S.F. Shenandoah at Karo Landing

South Fork Shenandoah River at Karo Landing: A fantastic place to access the South Fork Shenandoah River. This VDGIF managed gravel parking area is located right where Gooney Run's cool mountain water flow enters the South Fork at the end of Chapman Farm Road, south of Front Royal, Va. You actually get to briefly traverse Gooney Run on your way to the South Fork where you are greeted by a lovely class I or II rapid depending on water flow. Reserved for fishing and launching boats, this access site is an excellent place to come wade into cool waters or bring your kids to skip some stones or turn rocks over looking for crayfish. If you spend any time here you will notice that this is a favorite put-in for customers of Front Royal Canoe Company (www.frontroyalcanoe.com). The float down from here is one filled with relatively shallow water riffles, ledges, Class I-II rapids and a few pools until you either get to Front Royal Canoe Company 2 miles downstream, or a longer 6.5 mile float to Eastham Park in Front Royal. 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) Fish and boat with a partner