Recreation
Things to do on the South River in Virginia
The South River in Virginia offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and birdwatching.
The South River begins as a small, meandering stream, but large springs increase the flow as it approaches the City of Waynesboro. Portions of the watershed are near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, the Appalachian Trail, Grand Caverns, and other tourist destinations.
That’s just one of the reasons why fishing there has become a destination for locals and visitors alike. (Stocking trout doesn’t hurt either!)
Fishing
Both warm-water and cold-water fishing opportunities are available within the watershed, and bass catches include smallmouth bass, rock bass and even a few largemouth bass. The South River in Virginia is a destination for fishing for anglers from the entire region. Find out what makes our area special for yourself!
In addition to fishing, the South River is a popular location for canoeing and kayaking. The Waynesboro Water Trail is a four-mile journey on the South River, with boat ramps at Ridgeview, Basic, Rife and North Parks.
Apart from consuming fish (other than stocked trout) caught from the river, the South River is safe to fish, boat, swim or float. By promoting watershed health, the South River Watershed Coalition aims to ensure that the South River remains a vital ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
Visit the Advisory page for information about eating fish caught in the South River Watershed.
Events
Check out our events page for a list of all upcoming events and activities of the Coalition, including the annual Riverfest in Waynesboro.