Shenandoah River at Big Eddy (Bloomery Road)

Shenandoah River at Big Eddy (along Bloomery Road) This access is maintained by West Virginia DNR. There is a small sandy/rocky beach here with water dropping off moderately from the edge. Decent place to bring kids to skip rocks, take a dip, or wet a line. Gravel parking with about a dozen parking spots. The River: The river is wide (over 200 yards) and DEEP here and is essentially a large pool created by water backed up by the rock formation that makes up Little Falls which is within site downstream. Caution should be used when getting in because you don't want to be swept downstream to the moderately large rapids. Motor boaters often put in here and have a mile plus of water upstream to motor around or fish. This is a moderately used takeout ramp for people floating down from Meyers Ferry or from Shannondale Park or Moulton Park. Deep catfish and bass holes predominate. REMINDER that class III+ rapids called Little Falls awaits any boater venturing downstream from this access. The only takeout downstream before the Millville Dam is on the other side of the river downstream from Little Falls Rapids. River Left Access (west side of river) Distances to Nearby Accesses: It is 8.0 river miles downstream to this access point from Meyers Ferry It is 1.5 river miles downstream to this access point from Bloomery Landing (Route 115) Do Not Float downstream of Millville Pool access point because of Millville Dam. Some do float downstream 0.5 miles to a takeout on the other side called Millville Pool Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when the water levels are over 4.o feet on the USGS Front Royal Gage 2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water 4) When levels are under 1.2 feet at the USGS Front Royal Gage this float becomes very 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.