Shenandoah River State Park

Let's go for a hiking and canoeing/kayaking trip at Shenandoah River State Park!

❶ What we'll do:

• From the Canoe Launch Parking Area in Shenandoah River State Park we'll hike about 3 miles upstream to the Downriver Canoe Company along the Bluebell, River, and Culler's trails.
• At the Downriver Canoe Company, hikers have two options: (1) Return back downstream to the start point on foot, retracing the same route, for a total hike of 6 miles; or (2) Rent a canoe or kayak, paddle downstream to the start point, call the Downriver Canoe Company at (540) 635-5526, and wait for them to retrieve the canoe/kayak.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/ft6bcfeb

❷ How to get there:

• The address of the trailhead is Canoe Launch Road, Bentonville, VA 22610, GPS = 38.43709, -78.36703,
• Abby and I will be driving direct from Stafford, so please coordinate carpooling as desired in the comments section. A good carpooling spot is the Vienna Metro North Parking Area, 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181. Parking is free on weekends.
• From the Vienna Metro North Parking Area, the drive is 64.5 miles and should take about an hour and 10 minutes. Take I-66 W and follow it for 48.3 miles to Warren County. Take exit 13 toward VA-79/VA-55/Linden/Front Royal. Take VA-55 W and US-340 S to Canoe Launch Rd in Bentonville. The parking area and trailhead are at the end of Canoe Launch Road. See https://goo.gl/maps/Y22SLpVcny4HdpXM8

❸ What to bring: Water, snacks, and comfy shoes with some tread on them. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. If you plan to canoe/kayak, pack light! You will need appropriate swimming attire and protective footwear (sandals or water shoes; flip-flops won't cut it). Be sure to bring a waterproof bag to protect your phone, camera , etc. Maybe also a strap (i.e. Croakies) for your glasses or sunshades, if you wear them.

❹ Costs:

• $10 per vehicle state park parking fee, payable to the park rangers. See https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parking-fees
• If you wish to canoe or kayak back to the Canoe Launch Parking Area, you must make your own reservations. The rental costs are $59 per Kayak, $89 per Tandem Kayak, or $89 per canoe, payable directly to Downriver Canoe Company. Visit https://www.downriver.com/reserve-now/ or call (540) 635-5526 and ask for the "Trip 2: State Park," hiking from the Shenandoah River State Park Canoe Launch Area, with an estimated arrival time at Downriver of 11:30. Downriver does not require reservation deposits, but asks that you stay in touch and notify them of any significant changes in your plans or reservations. Please let them know you are with the Alexandria Hiking group so they know to keep us together.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/ft6bcfeb

❺ Weather:

• The weather forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 90F, with very light NNW winds and a 4-6% chance of showers. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/5bj6da5t
• The Shenandoah River is currently "Normal/Ideal," 2.75 feet deep, 79F, and flowing at around 0.88 KCFS (Kilo Cubic Feet Per Second). Updates: https://tinyurl.com/5xnpp5du

❻ Advisories:

• As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
• If you choose to paddle, you are are individually responsible for reserving, renting, paddling, and returning your canoes/kayaks from/to the Downriver Canoe Company and for signing the associated liability release forms (https://www.downriver.com/reserve-now/release-form/). If you fail to call and coordinate return of your canoe/kayak, neither this group nor Meetup will be responsible for your abandoned canoe/kayak.

❼ Administrative stuff: There are restrooms at the canoe launch area and at the Downriver Canoe Company.

❽ Notes:

• Shenandoah River State Park, 350 Daughter of Stars Dr, Bentonville, VA 22610, tele (540) 622-6840, https://tinyurl.com/4cnkvh4z
• Downriver Canoe Company, 884 Indian Hollow Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610, tele (540) 635-5526, https://www.downriver.com/