Years ago I was involved in a research project to determine the
source for the sediment that was filling the Charlottesville
reservoir-- this was one of the locations where would sample
because we could use the data from the USGS
stream gauge which is across the street.
I would encourage you to check out the stream gauge if you've
never seen one up close but do not venture too far from the road
because it is private property, hence all the "No Trespassing"
signs. Also if you walk beyond the gauge you'll find a small small
trail to get down to the water.
The Mechums River is a short tributary of the South Fork of
the Rivanna River in central Virginia in the United States. It
rises in northern Nelson County and flows generally northeastwardly
and joins the Moormans River to form the South Fork of the Rivanna
River about 7 mi (11 km) northwest of Charlottesville.
Via the Rivanna and James Rivers, the Mechums River is part
of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Thank you Wikipedia!