S. F. Shenandoah at Burners Bottom Landing

South Fork Shenandoah River at Burners Bottom Landing: A concrete ramp allows for swimming, easy hand launching of canoes, kayaks and shallow running jon boats. This is a pretty remote location near the end of Page Valley road on the isolated river left (west) side of the river. This site is managed by GW National Forest staff and has a restroom facility that is open during warmer months. This spot also marks what is the end of about three miles of river left (west bank) shoreline that is GW National Forest public property and open to camping. The ramp is marked as mile 19 on river left. You may float down to Burner's Bottom from the following Page Valley Road access points, Fosters Landing upstream 8 miles, Goods Landing upstream 6 miles upstream or Seekfords Landing about 3 miles upstream. Floating downstream from this landing is not advised since the roads end near here on the West side of the river. Staying as Safe As Possible: River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Most people cease using the South Fork when the USGS Luray South Fork Shenandoah River Level Gage is above 5.0 feet due to high flow volume. The river becomes very hard to navigate by canoe below 1.8 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-toe 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) Always boat with a partner.