Life Outside Spring 2019 - 21

VIEW FROM
GATHRIGHT
DAM
The Jackson River
provides a good
float for novices
and fans of gentle
rapids.

UPPER NORTH FORK SHENANDOAH
RIVER, ROCKINGHAM COUNTY
Logistics: Put in 5 miles below the Blue Hole Day
Use Area off Va. 259 at the gravel lot on the eastern
side of the Lairs Run Road bridge. Ask permission
beforehand to takeout in the grassy area beside the
Hillside Salvage Lot on river-left, just past the Va.
259 bridge. 9.5 miles, 4-5 hours.
Details: Starting in the George Washington
and Thomas Jefferson National Forest, look for
wooded banks and high shale rock faces, with
glimpses of Little North Mountain, occasional
pastures and small clumps of homes appearing
near bridges. The river is between 20-30 feet wide
and features numerous Class I and II rapids-primarily in the form of cobble drops, chutes and

turns. In the spring, birds abound. Sightings may
include kingfishers, hawks, herons, mallards,
ducks, geese, bobwhite quail, warblers, thrush,
and more. Hazard Alert: There's a low-water bridge
about 3 miles in. Look for easy portage to either
side. Check the online USGS gauge for North
Fork Shenandoah River at Cootes Store-min,
3.3 feet; max, 6 feet.
Outfitter: Another strictly BYOB. Massanutten
River Adventures is the closest outfitter and is located about 30 miles away in McGaheysville. They
offer great trips along the Shenandoah's South
Fork. Boats with shuttle from $29. (540) 958-6655.
massadventures.com
LifeOutsideMag.com // Spring 2019

21

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Life Outside Spring 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Life Outside Spring 2019