Bullpasture

1. McDowell (Route 250) to Public Fishing Access (Rt. 678)(Valley Section)

DifficultyI-II
Length12 mi
Avg Gradient19 fpm
GaugeBullpasture River at Williamsville, Va
Flow Rate as of 1 hour
44 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedJuly 22, 2024

River Description

A scenic float with the last mile or so having some fun ledges that some running the gorge put on above in order to run.

There are a two strainers in the river in the ledge section one of which looks like it may require a portage (the last time I looked at it).

See the Bullpasture Gorge section for comments on access rights. Essentially like all VA streams you must be careful about usage. This area has had many access problems in the past and I know that a few people have been confronted by locals. I have heard that someone on the Cowpasture got arrested but I can't confirm that.

See Also:

Virginia Whitewater, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 235.

Exploring Virginia's Waterways, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 167.


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Hayfields State Park

Distance: 7.6 mi
Access Point

A new (2025) state park, Hayfields State Park, is located on Hayfields Lane. There is one mile of river in the park with the bridge about halfway in this mile. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hayfields

Take Out

Distance: 12.18 mi
Take Out

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