South Fork Shenandoah River at Shenandoah Landing and Park

Bank Fishing Worthiness: A

Wade Fishing Worthiness: C

Kid/Family Playaround Friendliness: A

Boat Launching: A

Restroom Facilities: Yes

Picnic Facilities: Yes

Distances to Nearby Accesses:

Elkton Landing is upstream 6.5 miles

BEWARE: You cannot float downstream from this access ramp because there is a high dam that is un-navigable. You may portage the dam on the river-right bank under the road bridge to put in downstream of the dam and tail race. Parking is available below the dam at the power substation.

Grove Hill Landing is 9 miles downstream from the Shenandoah Dam.

Access Description:

This is a VDGIF managed boat and fishing access located within a town park. There's a dock, grassy flats next to the river with picnic tables, a swinging bench and an American Flag waving! There are even full restroom facilities up on the hill. For boaters this is about the best you can get. There's a concrete ramp where power-boaters launch and canoes/kayaks take out. BEWARE that this ramp gets VERY SLIPPERY and many vehicles have slid down the ramp into the river here.

Parking: Large gravel lot

The River:

The South Fork Shenandoah here is about 500 feet wide. This ramp puts you on the river in the backwater of a high dam where the water is deep with a mild current. Upstream there are a mixture of class A-II rapids and lots of pools, riffles and runs to mix up the scenery. Largely tree-lined and scenic farmland. Fishermen love the water between Elkton and Shenandoah for all river species of fish.

Water Levels:

1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 5 feet on the USGS Lynnwood South Fork Shenandaoh River 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 feet at the USGS Lynnwood gage this float becomes pretty shallow for floating/boating. Leave extra time. Wear good river shoes.

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 S. F. Shenandoah at Shenandoah Landing and Park and 8,000 other beaches.