2024 Rapidan Civil War Paddle
Full-day Paddling Trips - Germanna Ford to Ely's Ford on the Rapidan River
The Overland Campaign, Over Water. Who, What, Where, When, How
The Overland Campaign, Over Water. Who, What, Where, When, How
The Rapidan River spring paddling season starts in late April and runs through late July/mid-August, depending on water levels.
The fall paddling season of September and October is also fantastic, especially when leaves are turning.
Our historical scholarship includes the Civil War, pre-contact indigenous Siouan and Algonquian communities like the Manahoac and Rappahannock tribes, and the Colonial Era. Ely's and Germanna fords are the sites of major crossings by the Federal Army during the 1863 Chancellorsville Campaign and the 1864 Overland Campaign.
We are also longtime environmental educators. Whatever your interest - wild edibles, birds, fish, current environmental issues - we can put together a customized experience for you.
The Rapidan River begins in Shenandoah National Park, near Syria, Virginia. Its Blue Ridge headwaters are home to native Brook Trout. Its confluence with the Rappahannock River is just below Ely's Ford. The stretch we paddle is shallow and home to Smallmouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, and - thanks to recent conservation efforts - increasing populations of Hickory Shad, Striped Bass, and American Eels.
Wildlife of the area includes Bald Eagles, Ospreys, hawk and owl species, and numerous songbirds. Birders are encouraged to bring binoculars and carefully-protected cameras.
The Overland Campaign, Over Water. Who, What, Where, When, How
The Overland Campaign, Over Water. Who, What, Where, When, How
The Overland Campaign, Over Water. Who, What, Where, When, How
We customize river adventures exploring the historic
Rapidan River.
River currents and rapids on this section of the Rapidan are moderate and suitable for beginner paddlers. The 8-mile trip will be a long day on the water, and far from emergency services, so make sure you and your companions have the fitness and stamina to spend the entire day outdoors.
Agenda:
8 a.m. meet-up at Ely's Ford boat ramp off Route 610 in Spotsylvania County, just west of Fredericksburg (Route 3). Park your car (ride-sharing encouraged) and the Virginia Outdoor Center will shuttle us upstream to Germanna Ford on Route 3.
We launch at 9, float downstream to Ely's Ford, and arrive back to our vehicles by 4 p.m.
What to bring:
Personal gear in a drybag, lunch, water, snacks, insect repellant, & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring river shoes that can get wet and will stay on your feet (no flip flops). This trip doesn't feature fishing, but we can plan a personalized fishing trip for you. Ask us!
Cost:
$165 per person for minimum of 12 attendees includes canoes, all paddling gear, and 2 guides.
Max # of attendees is 20 (based on 10 tandem canoes).
Contact us to customize your experience. We want to put your group on the water!
Must be 6 years or older to participate.
Kayaks are also an option; contact us for further details.