This is an amazing story of progress! The Rappahannock River is one of the natural jewels of our region, flowing from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. But for years, public access to the river was extremely limited in the Piedmont region (the only public entry point was at Kelly’s Ford in Culpeper County).
Recognizing the disconnect, The Piedmont Environmental Council and Friends of the Rappahannock have been working with partners including John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District, Fauquier County Parks & Recreation, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to make public access to the Rappahannock a reality for all who want to share in its bounty. In the past two years alone, three new boat launches have opened in Fauquier County, making it easier to put a canoe or kayak in the water, take a swim, fish, or just sit and enjoy the beautiful river flowing by!
The three new boat launches, at Riverside Preserve, Rector Tract in Remington, and C.F. Phelps WMA, move us closer to a shared goal of an upper Rappahannock River water trail system, which would open up public access to the Rappahannock River not just in Fauquier, but in Culpeper and Rappahannock counties, too.
Waterways are at the beating heart of many communities and ecosystems, supplying drinking water and recreational opportunities in addition to healthy habitat for fish and other wildlife. We’re so excited to see how these river access projects help bring folks closer to nature, boost public health and encourage a conservation ethic.
Want a waterproof printed guide of the access points? @river_friends is taking pre-orders for the updated Upper Rappahannock River Water Trail Guide! Learn more at riverfriends.org.
Thanks to our incredible partners:
Remington Community Partnership
Virginia Environmental Endowment
A. Morton Thomas & Associates
And resident volunteers!
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