Shenandoah River at Moulton Park

Shenandoah River at Moulton Park River Left Access (west side of river) Distances to Nearby Accesses: Meyers Ferry is 7.0 river miles upstream Old Route 9 is 0.5 river miles upstream It is a 1.0 mile float down to Big Eddy Park (river left) It is a 1.5 mile float down to Millville Pool (river right) Do Not Float downstream of Millville Pool access point because of Millville Dam. Description: This is a park maintained by West Virginia DNR and Jefferson County Parks and Recreation. Not only is there a concrete boat ramp but there is ample parking, shoreline fishing and a handful of newly designed riverfront campsites (reservations call Jefferson County Parks and Rec 304-728-3207). There is no beach here and wading is not good. Moulton Park Parking: Gravel parking lot right next to the river along Millville Road. There are about a six or seven parking spots for boats with trailers on the downstream portion of the campground and quite a few other spaces for cars or trucks. The River: The river is wide (over 200 yards) and DEEP here and is essentially a large pool created by water backed up by the rock formation that makes up Little Falls. Motor boaters often put in here and have a mile plus of water upstream and downstream to motor around or fish. This is a moderately used takeout ramp for people floating down from Meyers Ferry or from Shannondale Park. Deep catfish and bass holes predominate. There is a class I rapid upstream of the ramp and another much more noteworthy one downstream 1.0 miles called Little's Falls which are class III+ 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 1.2 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.