Public Boat Landings

Spend a day on the South Fork.

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Page Valley begins at the confluence of the North River and South River near Port Republic, flowing north for 97 miles to meet the North Fork of the Shenandoah in Front Royal. Because of its northeasterly flow, locals often refer to the South Fork as being “up” the Valley.

Fed by surface runoff tumbling down the western slope of Blue Ridge Mountains, parts of the Allegheny and Massanutten mountains, and ground water from the karst regions of the Shenandoah Valley and Page Valley, the South Fork watershed spans 1,650 square miles.

The South Fork remains a popular destination for canoeists and kayakers, as well as for boat and float trips, due in part to its close proximity to the Washington metropolitan area, as well its aesthetic beauty year round. 

Several canoe outfitters operate along the South Fork, and canoe and tube traffic can be heavy on certain sections of the river during summer months. The South Fork is typically low gradient, but does produce some Class I and Class II rapid. Three low-head hydropower dams are located on the South Fork — at Shenandoah, Newport, and Luray. Twenty public access points — including eight in Page Valley — facilitate opportunities for river adventures of varying distances.

Please note: Except for the public access points and small sections of the George Washington National Forest land on the west bank of the river, the majority of the land bordering the South Fork is privately owned. Public access points in Page Valley include: