in 2021, there were 37 designated river segments in Virginia's Scenic River System
Source: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Natural Heritage Data Explorer
The first "Scenic River" in Virginia was designated in 1972. By 2021, there were 37 designated segments. Rivers having more than one part designated as a unit of the Scenic River System included the Clinch, Dan, and James rivers. The North Mayo and South Mayo rivers are included as separate units, as are segments of the North Meherrin and Meherrin rivers.1
The system was expanded to add 110 miles in 2020 and eighty-five miles in 2021:2
designation limits potential actions by state and Federal agencies, but imposes no restrictions on private landowners
Source: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Scenic Rivers 50th anniversary brochure (2020)