Rivers, lakes & waterways

The primary waterway serving Charlottesville is the **Rivanna River**, which borders the eastern edge of the city. The river is a focal point for water-based recreation, including kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and tubing during the warm summer months. The **Ragged Mountain Reservoir** provides a stunning backdrop for hiking and nature observation, though swimming is prohibited to protect the water supply. In neighboring Albemarle County, Chris Greene Lake and Walnut Creek Park offer accessible beaches and calm waters for swimming and boating.