Rivanna River in Virginia

Trip Overview

Start- 940am Stop- 1200pm
USGS 02034000 RIVANNA RIVER AT PALMYRA, VA- 1000 CFS- 4.2 Feet

We dropped a truck off at Milton Landing, no signs for the entrance but it the left right before the bridge, got to the landing at Darden Towe around 930 and were in the water by 940. If you want the river to yourself on a weekend, get in the water before 10am, otherwise there will be groups in front and behind you. The river was flowing really well but was muddy. The first set of rapids were flowing at about a Class II where they are normally a high Class I. Through Riverview Park was flowing well and there were no sand bars to stop on the entire trip. The rollers after the woolen mills area were about 16-20� deep and came over the bow a few times. After the 64 bridge, there is a long flat float. Then the remainder of the trip is a sequence of Class II-III rapids. The last set before the Milton Bridge were running at a Class III and swamped one of our boats. The water was muddy, so no fish in the water, but saw quite a few breaking water. Saw one osprey and then had a Bald Eagle soar over us for a minute or two.

The ramp at Darden Towe is concrete and you can unload right next to it. The take out at Milton Landing is a muddy hill with wooden timbers secured into the bank. If you have 4x4 you can back down to the ramp, otherwise you will have to carry the boats up the hill to the car. Limited parking at Milton Landing.

Fees:

None

Resources:

Paddling.Net