Rivers in Virginia

Whitewater Rivers

Virginia has plenty of whitewater rivers throughout its western mountain regions, such as the Clinch River, Shenandoah River, and New River, which afford river-running activities for paddlers of all levels of experience, from the novice to the expert.

Lying at the base of Virginia's mountains are piedmont rivers that meander through remote woodlands, many with small islands and intermediate levels of whitewater where they cross the fall line.

The longest river in Virginia, the James River is different from most piedmont rivers. It flows through the heart of Richmond's urban district over a 7-mile shelf of granite, dropping more than 100 feet over the fall line where it changes to tidal waters. You'll find more leisurely waters along the Upper James River, ideal for tubing, casual canoeing, and more water fun. 

The Rappahannock, Nottoway, and James Rivers provide beautiful landscapes that appear much as they did when colonial settlers first arrived in Virginia. Most piedmont rivers are floatable year-round and offer excellent fishing and opportunities to witness nature in its finest glory.

Leisurely River Trips

East of the piedmont region lies Virginia's flat coastal plains, where rivers are perfect for explorers seeking a more intimate, leisurely river experience.

Coastal rivers, tributaries and creeks such as the Blackwater, Northwest and North Landing traverse historical sites and remote marshes, swamps and wilderness flanked with cypress trees and dense forests.

These smaller rivers and streams also provide habitats for a wide variety of fish and wildlife where paddlers can get a bird's eye view of mother nature.

American Indian Rivers

Other coastal rivers have retained their original Indian names, such as the Mattaponi, Pamunkey and Chickahominy. The word "canoe" is also derived from an Indian word "kenu," a boat that has been around for thousands of years. Except for a few minor modifications, the canoe's basic engineering retains much of its original design and is still ideal for traveling Virginia's calm, tranquil, coastal rivers.

The Mattaponi River, near the Mattaponi Indian tribe ancestral grounds, is a flat stream below the fall line. The Mattaponi meanders toward the Chesapeake Bay through beautiful wilderness, and is floatable year-round.

Tidal Creeks and Estuaries

Farther east on Virginia's coastline, the tidal creeks and estuaries near the Chesapeake Bay are popular with sea kayakers.

With the development of the Virginia Seaside Water Trail, paddlers can navigate through 37 routes - 100 miles of waterways!

This diverse paddling environment allows peeks at bald eagles, egrets, herons and osprey as well as historical river mansions and even an old mill that was once believed to have ground corn for George Washington's soldiers.

River Guides and Outfitters

Outfitters and canoe liveries are located along the shores of many of Virginia's rivers and make river running easy, safe, enjoyable and convenient. Most outfitters offer classes, guides, river gauge information and equipment; and some even lead overnight canoeing and hiking trips. Find an outdoor guide and make your vacation dreams come true.

To find outfitters near a specific river destination, check out our complete river guides below.