The Cowpasture River flows through some of western Virginia’s most scenic, rural landscape. Beginning in Highland County, it flows south through Bath, Alleghany, and Botetourt Counties for over 80 miles. At Iron Gate, it joins the Jackson River to form the James River. People who experience the river, whether as residents or visitors, find that its beauty and peace remain with them always. The Association was formed in 1972 by lovers of the river to try to make sure the Cowpasture remains clean and healthy into the future for all who enjoy it.
How is the River Running?
View current and historical field observations of the Cowpasture and Bullpasture Rivers featuring water temperature, discharge, specific water conductance, peak streamflow, field measurements, field/lab water-quality samples and more.
Cowpasture: McKinney Hollow/Clifton Forge
Bullpasture: Williamsville/Bath County
The River Runs Newsletter
Our Winter 2026 edition of The River Runs is now available online. Click the cover to view the issue. In this edition:
Ø From the President
Ø Love Letters to the River
Ø Executive Assistant’s Corner
Ø In Memory of George Beckwith
Ø Watershed Monitoring Coordinator
Ø Thank You to Our Donors
Ø Vernal Pools Field Trip
Ø In Memory of Rachel Johnson
Ø Education Committee Update
Ø Online Auction Update
Ø Watershed Scale Physical Chemistry Monitoring 2013-2018
Environmental Data & Conservation Mapping
Environmental conditions monitoring including:
Ø Environmental Permits and Related Data
Ø Environmental Data Collection & Analysis
Ø Species Distributions
Ø County Boundaries, Parcels, & Zonin
Ø Conservation Lands
Ø Geology, Water, & Landcover
Ø Watershed Boundaries
Latest News
Wetlands Restoration in the Lower Cowpasture River Valley led by Michael Hayslett
Sunday, April 12, 2026Logistics will be shared with all confirmed registrants. Explore rare mountain wetlands and their fascinating aquatic wildlife. These special habitats are known as vernal pools, with Spring...
The River Runs – Winter 2026
Our Winter 2026 edition of The River Runs is now available online. Click the cover to view the issue. In this edition: Ø From the PresidentØ Love Letters to the RiverØ Executive...
Fall Walton Tract Clean-Up – Sat. Oct. 25
Join Us for Our FallWalton Tract Clean-UpSaturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m.Details:It's that time of year again when we join forces to collect litter along the Cowpasture River at our...Upcoming Events
Apr
12
Wetlands Restoration in the Lower Cowpasture River Valley led by Michael Hayslett
Sunday, April 12, 2026 Logistics will be shared with all confirmed registrants. Explore rare mountain wetlands and their fascinating aquatic...
May
03