Paddle, Relax, Enjoy

Fluvanna’s stretch of the Rivanna was Virginia’s first designated historic scenic river. Spend a few miles on it, and you will understand why! Accessible to paddlers of all skill levels, you’ll experience tree-lined straight stretches of river, frequent animal sightings, interesting geology, and remnants of an earlier time on the river.

By Land and by Sea

Pleasant Grove Park is the perfect destination for your Rivanna paddling excursion– and then some!

The 900-acre riverfront park features more than 20 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Learn more about what makes Pleasant Grove Park special.

Historical Self-Guided Paddle Map

Created by locals, this self-guided paddle offers a unique view of Colonial and Early Central Virginia over 6.5 tranquil miles of the Rivanna River.

Even More History to Explore!

Want to learn more before or after your paddle? Check out the Pleasant Grove House Museum & Visitor Center. Travel back in time and learn about efforts in early Virginia to improve navigation on the Rivanna and James rivers through dams, locks, sluices, and canals.

And don’t miss the Farm Heritage Museum, right next door!

Quick Tips: Paddling & Pleasant Grove

• Locals frequently put in at Crofton Boat Ramp and exit the river at Palmyra Boat Launch, a river distance of about 6.5 miles.

• Once you end your trip in Palmyra you are adjacent to Pleasant Grove Park, Fluvanna’s destination for outdoor fun. See below for park offerings.

• Looking to rent a kayak to take on the Rivanna? Fluvanna County Parks and Rec has you covered. Visit their page HERE for information about kayak rentals.

Eastern Trailhead

The Eastern Trailhead of Pleasant Grove is adjacent to the Palmyra Boat Launch where most boaters exit the river and end their float. That portion of Pleasant Grove Park features:

• Large dog park (more info)

• Picnic shelters and meadows

• Access to the park’s trail network (more info on trails)

• Primitive bathrooms

• Access to the Sandy Beach and Rivanna River frontage

Main Entrance

The main entrance to Pleasant Grove Park is packed with a variety of attractions and activities. Amenities include:

• More Parking

• Access to more of the trail network

• Public restrooms

• Bike Repair Station

• Visitor Center and Museums

Address: 271 Pleasant Grove Dr, Palmyra, VA 22963

What else is there to do at Pleasant Grove?

Trails are open for hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding
Park features extensive frontage on the Rivanna River, Virginia’s first designated scenic river.
Sandy Beach, Kayak/Canoe, fish and more.
Visit the Farm Heritage Museum
Visit the Pleasant Grove House Museum & Visitor Center

Must-Dos while visiting Palmyra

• 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. 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 nearly all year long, with plenty of activities for kids and a friendly, welcoming vibe.