The Chessie Nature Trail parallels the river to form a seven-mile (11 km) linear park between Buena Vista and Lexington.
The rail trail winds through scenic mixed hardwood forests and open pastures along the river.
Other notable parks along the river include Goshen Pass, Jordan's Point in Lexington, Ben Salem Wayside, and Glenn Maury Park in Buena Vista.

State-owned public lands along the river include the Goshen and Little North Mountain Wildlife Management Area and the Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve.

The river is enjoyed by residents and visitors through swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and floating downstream in inner tubes.
The river is largely wide and shallow, typically less than three feet (0.91 m) deep with occasional deep holes.
The upper portion of the river includes class II, III and IV rapids.
Below Jordan's Point in Lexington, the river is mainly a float trip with Class I and II rapids to the James River at Glasgow.
Electric or gasoline-powered boats are rarely used beyond a few areas of slack water upstream of dams.
The Chessie Nature Trail parallels the river to form a seven-mile (11 km) linear park between Buena Vista and Lexington. The rail trail winds through scenic mixed hardwood forests and open pastures along the river. Other notable parks along the river include Goshen Pass, Jordan's Point in Lexington, Ben Salem Wayside, and Glenn Maury Park in Buena Vista.
State-owned public lands along the river include the Goshen and Little North Mountain Wildlife Management Area and the Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve.
The river is enjoyed by residents and visitors through swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and floating downstream in inner tubes. The river is largely wide and shallow, typically less than three feet (0.91 m) deep with occasional deep holes. The upper portion of the river includes class II, III and IV rapids. Below Jordan's Point in Lexington, the river is mainly a float trip with Class I and II rapids to the James River at Glasgow. Electric or gasoline-powered boats are rarely used beyond a few areas of slack water upstream of dams.
Maury River