S.F. Shenandoah at Cub Run Trail

South Fork Shenandoah River at Cub Run Trail This property is owned by the City of Harrisonburg and they are building a public water withdrawal here for the city's future drinking water needs. Park carefully off Power Dam Road right at the bend in the road, next to Cub Run. Minimal gravel parking spot next to gated entrance to water facility (don't block gate) at the elbow turn on Power Dam Road. Follow the trail toward Cub Run, over foot bridge, toward South Fork. If you don't mind lugging your boat a couple hundred feet through the woods this is a great hand launch for floating 1.8 miles to Island Ford Road Bridge (Rt. 649) or this could be a takeout for the 7.7 mile float downstream from the Port Republic access. This access spot is on river left. Where the trail ends there's a gravelly incline to the river right below a riffle. Swimming is popular here and Massanutten Outfitters uses this for their inner tube put-in. Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 5.0 feet on the USGS Lynnwood South Fork Shenandoah River Gage 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 velocityof flow 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water 4) When levels are under 2.4 feet at the USGS Lynnwood gauge this float becomes pretty 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 need2) 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