CANOE

Shenandoah River Canoe Trips

Paddling the Shenandoah River in Virginia

Add some adventure to your vacation with a Shenandoah River canoe trip! Canoes have long been considered the ideal watercraft for paddling the Shenandoah River. This stretch of river flowing between the George Washington National Forest and the Shenandoah National Park with its many excellent fishing spots, riffles, and small rapids is easily explored by canoe; making Shenandoah River canoeing the perfect choice for families and groups alike. The canoe has been used for trade and transportation along the river since the earliest recorded history in the Valley, so come out and enjoy the history, beauty, and tradition that canoeing entails in the Shenandoah Valley. From beautiful mountain views to lush pastoral farm land, the vistas will astonish both young and old. We look forward to providing your Shenandoah River paddling experience in the Canoe Capital of Virginia.

Please visit our paddling conditions page for trip selection guidance.

Important Information

Please note that Shenandoah River canoe trips are not guided and the rates are per watercraft. You may put up to three people in a canoe at a time, but two people is strongly recommended. Rates do not include 5.3% Virginia sales tax.

Minimum age of five years old in canoes – no exceptions!

Shoes or sandals with a heel strap are required for all Shenandoah River trips. We do not allow guests to wear flip-flops.

Please check out the Shenandoah River conditions page prior to booking to see if there are any trip recommendations.

What’s included in your rental

Canoe
Maps
Paddles
Shuttle Service
Life Vests
Basic Riverside Instruction

Half Day Trip #1

Half Day Trip #2

Half Day State Park #2

Half Day State Park #3

Full Day Trip #3

Full Day Trip #4

Full Day State Park #4

Full Day Trip #5

Full Day State Park #3

Multi-day Trip #7

Multi-day Trip #7a

Multi-day Trip #8

Multi-day State Park #5

Multi-day State Park #6

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the best Shenandoah River canoe trips for beginners?

For beginners, the best Shenandoah River canoe trips are shorter, calmer routes with easy access. The Half Day Trip #1 (3 miles, 1-2 hours) and Half Day State Park #2 (5 miles, 2-3 hours) offer scenic floats with minimal effort, ideal for first-timers or families.

How long are the full-day canoe trips on the Shenandoah River?

Full-day canoe trips at Front Royal Outdoors typically range from 5 to 6 hours and cover 11.5 to 16 miles, depending on the route. Options include:

Trip #3: 11.5 miles (Bentonville to FRO)
Trip #4: 12 miles (Seekfords to Bentonville)
Trip #5: 16 miles (Bentonville to Front Royal Landing)
State Park #3 or #4: Up to 16 miles through the state park

Can I fish during my canoe trip?

Yes! Fishing is allowed on most routes. You’ll need a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license, and Front Royal Outdoors offers fishing kayak rentals if you’d prefer a solo setup.

What is your age policy?

Our age policy varies by watercraft and there are no exceptions.

Rafts – Minimum age of four years old in rafts with at least 2 adults.
Tubes – Minimum age of five years old in tubes.
Kayaks – Minimum age of five years old in kayaks.
Canoes – Minimum age of five years old in canoes.
SUPs – Minimum age of five on stand-up paddleboards, recommended minimum age of 12.
Fishing Kayaks – Minimum age of five years old in fishing kayaks.

Where do we meet for our trip?

All of our trips float the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, a great river for all experience levels. We are located at 8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630. A map to our headquarters is available on our directions page.

Please come to our office to participate in any river activity. All of our trips include free shuttle service to and from the river. Once you arrive at our office, transportation of guests and equipment to the river is provided.

We do have parking on the main office property for all guests taking our trips. Parking is limited, therefore we recommend arriving early and carpooling as much as possible. Parking is not available for those not taking our trips. We also offer maps of the North Section (Bentonville to Front Royal) and the South Section (Luray to Bentonville).

What type of shoes or footwear do I need to wear on the river?

All guests must wear either shoes, water shoes or sandals with a heel strap. We do not allow flip-flops to be worn on any river trip.

How many people are able to be on each canoe, kayak, and raft?

For your protection,

three is the maximum number of people per canoe (but two is recommended)
one person per solo kayak
two people per tandem kayak
one person per tube
up to four people in 4-man rafts and up to six people in 6-man rafts

Can I bring any alcohol on my kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or rafting trip?

Alcohol and watersports do not mix. Please refrain from bringing alcohol on any river trip. Anyone under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is subject to arrest by state and local authorities.

What time do I need to arrive for my trip reservation?

Please arrive 30 minutes early for your reservations or guided tour. Late arrivals risk delayed shuttle service.

OUR LOCATION

8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630

Front Royal Outdoors is located at 8567 Stonewall Jackson Highway in Front Royal, Virginia, nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Situated along U.S. Route 340 South, it lies approximately three miles past the entrance to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park. This prime location offers easy access to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, making it an ideal starting point for river adventures.

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