By Friends of the Rappahannock
The Rappahannock River starts as a trickle at Chester Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains and winds its way for 184 miles until it joins the Chesapeake Bay. The Rappahannock is designated as a state scenic river from its origins in Chester Gap all the way to Fredericksburg, a stretch of approximately 86 miles.
Most of its journey passes through scenic forests and farmland. Its name comes from the Rappahannock Tribe who lived along its banks. The name means, “The river quickly rises and falls.”
It is the longest free-flowing river in Virginia. It flows freely after many individuals worked with federal, state and local agencies to remove the Embrey Dam in 2004. The dam removal opened large stretches of river for fish to spawn and new rapids for paddling enthusiasts to run.
Much of the river’s scenic beauty can be credited to the 4,200 acres of riverbanks that are protected in conservation easement above the city of Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg pursued this to protect the city’s source of drinking water, and it has kept the river banks largely undeveloped and in pristine condition. It is an inviting escape for paddlers and hikers seeking a wilderness retreat.
In the springtime, many bird species gather at the fall line around Ficklen Island to gorge themselves, as fish such as shad, perch and striped bass run up the river to spawn. Many anglers join the cacophony and can be seen wading out in the river above the Falmouth flats.
As the weather warms, people launch canoes and kayaks above Fredericksburg to enjoy single to multiday trips starting at one of the many public boat-access sites. Access sites below the town of Remington such as Ely’s Ford on the Rapidan River or Kelly’s Ford on the main stem allow paddlers to enjoy some of the most scenic parts of the river such as Snake Castle, the confluence of where the Rapidan River meets the Rappahannock, and the cliffs around Hole in the Wall. Many recreational boaters camp overnight at the many campsites that exist on the lands protected by the conservation easement.
During the winter months, hikers, bicyclists and birders can enjoy great views from the extensive trail system that follows the river upstream of Fredericksburg all the way to Motts Run.
The Rappahannock River is abundant with recreational opportunities and is a valuable resource for everyone within its watershed and throughout the state.
This article was contributed by Friends of the Rappahannock, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to being the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River. It is dedicated to reducing pollution, advocating to protect water quality and educating the next generation of river stewards. FOR conducts river cleanups, plants trees, restores fish habitat, teaches field trips and hosts programs to educate the public on how to care for this precious resource. It is a membership-based organization. Visit riverfriends.org to join.