Paddling the South Fork of the Shenandoah River

Written from an article by Jeff Holland, abridged for the National Park Service's Chesapeake Bay office.

A river that runs north

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River flows, curiously, from south to north. It rises near Port Republic and runs about 97 miles north to Front Royal, where it meets the North Fork to form the Shenandoah, which flows northeast to the Potomac at Harpers Ferry. Massanutten Mountain stands between the two forks. Along most of the South Fork the river is more than 100 yards wide, over a bed of corrugated bedrock whose ridges break the surface at low water.

What you'll see

The South Fork meanders like a snake up Page Valley, between Massanutten and the Blue Ridge — home of Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Kayaking its lazy bends, you may see:

• the forested ridge of Massanutten, rising about a thousand feet, and sheer rock cliffs on the eastern bank;
• bald eagles overhead and ospreys diving for smallmouth bass;
• eastern kingbirds darting out of overhanging sycamores to snatch insects in midair.

Not a paddler? The valley also offers fly fishing, running, hiking and biking.

Try "bikeyaking"

Bikeyaking needs only one car:

1. Park at the take-out.
2. Bike up to the launch.
3. Paddle back down to your car.

It saves the cost, bother and carbon of a second car, works on many rivers and streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and gives every muscle group a workout.

Staying over

There are many public access points. For an overnight trip, rent a private cabin along the river or camp at Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area.

Sources

Written from "Visit the South Fork of the Shenandoah River," an abridged article by Jeff Holland, published by the National Park Service and in the public domain; rewritten in hubnx's own words. The article's photograph, credited to the author, is not reproduced.