Explore the Dragon Run

Discover Hidden Waters

Venture into the heart of Virginia’s middle peninsula to experience the Dragon Run, a serene wilderness celebrated for its outstanding ecological significance. Ranked highly by the Smithsonian Institution for its pristine condition within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, this remote waterway captivates with its tranquil waters, towering Cypress trees, and rich biodiversity. Accessible primarily through forested paths and private lands, its seclusion has preserved a thriving habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. As you paddle through this peaceful ecosystem, enjoy the natural beauty responsibly, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for future generations to cherish.

Explore

The Flora

of the Dragon Run

1. Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)
2. River Birch (Betula nigra)
3. Amer. or Eastern Mistletoe
(Phoradendron leucarpum)
4. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
5. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
6. Smooth Bur-marigold (Bidens laevis)
7. Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis
polypodioides)
8. Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris)
9. Water Stargrass (Heteranthera dubia)
10. Pink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium
acaule Aiton)
11. Arrow-arum (Peltandra virginica)
12. Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)
13. Virginia Blue Flag (Iris virginica)
14. Mosquito Fern (Azolla caroliniana)

15. Rose Azalea (Rhododendron
prinophyllum)
16. Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
17. Com. Spatterdock or Yellow Pond-lily
(Nuphar advena)
18. Amer. Featherfoil (Hottonia inflata)
19. Wild-celery or Tapegrass (Vallisneria
americana)
20. Com. Dodder (Cuscuta gronovii)
21. Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia
canadensis)
22. Fetterbush or Swamp Dog-hobble
(Eubotrys racemosus)
23. Dense-flowered Smartweed
(Persicaria glabra)
24. Greater Marsh St. John’s-wort
(Hypericum walteri)
25. Royal Fern (Osmunda spectabilis)
26. Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum
cinnamomeum)
27. Lizard’s-tail or Water-dragon
(Saururus cernuus)
28. Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)

The Fauna

of the Dragon Run

1. North American Beaver
2. Snapping Turtle
3. Eastern Mud Turtle
4. Eastern Box Turtle
5. Barred Owl
6. Bald Eagle
7. Northern Watersnake
8. Green Frog
9. Green Treefrog
10. Fowler’s Toad
11. Eastern Fence Lizard
12. Five-lined Skink
13. Appalachian Brown
14. Eastern Amberwing
15. Zebra Swallowtail
16. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

17. Red-shouldered Hawk
18. Turkey Vulture
19. Eastern Pondhawk
20. Ebony Jewelwing
21. Blue Dasher
22. Carolina Chickadee
23. Red-headed Woodpecker
24. Pileated Woodpecker
25. Wood Duck (female)
26. Great Blue Heron
27. Yellow-throated Warbler
28. Prothonotary Warbler
29. Hooded Warbler
30. Summer Tanager
31. Red-winged Blackbird

Upcoming Paddles

on the Dragon Run

Fall Paddle Season

Registration will Open September 14 at 9:00AM

Discover

More Things To Do In The River Realm

Camping on the Water: Outdoor Life in the River Realm

Guide

Fall in Love with the Outdoors : A Guide to Camping in the River Realm

Guide

Get Outdoors in the River Realm

Paddle Board & Kayak in Virginia's River Realm

Kayaking & Paddling

Activity

Take a Nature Walk

Activity

Get Outdoors

Activity

Teta Kain Nature Preserve

Place

Turner Lecture Series

Event