S.F. Shenandoah at Hazard Ford Landing

South Fork Shenandoah River at Hazard Ford Landing: This gravel ramp river access is located at the intersection of Hazard Ford Road and Misty Meadow Lane. Parking here is a little tricky because there is virtually no parking along Misty Meadow Lane. Don't block the intersection and beware of No Parking zones. The access is perfectly legal (Shenandoah Riverkeeper has records of a local court ruling as such) and is maintained by our VDGIF, but you are best to only pick up or drop off here. Canoe campers would like to know that the other side of the river, the west side, is GW National Forest land and camping is permitted upstream over a mile and downstream to about mid-point in the island. Many people who recreated on the South Fork a generation ago remember the Hazard Mill Campgrounds. Your Riverkeeper has heard many stories from old-timers about the legendary bass and catfishing here. Downriver Canoe company uses this access point for people who want to float about 3 downstream to the Bentonville Landing. From upstream, some manage a float ending here after starting upstream 4 miles at Burners Ford (Rte 664). History reveals that Hazard Mill (across the river) was built by Col. Charles Gatewood, a man often referred to as hero of the Apache War. Col. Gatewood also allegedly built many of the navigational structures in the South Fork Shenandoah for the Shenandoah Navigation Company. Evidence of Hazard Mill can be seen in the left channel of the island you see in front of you as you launch from this site. 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 South Fork Shenandoah River Gage is above 5 feet due to high flow volume. The river becomes very hard to navigate by canoe below 1.8 feet on the gauge. 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. We suggest avoiding the South Fork when . 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.