Rappahannock River

To ensure a fun river adventure, we strongly recommend you call to make a reservation and confirm that your trip is available.

The Rappahannock River has been changed back to the way it was, no dams, just free flowing river. The Virginia Outdoor Center is only company running regular trips on this new section. This new section of river allows all of our river trips to end right at our main building - four miles of river that few have experienced!!!!

Be the first on your block to paddle this new section!

Here are the new river descriptions:

All trips subject to varying water levels, call to get today's report.

Hole In the Wall to Motts Run: 6 miles, paddle time 3-5 hrs: Our most popular river trip, perfect for novices and experienced paddlers alike. This trip passes no roads, bridges or houses - only birds, fish and water. Be sure to pack snacks or take a lunch and stop at some of the beautiful islands or sand bars along the way. Rock ledges provide some white water noise and excitement and flat pools allow for relaxing and enjoying nature.

Motts Run to VOC: 4 miles, paddle time 2 - 3 hrs: A brand new trip since 2005!! You will paddle the new section of river created by the removal of the Embry Dam. This trip has great scenery and fishing and is the perfect trip for a half day of paddling or a whole day of relaxing. This section has class I & II rapids. Previous moving water experience necessary.

Hole in the Wall to VOC: 10 miles, paddle time 4 - 6 hrs: This trip begins at a private put-in nestled along the banks of the Rappahannock. Expect to spend as long as you want swimming, fishing and playing on this quiet section of the state's prettiest river. The last 4 miles have class I & II rapids. Previous moving water experience necessary. Morning shuttle is recommended to provide ample time and to have a relaxing fun filled day.

Old Mill Park to City Docks: 3 miles, paddle time 45 min - all day: Enjoy the flat water of the Rappahannock and take your time swimming, fishing or walking up to Ferry Farms, Washington's boyhood home. A great trip for young children, see historic Fredericksburg from the river.

Old Mill Park to Little Falls: 5 miles of flat, moving water with no rapids. This trip flows through Fredericksburg and is great for families, novices or those who just want to relax. When the up stream water levels are too low, this is a great alternative.

Multi-day Trips

You can plan two day or multi day trips on the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers. May and June are when water levels are most reliable. Later in the season water levels may be too low. Always check water levels when planning a trip to ensure a fun, safe trip. Give us a call and we'd be happy to help you plan.

Ely's to VOC: 19 miles, paddle time 8-10 hrs: This trip starts on the Rapidan River at Ely's Ford and offers some of the best of what the Rapidan has to offer. A remote area with class II ledges and rock gardens, this trip is excellent fishing for small mouth, red breast and bluegill. Enjoy this trip as a nice relaxing overnight or good day of straight canoeing.

Kelly's Ford to Mott's Run: 28 miles, paddle time 12-14 hrs: This overnight trip is, in our opinion, one of the best of the Rappahannock. Paddle all 24 miles of this stretch of excellent scenery & fishing and you won't see a single bridge or road. However, there are plenty riffles, ledges & Class II rapids. The most significant rapid is a little further than half way, at the confluence of the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers.

Town of Rapidan to Mott's Run: 56 miles, paddle time 21-27 hrs: Our longest trip on the Rapidan and Rappahannock. This trip takes five days of canoeing and camping along the river. Stay gone for a week and experience what the Rappahannock backcountry has to offer.

*Paddle times given are paddle times.
*Add extra time for fishing, swimming or relaxing- all of which you should do!