Rappahannock River — Motts Landing to Fredericksburg: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Rappahannock River · Class II · 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 01668000 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class II
- Length
- 8 mi
- Float time
- ~4 hr
- Best months
- April–October
- Put-in
- Motts Landing (Rt 618)
- Take-out
- Old Mill Park, Fredericksburg
Reading USGS gauge 01668000 — RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Rappahannock River — Motts Landing to Fredericksburg?
This section is generally runnable at 300–5,000 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 Rappahannock River levels?
We read USGS gauge 01668000 — 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 Rappahannock River — Motts Landing to Fredericksburg good for beginners?
This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Rappahannock River here?
Typically April–October, 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 Rappahannock River — Motts Landing to Fredericksburg?
This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.