction from someone who knows what they’re doing will go a long way to getting you started. You won’t leave a master fisherman, but you will be on your way to becoming a functional one.

Suggested Places to Stay

Stay at the Richard Johnston Inn for a truly special Downtown Fredericksburg experience. Located in the heart of Old Town Fredericksburg, 3 blocks from the train station, you can park your car and stroll the brick lined sidewalks to a variety of unique shops, wonderful restaurants and historic sites. The Fredericksburg Visitors Center is located across the street on Caroline where you can take a Trolley Tour or a Carriage ride.

River Rock Outfitter who provides access to outdoor adventures is located right down the street. Park, Sleep, and Play all in one of the most special spots in Virginia – Downtown Fredericksburg.

This outdoor adventure was submitted by River Rock Outfitter

River Rock Outfitter

More Adventures

  • Shenandoah Valley Adventures
    Journey through Virginia’s magnificent Shenandoah Valley by horseback, kayak, and on foot during this 3 day getaway in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park and George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
  • Three Days, Five Adventures, Two Coastlines
    A 70-mile peninsula bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia’s Eastern Shore is the perfect outdoor destination for water sports enthusiasts. Discover rare wildlife, epic views, and plenty of memorable experiences when you plan an adventure on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
  • Virginia's Blue Ridge Adventures
    Located about three hours west of Richmond in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s Blue Ridge communities are becoming well-known for their outdoor adventures.
  • Adventure Awaits in RVA
    Richmond, known as the River City, is home to the James River and is one of the only cities in the United States with Class III and IV rapids in an urban setting. Adventure-seekers come from all over to experience adrenaline-filled days both on and off the river.
  • Eastern Shore Outdoor Sampler
    Experience the wild barrier islands, Chesapeake Bay, and Chincoteague ponies and lighthouse by kayak, while staying in an historic lodging in the 1680 Colonial port of Onancock.
  • Historic Hikes and Outdoor Adventure
    Hike, Bike or Paddle your way through Prince William County, VA at one of the many National, State and Regional parks and forests found here. Stretching from the banks of the Potomac River to the foothills of Bull Run Mountain, visitors can re-connect with nature.
  • Outdoor Obsession in MHC
    Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southern Virginia, Martinsville - Henry County has plenty of adventures awaiting to guarantee that you have fun in record time in the great outdoors. Experience paddling, fishing, hiking, camping, and many other activities
  • Get your “Paddle & Hike On” in scenic Chesapeake, VA
    Enjoy a two night getaway in Coastal Virginia! With over 22 miles of wave- and wind-free water, locals and visitors consider Chesapeake Waterways one of the best kayaking spots in the country.
  • Make Mountains Move on a Summer Mountain Vacation
    Virginia is for adventurers, and if you’re looking for a true mountain adventure, look no further than this 3 day getaway in the majestic mountains of the Shenandoah Valley.
  • Explore Pocahontas: The Park & The Story
    Spend a wonderful outdoor weekend at Pocahontas State Park, where Swift Creek is the nucleus and you are sitting in a wildlife management area!
  • Over and Under the Blue Ridge Mountains
    With mountains to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west, Waynesboro’s prime location offers adventurers an almost limitless combination of excursions to enjoy by foot, bike, or kayak.
  • Get to Know the Rappahannock - on the River, on the Rocks and with a Rod!
    Fredericksburg is a gateway to adventure, welcoming all experience levels and all ages. Fredericksburg sits on the fall line of the longest free flowing river in the eastern United States, the Rappahannock River.
  • Explore Central Virginia with The Market at Grelen
    Explore central Virginia’s breathtaking scenery by horseback, kayak and even from the sky with The Market at Grelen’s Outdoor Adventure itineraries.
  • Tour de Seafood: Middle Peninsula Waterways
    Explore the coast of two Chesapeake Bay towns (Gloucester and Mathews Counties) on the Middle Peninsula by kayak, charter and stand-up paddle board (SUP)!

More Hiking Ideas

  • Hiking in Virginia

    10 Unforgettable Virginia Backpacking Trips
  • 10 Lesser-Known Payoff Hikes

    Virginia’s Five Highest Peaks
  • Circuit Hikes To Check Out This Summer

    Shenandoah County’s 5 Best Hikes For Fall Foliage
  • 25 Hikes For Wildflowers (And A Few Waterfalls, Too!)

    10 Trails For Spring Adventure

    10 Must Do Hikes In Shenandoah National Park

More Mountain Biking Ideas

  • Mountain Biking in Virginia

    Rip It & Grip It! Epic Mountain Biking Trails
  • Mountain Biking Trails For Everyone

    Seven Most Bike Friendly Cities And Towns
  • Virginia’s Rails To Trails

    4 Virginia State Parks With Incredible Mountain Biking Trails

More Paddling Ideas

  • Paddlesports in Virginia

    17 Canoeing And Tubing Adventures
  • Kayaking Adventures To Explore This Summer

    Best Overnight Paddling Adventures In Virginia
  • 10 Virginia Coastal Paddling Destinations

    Virginia’s Best Guided Paddling And Biking Adventures
  • Exploring Virginia’s Water Trails And Blueways

    Virginia Trips For Paddle-In Camping

    Explore Wild Barrier Islands On Virginia’s Eastern Shore

More Adventurous Ideas

  • All Things Horses in Virginia

    Unique Getaway Ideas For Adventurous Couples
  • Adventures In The Air

    Zip Lines in Virginia

    Hang On Tight! Ten Rock Climbing, Bouldering And Rappelling Spots
  • Six Adrenaline Pumping Adventures

    Four Epic Virginia Experiences For 2018

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Winter in Virginia

  • Mountain Resorts

    Cabin Rentals

    Skiing

    Ice Skating

    Whale Watching

    Winter Hikes

    Luxury Retreats
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