Bullpasture, Virginia, US
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Public Fishing Access (Rt. 678) to Cowpasture River (Bullpasture Gorge)
| Usual Difficulty |
III+(IV) (for normal flows) |
| Length |
4 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient |
45 fpm |
Photo#9271
Photo taken 11/26/04 @ 550 cfs
Gauge Information
River Description
The gorge is a very fun section, good for intermediates or someone who just enjoys class III fun in
a scenic gorge. The rapids become more difficult the further into the gorge you get so it gives
those who are stepping up to class III runs a chance to warm up. It's a step down from the Goshen
Pass section of the Maury (a near by run) but it remains fun, fairly busy and runs pretty
often.
Map (I hope, let me know if it stops working): Click
Putin:
The putin is located at public fishing access just off Rt. 678 northwest of Williamsville. Heading
north on 678 from Williamsville look for Mill run (a small creek) to pass under the road after you
leave the gorge. Just after the creek (within 50 yards or so) look to the right and the road to the
fishing access should be seen (there's no sign as of this writing). If you get to where the river
is road side you've gone too far.
Takeout:
Most people take out at the Rt. 614 bridge, there's a small parking lot there off Rt. 678 next to
the bridge. It's possible to continue down from here to the confluence with the Cowpasture. There's
a swinging bridge there with a parking lot (go down Rt. 628 to get to the swinging bridge).
Access:
Generally the access hasn't been a problem the river is heavily used by trout fishermen who use all
of the above access points to wade up and down the river. It is however a good idea to always be
careful and not to do anything that would anger any residents. I know that the cowpasture has had
it's access problems north of the confluence with the Bullpasture so like most any Virginia river
be careful or risk access.
I'm waiting for the next rains to bring up the water so I can add some pictures and attach the
rapid descriptions to them.
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2009-04-06 21:08:53
S-Turn
Maggie at Double Ledge
False Falls Close up
User Comments
drastically from S-Turns to Double ledge. The rock gardens in between the two become formidable
rapids in their own right. I would consider this area one long continuous rapid with breaks here
and there. Be ready for big holes/pour-overs and a serious workout. And make sure to scout Double
ledge, that boy gets massive!
partially blocking some rapids, but all easy to see and avoid.
end of the pool above Double Ledge. It Edit
ew, as of January 12 it had a dead deer wrapped around the end of it. It's easy to set safety
directly upstream with a rope (came in handy). Update: As of Feb 2 the strainer at the lip of the
double ledge drop was gone. Ken