South (Rapidan trib)
South River Chuch (Rt. 638) to Rt. 619
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 40 fpm |
| Gauge | Rapidan River Near Ruckersville, Va |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 47 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 1, 2024 |
River Description
The South River is one of three very comparable Rapidan watershed river sections that can be scouted from Route 230. The other two nearby rivers are the Conway, also known as the Middle Fork, and the Rapidan itself.
Start your trip by scouting from the Rt. 230 bridge. There is an RC gauge on the downstream side of the bridge. A zero level on this gauge is sufficient for both the upstream and the downstream sections.
This river uses its gradient very consistently to provide lots of Class II rapids. You also get lots of creeky challenges like low water bridges and strainers galore. At the beginning the rapids are pretty much continuous. Even though the gradient slows down a bit, there is plenty to keep you thinking for the whole nine mile run.
Doing all 9 miles can be somewhat of a mild epic, so you could break it up and just do the top half by taking out at Rt. 230 even though the takeout isn't much here.
See Also:
Virginia Whitewater, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 184.
Exploring Virginia's Waterways, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 146.
River Features
Put In
The putin can be reached from 230 by heading north on 621, which turns into 637. There is a white church at the intersection of 637 and 638. There is parking here and a decent putin.
Take Out
To run all 9 miles, set your shuttle by proceeding east from the Rt. 230 bridge for approximately one mile. Turn right on 619 and go for 2-3 miles to where a bridge crosses the South. The South runs into the Rapidan about a mile below this point.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportTried to run 3/20/09. Gauge read 2.98 on AW, but there was only a few inches of water in creek and it was completely unrunnable. Gauge may be stuck. Make sure other rivers in area are running as well before attempting this run.
copy link for a video of this run...........