Overview:
The Rush River drains Big Devils Stairs, Little Devils Stairs, North Marshall Mountain, and The Peak in Shenandoah National Park. After passing by the tiny enclave of Washington, it descends rapidly to the Covington and Thornton Rivers. The Rush, along with the Covington, Thornton, Hazel, and Hughes Rivers, is one of the most scenic watersheds in the Piedmont, with spectacular views of mountains and farms.
Recommended Trips:
Hunters Road/Route 621 to Rock Mills: One could put in higher up, either on Route 626 just downstream of Route 211, or on Old Route 211, just upstream of the four lane Route 211, but the section from Hunters Road to Rock Mills runs more frequently and is wide enough that strainers should be infrequent. This trip only takes an hour or so with adequate water.
Directions to Put Ins and Take Outs:
View Rush River in a larger map
Hunters Road/Route 621: Park on the narrow shoulder and put in along a small tributary on the downstream side of the road.
Rock Mills: Park along the road on the south side of the Thornton River, not on the grassy area that is posted on the north side of the road. Be aware that the large gravel bar sometimes washes over, so do not park there.
Sections of the River to Run:
Hunters Road/Route 621 to Rock Mills: There are no rapids higher than a low class 2 on this run, which has excellent scenery and fast moving water. The gradient is not quite as steep as the parallel section of the Covington, and the drops aren’t quite as high. Be watchful for strainers, as there are a couple blind turns on this stretch that should be scouted. Also, be aware that the bridge at the takeout may have water come up near it in very heavy rains, and cannot be seen through the sycamores growing on the gravel bar just upstream of it, so I recommend taking out on the gravel bar upstream of the bridge, at least to scout the confluence.
