North River at Mt. Crawford

North River at Mount Crawford: This river access spot has a couple of ramps for hand launching small boats down the steep bank behind the Mount Crawford Town Municipal Building at 799 S. Main Street. A paved walkway winds down to the landing from the parking areas. This landing is located on an island back channel on North River that rarely flows completely through, so boaters must paddle up to the main channel to meet the river. Sandy Bottom is 2.25 miles upstream. Fairview Road is 2.75 miles downstream. River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the 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