Rockfish River

Rockfish River

Photo credit: Nobtyer

The Details

The Rockfish River is formed in Nelson County, Virginia, by the confluence of its North and South Forks (37°54′13″N 78°49′58″W), both of which rise in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. It flows generally southeastwardly through northern Nelson County; in its lower course the river is used to define the boundary between Nelson and Albemarle counties. It enters the James River from the northwest on the common boundary of the two counties, about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Scottsville.

North Fork: Goodwins Creek to Rockfish River (Rt. 600 and Rt. 6)
5.5 mile distance, normally canoeable only in the winter, with average canoeable days 10-12/yr.

Difficulty 1-2. Good scenery. Hazards: low-water bridge, underwater bridge, trees and fences blocking the stream/ many portages/liftovers required. Takeout along Rt. 6 or at Rt. 634 bridge which crosses the river.

South Fork Rockfish River – Elk Hill Baptist Church (Nellysford) to Rockfish River (Rt. 151 to Rt. 6)
5 mile distance, normally canoeable in the winter, with average canoeable days 12-15/yr.

Difficulty 1-2. Very good scenery, and a pleasant paddle. Hazards: multi-strand barbed wire fences.