Nottoway River — Stony Creek: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Nottoway River · Flatwater · Virginia
Current verdict
High — use caution — rising fast
Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.
USGS gauge 02045500 · updated Jul 9, 7:30 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Flatwater
- Length
- 10 mi
- Float time
- ~5 hr
- Best months
- March–November
- Put-in
- Rt 40 / Stony Creek access
- Take-out
- Cutbank / Rt 653 access
Reading USGS gauge 02045500 — NOTTOWAY RIVER NEAR STONY CREEK, VA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Nottoway River — Stony Creek?
This section is generally runnable at 60–3,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Nottoway River levels?
We read USGS gauge 02045500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Nottoway River — Stony Creek good for beginners?
This is a flatwater section — no rapids under normal levels — so it's beginner-friendly when the gauge is in range. High water changes everything: cold, fast water is dangerous for anyone.
When is the best time to paddle Nottoway River here?
Typically March–November, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Nottoway River — Stony Creek?
This reach is about 10 miles, roughly 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.