Overview:
The Robinson begins as a scenic mountain creek formed by Whiteoak Run and Cedar Run in Shenandoah National Park, and grows much larger with the addition of the Rose River just east of the Park. It flows through Madison County before joining the Rapidan near Orange, just a few miles west of Route 15. The Robinson emerges from one of the most scenic valleys in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, and passes through some of Virginia’s prettiest farmland.
Recommended Trips:
- (short day trip) Banco to Rt 29
- (day trip) Rt 29 to Rt 15
Directions to Put Ins and Take Outs:
View Robinson River in a larger map
Rt 29: There is a high quality put in along VDOT right of way on River Road/Rt 636, which heads west from Rt 29 immediately on the south side of the river. Follow Rt 636 west from Rt 29 for a couple hundred yards; there is a small parking area before Rt 636 turns south up a hill.
Lillards Ford/Rt 607: Lillards Ford connects Rt 634/Oak Park Rd and Route 29 north of the town of Madison.
Route 15: Park on the west side of the road, north side of the river; the Rt 15 crossing of the Robinson is only a mile or so south of the Culpeper/Madison county line. One can take out under the bridge and carry up on the west side of the road, north side of the river. Except for a 10 foot section of large rock ballast, this is a decent unofficial put in. Be sure to leave a visible note saying that one is canoeing. Or, for easier access put in and park alongside Rt 721, a small gravel road that intersects the Robinson just north of Rt 15.
Sections of River to Run:
Banco to Rt 29: This is a pretty 5 mile trip that requires wet spring conditions or a good rain to run. Shortly after the put in there is a series of class 2 ledges. Take care to avoid the concrete lip on river left, which appears to have been installed to prevent the Robinson from washing Rt 609 away. After these ledges the Robinson loses gradient, and except for regular gravel bars does not have any rapids of note. This trip takes less than three hours at all but the lowest water conditions, and is a good choice in combination with other nearby streams during wet conditions. 6 feet is a reasonable minimum on the Locust Dale gauge of the Robinson, or perhaps 300 cfs.
Rt 29 to Rt 607/Lillards Ford: For the first few miles of this trip there are surprisingly high banks, perhaps because of a defunct dam. From the river you will see an old dam house from a hundred yards away or more, from which point it is not obvious if there is passage through the dam. Only when you are about 50 feet from the dam does it become clear that the far right portion of the dam was removed, and that there is fairly safe passage on river right. Be aware that at higher water levels the dam will probably back up some water, creating potentially turbulent conditions around and downstream of the dam. Immediately following the dam is a small rock garden, so at medium to higher water levels expect a class 2 rapid immediately after the dam. After the dam the banks and riparian buffers appear much healthier, and scenery generally improves. It only takes a couple hours to canoe from Rt 29 to Lillards Ford. 100 cfs is the bare minimum water level for this and the next section of the Robinson.
Rt 607/Lillards Ford to Rt 15: There is no longer a ford at Lillards Ford, but instead a low water bridge. At low water levels (around 100 cfs), it is possible to canoe under this bridge, but higher water levels would require a portage. The good scenery continues for most of this part of the river, which takes three hours or so to paddle at a moderate pace. There are not hazards on this stretch of river except for a possible strainer
Rt 15 to Rapidan:
For the first few miles the Robinson follows Rt 721, a small gravel road with little traffic. This section of river is attractive, with riffles, islands, and wildlife. Approximately halfway to the town of Rapidan the Robinson passes under Route 614, and a couple miles later joins the Rapidan at a remote and attractive confluence. The Rapidan will flatten out and become sluggish in the vicinity of a rail bridge near the town of Rapidan. Look for the takeout along the bank on river right above the dam and old mill. Not that this is a not a great takeout, with inconvenient access and parking.
