South Fork Shenandoah River at Bentonville Landing:

This VDGIF boat landing has a gravel ramp to the water and is located beside the river bridge on Indian Hollow Road (Rt. 613) west of Bentonville. This access is across the river from Downriver Canoe Company (www.downeriver.com) and next to the Bentonville Low Water Bridge Campground. From Rt, 340 in Bentonville, drive west on Rt. 613 and cross the bridge then look for the parking lot on the right. This fills up on nice weekends but has plenty of weekday parking. Many people launch boats here to float downstream 3 miles to the Shenandoah River State Park or more than 10 miles to Karo Landing. Others take out here after floating from Hazard Mill 3 miles upstream, or Burner's Ford 6 miles upstream. Staying as Safe As Possible:

River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Most people cease using the South Fork when the Front Royal USGS River Level Gage is above 4.0 feet due to high flow volume. The river becomes very hard to navigate by canoe below 1.4 feet on the gage. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the many river outfitters (Downriver Canoe, Front Royal Canoe, Shenandoah River Outfitters, River Riders, River and Trail Outfitters) which exist along the river to rent you a tube/boat/raft and put you on an appropriate float and make recommendations about when the river is unsafe for recreation. 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 and avoid the river when it's high or fast flowing from recent rain

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) Boat and fish 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 Bentonville Landing and 8,000 other beaches.