Shenandoah River at Meyers Ferry (Dutch Hill Road)

Shenandoah River at Myers Ferry: River Left Access (West Side) to Main Stem Shenandoah River Castlemans Ferry Landing (Route 7) is 7.25 river miles upstream Shannondale Springs Landing is 4.25 river miles downstream Description: The Dutch Hill Road access is a quasi-public primitive roadside pull-off accessing the Main Stem Shenandoah near Myerstown, West Virginia. An angled dirt ramp exists in a space between the trees near where Dutch Hill Road begins to follow the river. The ramp is unpaved but four wheel drive vehicles in good working order can usually back a very small trailer/boat down to the water's edge. Canoes and tubes are somewhat easily slid down or pulled out here. Before floating down to this access point you should scout it out to see what it looks like from the river. Parking: Please park OFF the dirt road in any of the small roadside pull-offs. Beware, if this area near the ramp becomes posted then our fun is over and landowners have closed the access point. Please honor any "Posted" or "No Trespassing" signs. Also be extra courteous and pick up any litter you see. The River: The river averages about 100 yards wide. The river bottom varies dramatically from shallow bedrock and cobblestone to sand, silt or ledges. Depending on the amount of water in the river this float ranges in depth from under a foot on up to over 15 feet at the deepest point but the water depth varies constantly over an uneven bottom. Fishing is best for Smallmouth Bass pretty much everywhere depending on the season, Largemouth in the pools, Musky in deep water or ledges and channel catfish. Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when the water levels are over 4.o feet on the USGS Front Royal Gage 2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large floating objects dislodged during high water 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water 4) When levels are under 1.2 feet at the USGS Front Royal Gage this float becomes very 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 need 2) Wear your life preserver 3) Wear closed-toe 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. 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 branch or tree in high winds. 12) Boat and fish with a partner.