3 Tips for Canoeing the Shenandoah River

Whether you are visiting the Shenandoah River from nearby northern Virginia or out of state, canoeing the South Fork of the Shenandoah is sure to create lasting memories that you will take home with you. This stretch of the river has many excellent fishing spots and small rapids that are easily explored by canoe. Enhance your vacation, take some beautiful photos, and bond with your family while canoeing the Shenandoah River in Virginia.

We offer hourly, full-day, and multi-day canoe rentals for your paddle. In addition to your boats, we provide river maps, paddles, life jackets, and Shenandoah River shuttles.

Here are our three tips to have the best experience on your Shenandoah River canoe trip with Front Royal Outdoors. Come join us on the river!

1. Check the River Conditions page!

It is crucial that you check the status of the river before making your way to Front Royal! Shenandoah River conditions can change rapidly with sudden storms or heavy rain in the upper watershed causing the river to quickly move from the Normal Range to the High Range. The River Conditions page informs you of the Range of the river, water level, speed, temperature, and clarity. The information provided can help you bring what you need and pick the right trip for your day on the river.

2. Use your complementary river map!

All of our guests receive a river map and basic river instructions that go along with their selected river trip. It gives you an idea of where the rapids, islands, and landmarks are along the river. You should review it before getting on the water and reference it when you need while you are on the water canoeing the Shenandoah River. Dry bags rentals are available to keep your river map and belongings dry during your canoe trip.

Fun fact: many of our guests are surprised the Shenandoah River runs north instead of south. As they should be! There are only a total of 22 north-flowing rivers in the United States out of over 250,000 rivers.

3. Fishing licenses are required to fish on the Shenandoah River.

Virginia residents and nonresidents age 16 and older are required to obtain a fishing license before fishing the Shenandoah River. For more information on fishing license information and fees, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ (DWR) website for detailed guidelines.

You can easily sign up for a freshwater fishing license on the Virginia DWR website or sign up for one in our office when you visit for your river trip!

Now you have some tips to guide you on your Shenandoah River canoe trip. If you have more questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or give our office a call at (540)635-5440.