Shenandoah/Potomac Rivers Whitewater

Shenandoah/Potomac Rivers Whitewater

Summary

Senic class I-III family/beginner run (at lower or moderate water levels of 2-4 foot) near Harper's Ferry. More challenging at higher water levels (6-12 foot with commercial runs, or higher with private runs). An hours drive from Washingon, DC, it is runnable from April through October.

Water Level

Online Gauge:
NOAA
MARFC
Millville, WV. (real time data not available yet).

Maps

  • Overview of Northeast USA.
  • Shenandoah

    • River Description

    The trip is approximately 7 miles (3 1/2 hours). Put-in is on the Shenandoah at Bloomery Road below the Millville, WV dam. One mile of flatwater is followed by Bull Falls (class III), a 3-4 foot drop with multiple passages which is run to the left at normal water flows. At higher water it can be run to the right.

    The Staircase is the next rapid. This is a long series of ledges running from right to left. Its best to eddy hop down this section.

    After the junction with the Potomac at Harpers Ferry there are three rapids in a row on the far left of the river: a class I, a class II, and the second class III, White Horse. White Horse is a series of standing waves 1/2 mile below the Potomac junction.

    This section can be run as low as 2' on the Millville gauge, but the best level is between 3 and 4 foot.

    Take-out is at the Potomac Wayside Park or futher down at Keep Tryst Road at Weaverton.

    The take-out for this section is on the far right just before the bridge that is in sight at White Horse rapids.

    Thanks and a tip of the to Matt, raft guide extraordaire for River Riders.
    This information is my opinion only
    and may not reflect actual conditions.
    It is based on my usually hazy memory,
    and should not be used to decide whether
    you or your guides are qualified to run the river.     		TOP Back to the
    rafting page put-in.