N.F. Shenandoah at Rudes Hill

North Fork Shenandoah River at Rudes Hill: Paved parking with under the bridge access. Hand launch through two gates; please do not let the cows out. Continue down the rip-rap to the launch area. No swimming allowed at this access point. Please note this is a difficult access point for boaters. The Meems Bottom Covered Bridge access one mile downstream is more user friendly. Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 4.0 feet on the USGS Mt Jackson North Fork Shenandoah Gauge 2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) or if you are not skilled enough to handle the velocity of flow 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water 4) When levels are under 2.6 feet at the USGS Mt. Jackson gage this float becomes pretty shallow for floating/boating. Leave extra time. Wear good river shoes, and reduce the number of miles you're going to float. 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. 12) Fish and boat with a partner