• Reservations are required for all trips and rentals.
  • We do not take reservations for dates in August and September until we get close to those dates and can evaluate river conditions. Spring and early summer are fantastic times to experience the Rivanna! We highly encourage everyone to plan their Rivanna River trip between April and late June if possible.
  • All trips are Self-Guided unless otherwise noted. Children must be 6 yrs of age or over. Sorry, no dogs allowed on trips. 
  • Pricing (per person) includes boat, paddle, and life jacket rental, all necessary shuttles, a safety orientation, and a quick equipment lesson if desired. Pricing information is found in the Reservation System. 

 

Trip Descriptions
Rivanna Adventure Paddle | 5.75 miles  |  2.5-3.5 hours

Location: Free Bridge to Milton Landing

This trip is limited to paddlers with enough experience to control their boat because of several exciting rapids along the route. Beginning in Charlottesville, this trip follows the Rivanna as it cuts through the Southwest Mountains. The rocky terrain and remains of historic dams make for interesting paddling and a history lesson on “Jefferson’s River.” Several Class II ledges require the ability to read rapids and control the boat. Just outside of town, the river enters an area that is surprisingly untouched, with excellent wildlife watching and scenery. Minimum age is 6. 

Rivanna Sampler  | 2  miles  |  1-1.5 hours

Location: Darden Towe Park to Riverview Park

This shorter trip is a great introduction to paddling and the Rivanna. Paddlers have a nice slow pool to get familiar with their equipment before a beach on river left signals the entry into the first challenging rapid of the trip. The beach provides a great stopping and picnicking spot before hitting the rapids. The remainder of the float is a variety of calm water and interesting “rock garden” rapids. A classic Cville view of the historic water tower and Mt. Alto greet paddlers as they round the final bend of the trip. Minimum age is 6. Beginning paddlers will enjoy this stretch as an introduction to the interest and challenge of river trips. 

Rivanna South Fork Exploration | 6.75 miles  |  3-4 hours

Location: South Fork Dam to Free Bridge

Beginning on the South Fork of the Rivanna downstream of the reservoir dam, this trip follows the winding river through its confluence with the North Fork. This is a interesting trip suitable for participants who are comfortable with paddling. There are plenty of serene pools broken up by several Class I rapids and three Class II rapids which add some challenge and excitement to the South Fork portion of the trip. The woods and fields bordering the river make for excellent scenery and wildlife watching. Minimum age is 6. Novice paddlers or those new to river trips are encouraged to take a Guided Trip as their first introduction to this section of the Rivanna. 

River Tubing Trip | 1.5 miles  |  2-3 hours

Location: Rivanna River Co. to Riverview Park

This trip is offered May through September, weather and river conditions permitting. Our vinyl river tubes are designed for your comfort and relaxation on the river. Kick back and enjoy a day with friends and family on the water. Trip includes Tube, Trip Orientation Briefing, one Dry Bag for each party, and the Shuttle Ride back to RRC after the trip ends. Maximum group size on each shuttle is 14. Minimum age is 6.