River runs

Virginia river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Virginia with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in Virginia
27
Class range
I–V
Across the U.S.
331
Updated
May 31
Open the Virginia paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to Virginia.
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May
31
2026
River runs
Welcome to the thrilling world of whitewater and kayaking in Virginia! One of the top destinations for whitewater enthusiasts is the Shenandoah River, particularly the section between Luray and Front Royal. The Shenandoah offers a mix of Class I-III rapids, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The best time to paddle this stretch is in the spring when the water levels are higher, typically around 2.5-4 feet on the USGS gauge in Bentonville. Be sure to also check the weather forecast to avoid any unexpected changes in water levels.

Another must-visit destination is the James River, specifically the Balcony Falls section near Glasgow. This challenging Class III-IV run is known for its technical rapids and beautiful scenery. The optimal streamflow for this section is around 2.5-4 feet on the USGS gauge in Buchanan. Safety is paramount when paddling in Virginia, so always wear a proper fitting life jacket, helmet, and appropriate clothing. Remember to paddle with a buddy and be aware of potential hazards such as strainers and undercut rocks. With its diverse range of whitewater adventures, Virginia has something to offer for every paddler, from scenic floats to adrenaline-pumping rapids. So grab your gear, hit the water, and make unforgettable memories on Virginia's rivers!
Full directory

Virginia river runs

Every paddleable section in Virginia keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.

27 entries
River run Streamflow Class
Headwaters To Farmville 4,710 cfs II-IV
The U.S. Route 460 Bridge In Glen Lyn, Virginia To The Maximum Summer Pool Elevation Of Bluestone Lake, South Of Hinton, West Virginia 2,740 cfs III-IV
Capon Bridge To Ends Just South Of Largent 15 cfs II
Jefferson Nf Boundary (Above Cascades Fall) To Jefferson Nf Boundary (Below Cascades Fall) 149 cfs ·
Jefferson Nf Boundary Near Confluence With Nettle Hollow To Confluence With Laurel Branch 149 cfs II-III
Segment B Pump Storage Lake To Blowing Springs Campground 143 cfs II-IV
Segment A State Route 39 At Blowing Springs Campground To Lake Moomaw 197 cfs III+
Segment B Northern Boundary, Hidden Valley Tract To Southern Boundary Of Hidden Valley Tract 143 cfs III-IV
Segment C Southern Boundary Hidden Valley Tract To Mcclintic Bridge 197 cfs III-IV
Confluence Of White Branch With Russell Fork (And 1 Mile Upstream On Pound River) To Railroad Bridge Crossing Above Elkhorn City 1,060 cfs III
Segment C Nf Boundary To Confluence With North Fork Shenandoah River 75 cfs III-IV
Segment B State Route 730 Bridge To Nf Boundary 75 cfs III-IV
State Route 675 At Edinburg, Va To State Highway 55 Southeast Of Strasburg, Va 963 cfs II-III
Segment D Gathright Dam To State Route 687 Bridge At Clearwater Park 1,680 cfs II-III
Ford Where Route 609 Departs From Route 678 To Confluence With Cowpasture River 122 cfs III-IV
Segment A Route 42 Bridge To Confluence With Jackson River 2,410 cfs II-III
Segment B Confluence With Bullpasture River To Route 42 Bridge 406 cfs III-IV
North River Campground To Camp May Flather 33 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Alternative Route 58 107 cfs III-IV
Green Cove Jefferson Nf Near Confluence Of Star Hill Branch To Confluence With Whitetop Laurel 238 cfs II-III
Whitetop Laurel Jefferson Nf Boundary (Intersection Of Hwy 58 And Sr 859) To Jefferson Nf Boundary Above Damascus 238 cfs ·
Top Of Apple Orchards Falls To Confluence Of North Creek With Jennings Creek 3,230 cfs III
1 Mile Southeast Of Buchanan (At End Of Nfs Land) To Snowden Dam Reservoir 30 cfs III-IV
Nf Boundary Along The South Fork Tye River Near Fdt 526 And State Highway 56 To Town Of Nash 62 cfs III-V
Confluence With Guest River To Confluence With Little Stony Creek 20 cfs II-III
Fs Route 700 To Confluence With Clinch River 20 cfs III-IV+
State Route 72 Bridge To Confluence With Clinch River 20 cfs III-IV
River runs FAQ

About Virginia river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the Virginia streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each Virginia paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Virginia paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.

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