Rapidan River

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Total streamflow across the Rapidan River was last observed at 169 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 335 acre-ft of water today; about 12% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,415 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-06-23 when daily discharge volume was observed at 33,970 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Rapidan River Near Culpeper reporting a streamflow rate of 115 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Rapidan River Near Ruckersville with a gauge stage of 1.68 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Rapidan River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 462 ft, the Rapidan River Near Ruckersville.

The Rapidan River is a 88.3-mile-long river located in central Virginia, flowing through the Blue Ridge Mountains and into the Rappahannock River.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-05-09
Discharge Volume 335 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 168.9 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -14.4 cfs (-7.86%)
Percent of Normal 11.94%
Maximum 33,970.0 cfs
2018-06-23
Seasonal Avg 1,415 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Rapidan River Near Ruckersville
USGS 01665500
37 cfs 1.68 ft -6.52
Rapidan River Near Culpeper
USGS 01667500
115 cfs 0.73 ft -10.85
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Rapidan River, flowing 88 miles (142 km) through north-central Virginia in the United States, is the largest tributary of the Rappahannock River. The two rivers converge just west of the city of Fredericksburg. The Rapidan River begins west of Doubletop Mountain in Shenandoah National Park where the Mill Prong meets the Laurel Prong at Rapidan Camp, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Big Meadows.
Sections of the lower Rapidan River are preserved by a conservation easement.The Rapidan River was the scene of severe fighting in the American Civil War, and historic sites such as Ely's Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Kelly's Ford, and the Battle of the Wilderness are nearby.
The name is a combination of the word "rapids" with the name of Queen Anne of England. Originally, it was known as the Rapid Ann River.
The Rapidan River ranks #38 in Trout Unlimited's Guide to America's 100 Best Trout Streams. In 2000, the upper Rapidan River was nominated for EPA designation as a Tier III Exceptional Waterway. In 2001, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality rejected the application, citing uncertainty about the impact of the designation.