Rapidan
5. Ely Ford (Route 610) to Motts Run(Lower Rapidan)
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 14.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 8 fpm |
| Gauge | Rapidan River Near Culpeper, Va |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 0.74 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 28, 2025 |
River Description
Busy canoeing run through unspoiled land owned by the City of Fredricksburg to protect its water supply. This run takes you down 7 miles of the Rapidan and 8 miles of the Rappahannock with no alternate putins or takeouts above Motts Run.
The main Class II+ rapids are above and below the confluence with the Rappahannock.
See Also:
Classic Virginia Rivers, Ed Grove (1992 ed), p. 66.
Virginia Whitewater, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 170.
Exploring Virginia's Waterways, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 126.
River Features
Put In - Ely Ford (VA Rt 610)
Put In - Ely Ford (VA Rt 610)
Take Out - Motts Run (on the Rappahannock)
Take Out - Motts Run (on the Rappahannock)
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportAndy Harrell running far left slot at Rivanna Mills, May 21, 2008.
Andy Harrell running far left slot at Rivanna Mills, May 21, 2008.
Ed Evangelidi testifies:
This classic trip is a tiring run as the lower section is fairly flat and susceptible to headwind. There is an outfitter at the T.O. [Clore Brothers (540) 786-7749] that can help with shuttles or other river needs. Below the confluence you cross both civil war river crossings and the east coast gold mining belt.