PUBLIC RIVER ACCESS
The Shenandoah River is one of the few rivers that flow from south to north and the North Fork, in Shenandoah County, is ideal to float by canoe. Clear water, pleasant scenery, and abundant wildlife make the North Fork a paddler’s dream. However, low flows during the summer months often require canoeists to walk their boats through shallow areas. The scenery is excellent for the entirety of the river’s course, including great views of Massanutten Mountain. The primary navigational hazards on the river are five dams and several low water bridges. Three dams are located between Edinburg and the Rt. 758 bridge east of Woodstock; and two small dams are located between Strasburg and Riverton.
virginiarivers.org swimguide.org
PLEASE NOTE: Most of the land adjacent to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River is privately-owned. You may enter and exit the river ONLY at public access sites. Following is a list of public river access locations by town:
NEW MARKET
- North Fork at New Market – The parking for this access is at the corner New Market Depot Rd and Plains Mill Rd. Follow the path under the bridge to the river. This is hand launch only; good for wading and swimming
EDINBURG
- Red Banks Road – Parking is on the corner between the river and Rte 11 off north of the bridge on Red Banks Rd between Edinburg and Mount Jackson.
- Chapman Landing Road – Located just downstream of Edinburg. A popular access point for wade-fishermen and boaters. This site offers parking in a flat gravel lot along with a concrete boat ramp.
WOODSTOCK
- Hollingsworth Road – Located east of the Town of Woodstock, there is a small gravel lot at the elbow in the road just before Rte 609 (Hollingsworth Road) turns to cross the North Fork.
- Seven Bends State Park – Located on Lupton Road. From Woodstock, follow Reservoir Rd. (Rt 42) east past Rt 11. Turn left on Water St then turn right on Hollingsworth Rd. to Lupton Rd. Put-in at the low water bridge at the end of Lupton Rd (cement boat ramp). This is ideal for those putting in at the Hollingsworth side of Seven Bends State Park.
STRASBURG
- Deer Rapids – Located 3 miles south of Strasburg off Rte 644 (Funk Road). This low water bridge provides an easy put-in or take-out via a gravel boat ramp. A great launch point to float to the Strasburg Town Park just 5.6 miles downstream.
- Strasburg Town Park – Concrete boat launch suitable for kayaks, canoes and shallow aluminum boats. This is a very family friendly access point for people with children. Huge gravel parking lot with port-a-johns next to the river. Also an excellent location for redbreast sunfish and smallmouth bass fishing.
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