Vegan Events / Join VSDC: Summer Rafting on the Potomac River (Class II Whitewater)
Join VSDC: Summer Rafting on the Potomac River (Class II Whitewater)
Saturday, July 18, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT
Held at Brunswick C&O boat launch, Past park and ride, down to Potomac, Brunswick, MD, Brunswick, MD
Hosted by Veg Society of DC
*—When paddling down a beautiful river, in kind company, surrounded by a living wild landscape and feeling the flow of current, joy stirs freely and friendship unfolds naturally. Together, we let the river guide our way. Join us for this special adventure.*
Join [VSDC](vsdc.org) and friends for a full-day, plant-powered rafting trip on one of the most beautiful stretches of the iconic Potomac River!
Led by Jeff Cogle of Appalachian Guidance, this 8.5-mile guided journey combines class II whitewater, calm scenic paddling, wildlife viewing, river education, rejuvenating movement, and optional post-rafting dinner at Kelley Farm Kitchen.
We’ll start with a meet and greet and an easy full-body warm-up along the C&O canal of the Potomac. This will include gentle yoga and qi gong techniques designed for optimal spinal movement and relaxed breathing.
We’ll then shuttle together to where we will first embark on a popular class II section that is upstream from Washington DC, and meanders through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. commonly known as “The Needles” due to the uniquely formed rock patterns. This first section offers a joyous but reasonably gentle selection of rapids, and is a favorite among local boaters. Instead of exiting the river where the commercial raft trips usually end, we will continue on down a far less commonly paddled section, which generally only private boaters have the opportunity to paddle. This minimally trafficked section boasts giant eagles’ nests in trees above, with a great variety of surrounding wildlife. The beauty and peacefulness makes this section a true local treasure. This second section is mostly flat water with a few class I and II rapids along the way.
We will paddle both sections at a leisurely pace while sharing snacks, stopping for a swim if inspired, taking time to spot local wildlife, and learn some of the river’s history.
Jeff will also teach us about important hydrological features, paddling strokes, and raft-guidin