N.F. Shenandoah at Deer Rapids

North Fork Shenandoah River at Deer Rapids A VDGIF gravel lot and gravel boat ramp along Deer Rapids Road (Rt. 744) was built in 2011 when the river bridge was replaced. Please be careful not to block cars and to keep this area clean while hand launching your boat or fishing. Landowners have complained about loitering and trash so let's be extra vigilant. If you haven't been on one you should try to cross the footbridge, which is there to give residents access to their houses on the other side of the river during floods. This is a great launching point for the float down to the Strasburg Town Park 5.7 miles downstream. You can expect Class A-I riffles and a very scenic float. There is a small low-head dam at Strasburg's water intake station, which usually presents little trouble for skinny boats like canoes or kayaks for running through the V notched into the right side or a chute on the left. We know of no practical way to float down to Deer Rapids unless you have lots of water, ALL day and a desire to paddle, or private access upstream somewhere. Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 4.0 feet on the USGS Strasburg North Fork Shenandoah Gage 2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) or if you are not skilled enough to handle the velocity of flow 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water 4) When levels are under 2.0 feet at the USGS Strasburg gage this float becomes pretty shallow for floating/boating. Leave extra time. Wear good river shoes, and reduce the number of miles you're going to float. 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