Chickahominy State Scenic River

The normally calm Chickahominy River can become difficult to handle when flooded.

Photo credit Kyle LaFerriere

Chickahominy River duck hunt with dogs

Duck hunt on Chickahominy River.

A duck hunt at dawn on the Chickahominy River.

The Chickahominy is normally a small, sluggish river that begins northwest of Richmond and runs along the border between Henrico and Hanover counties before turning south and flowing into the James. However, after periods of rain, the Chickahominy can expand into a swamp as much as a mile wide, and it famously became an obstacle during Union General George B. McClellan’s failed attempt to capture Richmond in 1862.

The designated segment is just 10.2 miles long, ending at the New Kent County line, but the river goes on to form Chickahominy Lake at Walker’s Dam. Both the river and lake are known for good fishing above and below the dam.

Learn more about Virginia’s Scenic Rivers Program that boasts more than 1,000 miles of waterways through the Commonwealth. 

tricia pearsall
Tricia Pearsall is a past contributor to Virginia Living.
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