Rappahannock River in Virginia

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Three of us met at Clore Brotherson 6/18/04. Gene Clore himself drove us about 24 miles up river to the put in at Kelly's Ford. The Rappahanock is a fairly quick river with some tricky class 2's and 3's spread out. The best thing about this river is there are almost no homes, bridges or distractions along the way. It's very beautiful and quiet. Wildlife is more noticeable on this river than most other rivers in the northern Virginia area, including the Shenandoah. We saw eagles, otter, beaver, hummingbirds, snakes, etc, but no people. We paddled 18 miles the first day. That took us through the "Confluence", where the Rapidan River merges with the Rappahanock. It got a little nasty there (river left next time). I got dumped in a class 3, but recovered. I only lost my camp chair and a little pride. There are several places to camp. You have to keep your eyes peeled to find them. We camped about a mile south of the Confluence on the left riverbank, by the big "Fire Rock". It was very quiet and isolated. In the morning we watched several hummingbirds fly around our site. The next morning we paddled the last 6 miles to the Clore Brothers site. If you're looking for a really nice, overnight trip, I highly recommend this trip. There are day trips available also. I'll be doing this trip again soon

Directions:

I95 South to Route 3 West. Go to "639", make a right and go about 2 miles, take a right on River Rd. and then go to the Clore Brothers site on your right.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: 2-3 Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location