North Fork Shenandoah River at Memorial Park in Timberville:

This access is located in Memorial Park at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Memorial Park Drive in Timberville, Va., and features a public swimming pool, picnic area, playground, ball fields and restrooms. You will need to carry your boat 50 yards through the playground past the picnic shelter to reach the hand launch. This section of river to New Market usually has downed-tree strainers that can be hazardous. Before attempting to boat this section, we recommend scouting the Plains Mill Falls (Class II-III rapid depending on river levels) from the road where Plains Mill Road meets the river from the west.

New Market is 5.6 miles downstream.

Water Levels:

1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 4.0 feet on the USGS Cootes Store North Fork Shenandaoh Gage

2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) or if you are not skilled enough to handle the velocity of flow

3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water

4) When levels are under 2.5 feet at the USGS Cootes Store gage this float becomes pretty shallow for floating/boating. Leave extra time. Wear good river shoes, and reduce the number of miles you're going to float. Staying as Safe As Possible:

River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the many river outfitters that exist along the river to rent you a tube/boat/raft and put you on an appropriate float. But for people with some experience or those who would like to venture out on their own you may wish to heed some general guidelines Including:

1) Bring much more water than you think you'll need

2) Wear your life preserver

3) Wear closed toed secure river shoes or tennis shoes at all times

4) Don't drink water from the river

5) Bring wet weather gear even on the hottest days (long summer thunderstorms can give you hypothermia)

6) If you have an open cut or scrape keep it out of the river

7) If you get a cut or scrape from the river, clean it out very very thoroughly right away and make sure no debris/algae or dirt remains in the cut. Disinfect. Keep Dry. River infections are extremely serious. If you suspect infection is developing in a cut after having contact with the river then seek medical attention immediately - emergency care if your doctor is unavailable. Signs of river infection are increasing redness or prolonged soreness, increasing swelling, wound odor and/or fever.

8) In cool weather dress in warm layers. Never wear cotton against your skin and this includes t-shirts and jeans.

9) Be aware of where you are in the river and become familiar with what your take-out point looks like if you're doing a float so you don't miss it and get stranded after dark.

10) Avoid wild animals

11) If thunderstorms develop you should have a plan which usually includes finding a place that reduces your chance of being struck by lightning and/or being hit by a falling branch or tree in high winds.

12) Fish and boat with a partner

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for N.F. Shenandoah at Memorial Park and 8,000 other beaches.