Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Located between Wise and Dickenson counties is where 17 miles of varied landscape nestles the Pound River. On July 1, 2020, 17 miles of the Pound River was designated as a Virginia Scenic River.
"Initially, I felt that Pound River would be a great asset for the designation, as there were several groups and a lot of our residents who took advantage of the outdoor fun they had floating on the river,” said Rita Surratt, tourism director in Dickenson County.
The Lower Appomattox River offers an experience like no other through unparalleled natural beauty and the relaxed convenience of nearby small-town hospitality.
Offering both whitewater and tidal flatwater for paddlers, unspoiled riverbanks for fishing and birding, and the experience of an explorer while walking and discovering the historic remains of the early industrial era, this river offers a little bit of something for everyone.
A segment of the James River in Richmond was designated by the Virginia General Assembly as “scenic” in 1972 following the establishment of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program in 1970. It was the first river designated as scenic, although that designation had an asterisk.
In the late 1960s, a small group of citizens formed the Richmond Scenic James Council to fight against the proposed Riverside Expressway that would have decimated a long stretch of the southern shoreline, including the ever-popular Pony Pasture Rapids (a favorite recreational spot long before it became a park). Whether as a result of the vocal and passionate opposition or the realization that the economics were not favorable, or some combination, the expressway plan for the southside was abandoned.
The Tye River begins on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains and cuts through 35 miles of iconic rolling hills and beautiful forests until it reaches the James River. The Tye’s scenic designation is found in the heart of Nelson County.
Thanks to the dedication and encouragement of the Nelson County Board of Supervisors, as well as county personnel and volunteers who aided in the analysis of the river, the 12.7-mile section between Route 739 and the confluence with the James was designated as a state scenic river in 2013.
The story of the Catoctin Creek isn’t so much about the creek itself, as storied and splendid as it may be. The story, in fact, is more about the people who’ve fought to protect it.
Once a month, the Catoctin Scenic River Advisory Committee gets together and reviews new zoning permit applications, draws up plans to meet with bordering landowners and brainstorms ways to increase awareness about the wonderful viewshed that is the 16-mile long Catoctin Creek Scenic River.
The Rappahannock River starts as a trickle at Chester Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains and winds its way for 184 miles until it joins the Chesapeake Bay.
It is the longest free-flowing river in Virginia. It flows freely after many individuals worked with federal, state and local agencies to remove the Embrey Dam in 2004. The dam removal opened large stretches of river for fish to spawn and new rapids for paddling enthusiasts to run.
Originating near the tiny town of Goshen in Rockbridge County, the Maury River winds swiftly past forestland, mountains, rock outcrops and quaint college communities, en route to meet the James River in Glasgow.
Perhaps the most picturesque stretch is just below the headwaters, where the Maury flows between Hogback and Jump mountains — the iconic Goshen Pass.
The June 2020 issue of Virginia Living celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program. Writer Tricia Pearsall and photographer Kyle LaFerriere explore the diverse waterways designated through the program, which began in 1970 with passage of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Act. More than 900 miles of Virginia’s rivers are state scenic rivers, and they benefit from the advocacy of dedicated citizens across the commonwealth. This link takes you to the Virginia Living website.
