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    5. Paddle the Rivanna River South Fork From Charlottesville
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    Paddle the Rivanna River South Fork From Charlottesville

    Paddle the Rivanna South Fork with shuttle service and Class I–II rapids

    From$51/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    3.5 hours to 4.5 hours

    Includes

    Shuttle service, Paddling trip

    Highlights

    Explore the South Fork of the Rivanna River on a 3.5–4.5 hour paddle from South Fork Dam to Free Bridge. Follow winding bends, calm pools, and Class I and II rapids as the river meets the North Fork.

    • Launch below the reservoir dam and paddle to Free Bridge
    • Navigate serene pools with several Class I rapids and three Class II rapids
    • Choose a canoe, single kayak, or tandem sit-on-top kayak
    • Ride the provided shuttle at the beginning or end of your trip
    • Watch for scenery along woods and fields bordering the river
    • Start with a guided trip if you are new to this section of the Rivanna

    What's Included

    • Shuttle service
    • One dry bag per group

    Things to know

    Minimum age is 6. All participants must be able to swim. Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals with a heel strap; no flip flops or bare feet.

    Cancellation Policy

    Self-guided trips: full refund with 48 hours notice. Guided trips or custom trips: cancel/change at least 72 hours in advance for a refund. No-shows are charged full price. If RRC cancels due to dangerous weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you receive a full refund.

    FAQs

    Yes. All participants must be able to swim.

    Plan to get wet. Wear a bathing suit or shorts, a shirt with sleeves for sun protection, and a hat with a brim. Choose non-cotton clothing if possible. Wear tennis shoes, water shoes, or sturdy sandals with heel straps—no flip flops or bare feet.

    Bring at least one cell phone per group for safety, plus sunscreen, sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and plenty of water and snacks. Optional items include insect repellent, a camera, a small cooler (fits on the back of the kayaks), and swim goggles or a snorkel mask. Bring any medications you might need (for example, Epi-Pens or inhalers).

    Meeting details

    1520 E. High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902,

    Experience provided by Rivanna River Company
    Experience provided by Rivanna River Company

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Report an issue

    Reference #NHDRKM

    Single Sit on Top Kayak

    $51.20

    Our preferred boat on the Rivanna River

    0

    Tandem Kayak Paddler

    $47.86

    This is a PER PERSON reservation. Total maximum weight limit for tandem kayaks is 325 lbs.

    0

    Canoe Paddler

    $47.86

    Our most dangerous vessel, previous experience required. This is a PER PERSON reservation.

    0

    Shuttle Only

    $34.50

    0

    Under 12 Tandem Kayak Paddler

    $40.07

    Under 12 years old. This is a PER PERSON reservation.

    0

    Under 12 Canoe Paddler

    $40.07

    Under 12 years old. This is a PER PERSON reservation.

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    Rivanna River Company offers a surprisingly diverse range of activities that guests consistently rave about. The sauna and cold plunge experiences at Riversong Saunas are clearly the standout, with visitors praising the beautifully designed facilities, thoughtful amenities like essential oils and lavender towels, and the incredible riverside setting. The staff earns repeated mentions for being welcoming, kind, and accommodating. Beyond the sauna offerings, you'll find kayak and tube rentals for lazy river days, with reliable shuttle service to pickup points. What makes this spot special is the genuine vibe people describe. Reviewers use words like "magical" and note it feels transported to somewhere cooler than its actual location. The little touches matter here: complimentary ginger lemon tea, cozy gathering areas with fire pits between sauna sessions, and staff who make group experiences memorable. One reviewer mentioned the venue also hosts concerts and bluegrass shows, adding another dimension to the property. The river itself runs calm and slow, perfect for relaxing float trips with a cooler in tow.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    My wife and I did the sauna experience and LOVED it. It was the highlight of an extended romantic weekend away. The staff was lovely and the whole experience was so relaxing. Loved doing the cold plunge with it too!

    Photo of Ben Johnson

    Ben Johnson

    March 14, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    My wife and I did the sauna experience and LOVED it. It was the highlight of an extended romantic weekend away. The staff was lovely and the whole experience was so relaxing. Loved doing the cold plunge with it too!

    Photo of Ben Johnson

    Ben Johnson

    March 14, 2026

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