Shenandoah River at Millville Dam Tailrace

Shenandoah River at Millville Dam Tailrace There is a dirt ramp (to the right of the sign in the image provided) which gives you access to the river here for hand launching canoes, kayaks, or shallow running aluminum jon boats. This is the last public access to the Shenandoah upriver from Harper's Ferry and/or the Potomac. Millville Dam, with no portage path, is just upstream so there is no float down to this location. You can float to Potomac Wayside which is a river right takeout about 6.5 miles downstream and is actually a mile down past the confluence with the Potomac just before you reach the U.S.Rt. 340 bridge where it crosses the Potomac. Potomac Wayside only has three parking spots and requires a significant uphill walk/carry up a gravel path. If you want about an 11 mile float you can go down from Millville Dam Tailrace to Brunswick, MD where you encounter your easiest takeout where there is a concrete ramp and a paved parking lot. This section of river below this site is not recommended for beginners. The river drops significantly through the Harpers Ferry area with Bull Falls and White Horse Rapids (Class III rapids) and many more drops through The Staircase that require experienced navigational skills. Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when the water levels are over 3.5 feet on the USGS Millville Gage 2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water 4) When levels are under 1.5 feet at the USGS Millville Gage this float becomes very shallow for floating/boating. Leave extra time. Wear good river shoes. Staying as Safe As Possible: River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the many river outfitters that exist along the river to rent you a tube/boat/raft and put you on an appropriate float. But for people with some experience or those who would like to venture out on their own you may wish to heed some general guidelines Including: 1) Bring much more water than you think you'll need 2) Wear your life preserver 3) Wear closed-toe secure river shoes or tennis shoes at all times 4) Don't drink water from the river 5) Bring wet weather gear even on the hottest days (long summer thunderstorms can give you hypothermia) 6) If you have an open cut or scrape keep it out of the river 7) If you get a cut or scrape from the river, clean it out very very thoroughly right away and make sure no debris/algae or dirt remains in the cut. Disinfect. Keep Dry. River infections are extremely serious. If you suspect infection is developing in a cut after having contact with the river then seek medical attention immediately - emergency care if your doctor is unavailable. Signs of river infection are increasing redness or prolonged soreness, increasing swelling, wound odor and/or fever. 8) In cool weather dress in warm layers. Never wear cotton against your skin and this includes t-shirts and jeans. 9) Be aware of where you are in the river and become familiar with what your take-out point looks like if you're doing a float so you don't miss it and get stranded after dark. 10) Avoid wild animals 11) If thunderstorms develop you should have a plan which usually includes finding a place that reduces your chance of being struck by lightning and/or being hit by a falling branch or tree in high winds. 12) Boat and fish with a partner.