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River
From Page B1
degrees during this time of year. Earlier in the summer, when the water is colder, canoeing and kayaking are more popular.
Safety issues
The South Fork churns up some Class I and II rapids in some spots, but the riffles are mild. You won’t find rapids with threatening nicknames, like The Meat Grinder or Dead Man’s Falls. The scariest name on the map is Hazard Mill, which is only hazardous because part of the pass can be shallow in late summer.
On average, the river is about 3 feet deep and flows at about one mile per hour. It’s mellow enough for beginners, but rocky enough to keep more experienced paddlers interested.
And the scenery will suit anyone who ei\joys the outdoors. The river winds through a valley with Shenandoah National Park to the east and the George Washington National Forest to the west.
“It’s a very scenic area,” Gibson said. “The area we run between Luray and Front Royal is a more rural section; it’s remote and scenic.”
But there’s no need to worry about getting lonely on the South Fork.
“There are three outfitters that operate on the river and, even during the week, there are a lot of people fishing and vacationing on the river,” Gibson said.
“When you’re out on the river, you’re not going to be alone,” he continued. “And as long as you have your life jacket on, it’s hand to get in trouble on the river.”
Downriver puts 15,000 to 20,000 people on the Shenandoah each year, but on average only has one serious medical incident.
They’ve never had anyone drown, but people have had heart attacks while on the river or slipped on rocks.
“Our biggest problem is cuts,” Gibson
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