Rockfish River Restoration

The Virginia Department of Transportation. has recently completed the major work of restoring 2 miles of the Rockfish River to control water flow and recreate natural riverine features. This work is mediation for the impact on streams of construction of the Amherst bypass. The project aims to return this section of river, altered by the Corps of Engineers after Hurricane Camille in 1969, to a more natural state. The river now flows slower, with well-designed falls and self-scouring swimming holes. The river also has more stable banks and a floodplain designed to properly handle large flows.

The area around the river has been seeded with riparian plants. Soon 10,000 native trees and shrubs will be planted along the banks. VDOT is required to maintain and monitor the section for 7 years to ensure it naturalizes correctly.

The river restoration project has recieved a 2005 Scenic Virginia award for Most Creative Scenic Improvement

The Rockfish Valley Loop trail will provide public access to this stretch of river. Visit often to watch this project unfold over time!