The Shenandoah River above Harpers
Ferry provides a delightful Class I-II waterway for paddlers as they slide
over ripples and ledges interspersed with flatwater sections affording relaxation.
The river winds its way through the scenic Shenandoah Valley nestled between
the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. Occasional rapids interrupt long pools
of fish-jumping waters. Heron and osprey feed here and deer sometimes break
through the thickets to drink at the water's edge.
Difficulty:
Novice
Suggested age:
7 and must
weigh at least 50 lbs.
Weekends
Weekdays
Departure Times:
9:30am
1:30pm
11:00am
Location:
Rt. 7 - Moulton Park
Meyerstown -
Moulton Park
Meyerstown -
Moulton Park
Duration:
14 miles
5-6 hrs. Water time
7 miles
2.5-3 hrs. Water time
7 miles
2.5-3 hrs. Water time
Intermediate Whitewater: Class III canoeing/kayaking experience
necessary:
Intermediate
For Intermediate Runs at least one person in each boat should
have prior Class III paddling experience in the craft they are renting. We recommend
that at least two crafts rent at a time so if one gets into trouble, the other
can offer assistance.
Shenandoah Staircase or Needles of the Potomac
Trip / Details
Description:
For folks looking for a challenge,
the Needles of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Staircase cut spectacular
white water paths through the Blue Ridge Mountains at Harpers Ferry. These
runs offer a mixture of mellow water combined with technical Class II-III
whitewater. The paddling is demanding and the scenery unbeatable… For
those looking to achieve the skills necessary to paddle these stretches
alone, we recommend a canoe lesson or kayak
lesson or a sit-on-top guided trip.
Difficulty:
Class I-III
Departure Times:
Weekends
Weekdays
Suggested age:
12 yrs. Old and accompanied by a parent who is a competent paddler.
Location:
11:30am
9:30am
Duration:
Needles of the Potomac
Dargan Bend - Brunswick
Dargan Bend - Brunswick
10 miles/ 3.5 to 4 hrs.
Shenandoah Staircase (our most technical run)
Millville-Brunswick
Millville-Brunswick
10.5 miles/3.5 to 4 hrs.
*Folks renting less than 3 boats will be
required to park their cars in Brunswick and bring back boats at the end
of the trip with provided blocks & ropes set.
Departure Times:
Coincides with raft trip
Duration:
Shenandoah Staircase
*for maximum of 3 boats
Millville-P. Wayside
6.5 miles/2 to 2.5 hrs.
*for maximum of 3 boats
*Boaters will need to keep track of the
raft trip and return with the raft bus.
Note: Sit-on-tops and whitewater kayaks are appropriate for this run.
Rental Pricing
Day/Half-day
2 Day
Price includes: boat rental, life vests,
paddles, and one or two way shuttle.
Kayak rentals for whitewater runs also include a
helmet.
Canoe
$60/boat
$100/boat
Single Rec Kayak
$50/boat
$90/boat
Double Rec Kayak
$65/boat
$120/boat
White Water Kayak
$57/boat
$92/boat
Groups
Group renting 10
or more boats receive 10% off when paying
collectively
Non-profits should inquire about special pricing
For each additional day beyond two days rental, the
cost is $29/boat/day.
An ACA Certified Guide may accompany your trip for a
flat rate of $180/day
For reservations click here or call 888 I
GO PLAY (888 446-7529)
June-October Two day trips:
Novice
Shenandoah River: Rt. 50-Moulton Park
Description:
The Shenandoah meanders in wide, lazy loops along
the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains on this quiet and beautiful stretch
of river. Occasional riffles and Class II rapids interrupt long pools of
fish-jumping waters. Heron and osprey feed here and deer sometimes break
through the thickets to drink at the water's edge.
Weekends
Weekdays
When:
9:30am depart, 5:00 PM pickup
11am depart, 5:00 PM pickup
Where:
Shenandoah River: Rt. 50-Moulton Park
Distance/time
first day 15 miles/second day 14 5-6.5 hrs. each
day
Difficulty
Novice: Class I-II
Suggested age:
7 yrs. Old and must weigh at least
50 lbs.
Camping:
Camping: River islands around Rt. 7 bridge or
Watermelon Campgrd.540-955-4803 (Campground has full facilities.)
Customers will need to bring water, food, etc… if camping on river
islands.
Shuttle:
Shuttle should be fixed to say: Shuttle goes out
with our regular morning shuttle and customers are dropped off after everyone
else. Customer cars get parked at Millville Campgrd. Customers will be shuttled
back to their cars at the end of the trip.
Pricing:
Click here to refer to pricing
table.
Additional charges to regular rental fee:
First 15 canoes: $45 flat fee for shuttle
Over 15 canoes: $90 flat fee for shuttle
For reservations click here
or call 888 I GO PLAY (888 446-7529)
*Prices do not include tax. See our reservations
page for tax information.
OR
Intermediate
For Intermediate Runs at least one person in each boat should
have prior Class III paddling experience in the craft they are renting. We recommend
that at least two crafts rent at a time so if one gets into trouble, the other
can offer assistance.
Potomac River: Taylor's Landing-Potoma Wayside
Description:
Day 1). The Potomac River meanders across
the broad Cumberland Valley in wide, lazy loops. There are a few easy riffles
and ledges, delightful scenery, and the towering James Rumsey Monument in
Shepherdstown-commemorating an 18th century steamboat demonstration. Other
highlights include the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal ( C&O Canal National
Park in Maryland ) and an area nationally acclaimed for its smallmouth bass
fishing. Day 2). The Potomac cuts a spectacular path through the Blue Ridge
Mountains at Harpers Ferry. The "Needles Rapids" (Class II) tumble
over shale ledges millions of years old. There is a brief respite at the
confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers before the rumble of "Mad
Dog" and "White Horse Rapids" (Class III). The scenery is
amazing and the paddling technical.
Weekends
Weekdays
When:
11:30am depart, 3:30pm pickup
9:30am depart, 3:30pm pickup
Where:
Potomac River: Taylor's Landing-Potoma Wayside
Distance/time
(11miles 1st day/10 miles 2nd day) 4-4.5 hrs./4
hrs.
Difficulty
Whitewater(Class I-III)
Suggested age:
12 yrs. Old and accompanied by parent
that is a competent paddler
Camping:
Antietam Campground. (Hiker/biker campground.
Along C&O Canal)
Provides water, porta john, picnic table, fire pit
Shuttle:
Take-out Potoma
Wayside: Leave cars at River and Trail Take-out Brunswick: Customer cars are parked at the Brunswick commuter
lot (within walking distance from take-out) and we will pick up boats for
groups of 3 or more boats. Customers can leave directly from take-out after
handing off boats to us.
Devil's Backbone can be an alternative put-in
if Antietam Creek is running 2.6 or higher
For groups of 3+ boats, take-out at Brunswick instead…the boat ramp
makes for a much easier take-out
For reservations click here or
call 888 I GO PLAY (888 446-7529)
June-October Three day trips:
Novice
Shenandoah River: Morgan's Ford- Moulton Park
Description:
The Shenandoah meanders in wide, lazy loops
along the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains on this quiet and beautiful stretch
of river. Occasional riffles and Class II rapids interrupt long pools of
fish-jumping waters. Heron and osprey feed here and deer sometimes break
through the thickets to drink at the water's edge.
Weekdays
When:
8:00am arrival/depart, 5 PM pickup
Where:
Shenandoah River: Morgan's Ford- Moulton Park
Distance/time
40 miles (1st day 11 miles/ 2nd day 15 miles/3rd
day 14 miles) 5-6.5 hrs each day
Difficulty
Novice/Class I-II
Suggested age:
7 yrs. Old and must weigh at least 50 lbs.
Camping:
1st night: River islands around Rt. 50
bridge (customers will need to bring water, food, etc…no facilities
available) 2nd night: River islands around Rt. 7 bridge or Watermelon Campgrd.
pH 540-955-4803 (full facilities)
Shuttle:
Customers check-in at River and Trail, leave
their cars at Millville Campgrd., We drive them to Morgan's Ford and drop
them off. We pick up on day three and transport customers back to their
cars.
Must depart on a weekday
Pricing:
Click here to refer to pricing
table.
Additional charges to regular rental fee:
1-15 canoes: $60 flat fee for shuttle
Over 15 canoes: $120 flat fee for shuttle
For reservations click here
or call 888 I GO PLAY (888 446-7529)
*Prices do not include tax. See our reservations
page for tax information.
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and Trail Outfitters
and is not to be used without the expressed written permission of River and
Trail Outfitters.
