S.F. Shenandoah at Shenandoah River State Park

South Fork Shenandoah River at Shenandoah River/Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. State Park: Distances to nearby Boat Landings: Hazard Ford Landing is 6.3 miles upstream Bentonville Landing is 3 miles upstream Karo Landing is 5.25 miles downstream A fantastic access for boating, wading, swimming etc. This is a hand launch (for portable boats) gravel ramp angled down into the river. The state park offers restrooms, biking/hiking trails, camping, cabins, picnic shelters, zip lines and more. There are parking fees in the state park if you leave your vehicle, but no fees if you are just dropping off or picking up boats and people. The hand launch area is located at the end of an island chute which you'll notice if you look upstream to your left. This channel flows during normal spring flow and it doesn't flow during low summer levels. BE VERY CAREFUL on this BOAT RAMP, as it is actually a cattle guard, and has been known to break the ankle of an unsuspecting river user. Slightly hidden from view when you're floating down the river, it pays to be watching for this access point as you round the last river right bend. It also pays to scout it out before-hand when you do your vehicle shuttle. Staying as Safe As Possible: River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Most people cease using the South Fork when the USGS Luray River Gage is above 4.0 feet due to high flow volume. 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: 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