Scenic Rivers in Virginia

in 2021, there were 37 designated river segments in Virginia's Scenic River System
in 2021, there were 37 designated river segments in Virginia's Scenic River System
Source: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Natural Heritage Data Explorer

The first "Scenic River" in Virginia was designated in 1972. By 2021, there were 37 designated segments. Rivers having more than one part designated as a unit of the Scenic River System included the Clinch, Dan, and James rivers. The North Mayo and South Mayo rivers are included as separate units, as are segments of the North Meherrin and Meherrin rivers.1

The system was expanded to add 110 miles in 2020 and eighty-five miles in 2021:2

2020
Clinch River Extension
Grays Creek
Maury River
Middle James River
Pound River
Staunton River Extension
2021
South River
Rappahannock River Extension

Nature-Oriented Tourism

Rivers of Virginia

designation limits potential actions by state and Federal agencies, but imposes no restrictions on private landowners
designation limits potential actions by state and Federal agencies, but imposes no restrictions on private landowners
Source: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Scenic Rivers 50th anniversary brochure (2020)

Links

References

1. "Scenic Rivers in Virginia," Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/srmap; "Virginia Scenic Rivers Program," Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, July 2020, https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/document/srlist.pdf (last checked July 1, 2021)
2. "Minutes," Board of Conservation and Recreation, June 24, 2021, p.7, https://townhall.virginia.gov/l/GetFile.cfm?File=meeting\20\32409\Minutes_DCR_32409_v2.pdf (last checked July 13, 2021)

Parks, Forests, Tourism in Virginia
Virginia Places