Fluvanna County offers a great way for active history lovers to enjoy a day on the water while experiencing the past.
A self-guided paddling tour, conceived of by locals, offers a unique history-by-kayak view of Colonial and Early Central Virginia through the lens of the Rivanna River. The tranquil 6.5-mile stretch from Crofton to Palmyra is accessible to paddlers of all skill levels, featuring tree-lined straight stretches of river, frequent animal sitings, interesting geology, and remnants of an earlier time on the river.
The Rivanna River has a rich history—it was Virginia’s first Designated Scenic River and is the largest tributary of the Upper James River. Thomas Jefferson’s public service career began taking shape right here, with his efforts to improve navigation on this small but vital waterway. In fact, the Fluvanna County Historical Society even captured its significance in the book Mr. Jefferson’s River.
Dams, locks, sluices, and other improvements manipulated water levels, allowing canoes, batteaux, and canal boats to make their way on the shallow river. While most of those features have disappeared over time, some are still visible.
Generations of enslaved people were the primary labor force: For the extensive engineering projects required to re-route rivers; For the intense and dangerous work of piloting primitive boats and for growing the fields of tobacco and other cash crops that became the valuable cargo being moved up and down Virginia’s system of waterways.
To share the river’s engineering and cultural history, as well as its beauty, a group of Fluvanna locals have developed a GPS-enabled map– a historical kayak tour. The paddle route notes more than a dozen points of interest where you may find the remnants or lasting impacts of improvements—adding a fascinating historical layer to your next water adventure.
The map was the capstone project for a group of graduates of the Fluvanna Leadership Development Program. Nick Canada, Pat BeersBlock, Barbara Haines, Dewey Haines, and Martha Lindauer collaborated with the Fluvanna County Historical Society to flesh out the details of each location on the list, and the key information to educate about the various eras of Rivanna travel.
Check out the initial version of the historical kayak tour map here.
Plans are now taking shape to build on this resource with more developed map options and a defined marketing effort. In support of the concept, Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded a Destination Marketing Organization Marketing Leverage Grant to the Fluvanna County Economic Development Department.
Future versions of the map will also integrate the 22 miles of trails at Pleasant Grove Park, the 925-acre county property is located at the end of the paddle. The trails are great for hiking and one of the state’s best locations for mountain biking. Another component of the grant project will be the creation of more resources to help encourage more visitors to Fluvanna County, including a local dining guide and lodging directory.
Although this work is ongoing, the opportunity to experience the river and the past is already available. Fluvanna County Parks and Recreation (FCPR) offers an occasional Historical Rivanna Float. Led by Brian Coffield, historian and boatsman, paddlers enjoy hours of interesting information about the earliest days of river travel and commerce.
Want to take the paddle on your own? Bring your own kayak or FCPR offers kayaks for rent at the Pleasant Grove House, at a cost of $25 a day or $60 for the weekend (with a $200 deposit). Paddlers who plan to take advantage of the offer, should reserve their kayaks at least a week or more in advance to ensure availability, using this link.
Pleasant Grove Museum offers exhibits and artifacts of the history of the river in Fluvanna. The museum’s staff members are knowledgeable about the history of the river and the region, and they can provide fun and engaging commentary about the topics in a conversational way. If you’re looking for even more history, right next door is the Farm Heritage Museum, where visitors can learn about the agricultural traditions of the area.
Fluvanna County has several other places of historical interest. Learn more HERE.
Must-Dos while visiting Pleasant Grove
- Cunningham Creek Winery is located just minutes from the park, in the renowned Monticello AVA — widely celebrated as one of the best wine-growing regions in the world. Their wines have been earning accolades at the prestigious Monticello Cup, and a recent article in Wine Enthusiast places Cunningham Creek near the top with the industry’s most celebrated names. Cunningham Creek has now added beer, making it Fluvanna County’s first brewery. Their impressive lineup of craft beers is well worth a visit.
- Meat lovers will want to check out Wahoo BBQ, where the smoker is always cranking, or Grass and Grain, where you can experience farm-fresh meat cooked to perfection.
- Local Eats, a unique and vegan-friendly spot. It’s part cozy short-order kitchen, with delicious, locally-sourced meals; part local-only retail food market sells those same fresh ingredients– and many more.
- Across the street from Pleasant Grove is Fruit Hill Orchard, a top regional draw during apple season. But this family-run farm market is a gem all year long, with plenty of activities for kids and a friendly, welcoming vibe.