Shenandoah River in the Millville Dam Pool

Shenandoah River at Millville Pool River Right Access (east side of river) This public boat landing is on the East side of the river (river right), below Big Eddy and on the pool above the Millville Hydro Electric Dam. It is a concrete ramp with paved parking lot. It is located on Walling Drive, off of Hostler Road. The public boat landing is called Millville (on the sign) and has a concrete boat ramp and a paved parking lot. Description: This is a very isolated access point that many people call "no man's land" because it is stranded between Little Falls and the Millville Dam. When you put in here you are more or less in the pooled up dam water of Millville Dam. It's deep and slow flowing here under normal condition. Many like to launch motored craft here to fish in the dam pool. Fishing is excellent for largemouth and catfish and is pretty good for smallmouth if you stick to the upriver-most portion of this backwater. Distances to Nearby Accesses: It is 0.5 miles down to this access from Big Eddy (river left) It is 1.5 miles down to here from Moulton Park (river left) It is 2.0 miles down to here from (old) Route 9 Bridge Warning!!! Do Not Float Downriver From This Access Point!!! Deadly dam 1 mile downstream The River: This is a very isolated section of the river and is generally deep and slow flowing. 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 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) Boat and fish with a partner.