Middle River at Bald Rock

Middle River at Bald Rock River Left Access (east side of river) Beach Worthiness: C Bank Fishing Worthiness: A Wade Fishing Worthiness: A Kid/Family Friendliness: C (roadside safety issues) Distances to Nearby Accesses: Franks Mill is 10.3 river miles upstream (river right) Spring Hill is 4.3 river miles upstream (river right) It is a 17.7 mile float down to Damtown (river left) Description: This is an informal community access point good for wading, launching boats and pulling boats out. It's a fairly decent place just to hang out next to the river but the road is right behind you which presents a safety risk for little kids and keeps it from being very scenic. Bald Rock Parking: Gravel parking along the river side of the road in several places, look for pull-offs and remove car from road. 3 or 4 parking spots available. No ramp exists but it's decent for hand launching of light boats. The River: Middle River is small here, averaging 50-100 feet wide and has normal variety of depths from 1' to 6' deep. This is a pretty tame float in low water with Class A - II rapids. Check out the amazing waterfall where Falling Spring Run drops into Middle River on your right at about 1.8 miles into the float. Pastoral and wooded setting most of the way with a few groups of houses. BEWARE: 17 miles downstream from Bald Rock you MUST PORTAGE AROUND THE DAM at Damtown. Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 4.o feet on the USGS Middle River Grottoes Site 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 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.