N.F. Shenandoah at Catletts Ford Landing

North Fork Shenandoah River at Catletts Ford Landing: Riverton Landing is 4 miles downstream from Catletts Ford Landing Catletts Ford Landing is 7 miles downstream from Strasburg Town Park Landing This is an excellent VDGIF managed public access spot for fishing, wading and for hand launched boats. Ample parking exists around the corner in a small lot. The gravel boat ramp can be found at the end of Catlett's Ford Road (Rt. 626). This was the Riverkeeper's takeout point of choice for guided floats downstream from Strasburg Town Park. Boaters will notice Cedar Creek enters the North Fork 3 miles into the float down from Strasburg. But boaters also BEWARE, Winchester's water intake is a dangerous small dam that you will encounter a mile past Cedar Creek about 4 miles into the 7 mile float from Strasburg downriver to Catletts Ford Landing. There has historically been ample signage to indicate the 3'-4' tall dam is approaching in time for you to take your boat out on the left hand side of the river. Walk through the grass field and put back in below the dam. It may not look like much, but you don't want to get caught in the dam's hydraulic backflow! Historically John Catlett had built and operated a Mill Dam across the North Fork Shenandoah just upstream from the river ford crossing. It is thought that John Catlett received permission from the Shenandoah Navigation Company to build this dam around 1865. Staying as Safe As Possible: River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Most people cease using the North Fork when the USGS Strasburg River Gage is above 5 feet. The river becomes very hard to navigate by canoe below 2 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) Fish and boat with a partner.