Maury
1. Goshen Pass (Route 39) to Rockbridge Baths(Goshen Pass)
| Difficulty | III+(IV) |
| Length | 5.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 48 fpm |
| Gauge | Maury River at Rockbridge Baths, Va |
| Flow Rate as of 22 minutes | 72 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 29, 2025 |
River Description
The 'Goshen Pass' section of the Maury River is probably the most 'Classic' of Virginia's whitewater streams. Quality rapids for the intermediate or advanced paddler, outstanding scenery, and easy roadside access options combine to make Goshen the complete package for boaters in the Old Dominion. Add relatively reliable flows and you've got the makings of a great paddling destination. This river is the 'bread and butter' run for most paddlers in western and central Virginia. You can often show up and find folks to paddle with even for mid-week, after-work laps.
This run is almost entirely a roadside trip. Route 39 runs basically beside the river for almost all of the run. Above Indian Pool the land is state property - the Goshen Pass Wildlife Management Area. This land is preserved for all us all to enjoy through funds obtained through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. There is private land below Indian Pool, but still plenty of access. Walking, jogging, biking, or bumming a shuttle are options. Put-in and take-out options abound.
Since 2007, this section of the Maury River has hosted an grassroots annual downriver race. The Goshen Race typically occurs the first weekend in March in which there is flow over 600 cfs by 6 a.m. (Unless there is good local creeking going on!) If sufficient water is not available that weekend, the race automatically falls back to the next weekend with 600 cfs or more. The race starts at high noon above Undercut Rock rapid.
Trip Description:
It goes a little something like this:
'Undercut Rock': The first notable rapid, immediately below the 'lappers' put-in. A large undercut boulder rests near the right bank with most of the river passing to the left over an almost-river-wide 2' ledge. Most boaters run one of several lines down the river-left. The large undercut has had wood stuck up in it's maw for almost all of 10 years now.
...River Features
Put-In - Goshen Pass (Route 39)
Put-in - Goshen Pass (VA Route 39). The traditional put-in is at the swinging bridge at the head of the Pass (access permit required). To reach this area head west on Rt. 39 through the Pass; you'll see Laurel Run picnic area on your right. Drive about 1-1.5 miles past the picnic area and then begin looking for a gravel road heading off to the right. The road is immediately after the river swings away from the road. Turn right onto the gravel road and drive about 100 yards. There is a large dirt parking area here. Plenty of other options available.
Take-Out - Rockbridge Baths
Take-out - Rockbridge Baths. The old-school take-out behind the post office along Rt. 39 in Rockbridge Baths will allow you to run the entire section. Parking is on the side of the road (northbound) across from the post office.
Most folks choose a shorter option. Proceeding upriver, the other take-out options are as follows: The Ledges, The Springs, Indian Pool, and Laurel Run Picnic Area. Bite off as much as you want; or do laps on the meat of the run.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportRowed 13ft Aire raft from the swinging bridge to Alone Mill bridge on 2/9/25 in 3.5 hours. Flows of 2000 cfs and dropping. Some big waves but still boney and technical. Went far right in Devils Kitchen and it was not very smooth, but still made it down fine. Quite a few large logs on that side. Epic run in a beautiful place. Would row again at probably 2500-3000+
Paddled in a cataraft today @ 2000cfs. Great trip. Probably the minimum level needed for our 14' Aire. Can't wait to do it again.
The putin was easy but the takeout had a very steep bank. Instead we took out just below Indian Pond at Island Ln. Missed the last few rapids but had an easier time getting out.
View down the river right lines on Devils Kitchen just downstream of house rock. ~550cfs
View down through the Kitchen from Cadillac Eddy on river left ~550cfs
This river is awesome and starts to approach amazing at the 3,000+ cfs levels. Big fun.
Alone Mill
The annual Goshen Pass Race is the first weekend in March with flows of 600 cfs or higher.
March, 1997. Gordon at 'The Schoolbus Boof', Goshen Pass, VA
Double splat, 'Wigwam' rock, Goshen.
Ran this at around 400 cfs on 11-16-09. I wouldn't recommend running Goshen Pass at a lower level than that. The margins running through Devil's Kitchen are extremely tight and the rapids below what I call 'Wall Rapid' are so rocky you can barely get through. No doubt Devil's Kitchen gets somewhat easier at higher flows as the passages open up a bit.