Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
By Julie Buchanan
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 river begins a steep drop here, making for dramatic scenery and some of the most challenging whitewater Virginia has to offer.
The Maury holds the distinction of being the only river in Virginia to start and end in one county, and, as such, has special meaning for Rockbridge residents. As far back as 1969, there was talk of recognizing the river through a yet-to-be established Virginia Scenic Rivers Program. Beginning in early 2019, a passionate group of citizens began campaigning to have a portion of the Maury designated as a state scenic river. They shared information with neighbors and sought buy-in. They requested support and assistance from the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors. They also joined forces with the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council, which had a similar vision for the Maury.
Their efforts were successful. On July 1, 2020, a 19-mile segment of the Maury officially will become part of the Virginia Scenic Rivers System. It begins at the headwaters and extends to the Furrs Mill Road bridge.
“The scenery and wildlife here offer something new every day,” said David Hopkins, a member of the informal 10-person committee that advocated for the Maury’s designation.
Hopkins and his wife have lived for a decade at the confluence of the Maury and Cedar Grove Creek, a location that is integral to county history. Two-hundred years ago, it was known as Cedar Grove Mills, a busy commercial center where goods were transported via batteaux.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s scenic river report on the Maury mentions a number of plantation homes, old churches, monuments and other historic features dotting the riverbanks.
“As part of the Scenic Maury Committee, we sought local support to recognize the river’s unique historic and natural beauty,” Hopkins said. “Its new status as a part of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program will help to maintain the scenic character for the future.”
The waters of the Maury run mostly clear, benefiting from the protections of adjacent public lands such as Goshen-Little North Mountain Wildlife Management Area and the Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve.
The Rockbridge Area Conservation Council and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation also work in the area to maintain water quality and protect land.
The landscape has inspired countless artists and photographers, including famed Barcelona-born painter Pierre Daura, who resided at Rockbridge Baths during the mid-20th century. Several of his paintings depict the Maury’s serene surroundings. Hopkins received a reproduction of “Yellow Trees,” which proudly hangs in his home, while the original oil on canvas is kept in the collection of the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, Georgia.
To many in the community, the Maury checked all the boxes necessary for state scenic status. A memo from the committee urging the board to signal support reads:
Throughout its length flowing through the entire county, it does in fact possess “outstanding scenic, recreational, historic and natural characteristics” of “significance.” It has been featured prominently recently in the nation’s National Gallery of Art. More importantly, it has connected us all and generations of Rockbridge natives and visitors to one another and to something larger.
Legislation adding the Maury River to the Virginia Scenic Rivers System was sponsored by Del. Ronnie R. Campbell and Sen. Creigh Deeds. Gov. Ralph Northam signed approval on March 23, 2020.
