The morning sun penetrated the clear water, brightening the sandy river bottom. I watched a large catfish wiggle through the wavy Sartgrass, likely looking for breakfast.

The only sound that broke through the silence was the call of a Red-winged Blackbird. As my kayak continued to drift along the gentle current, I couldn’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else at that moment. I thought about how lucky I was to actually get paid to take park visitors down the river and enable them to experience the serenity of Shenandoah River State Park; it has to be the best part of my job!

Float down the river, enjoy the scenery, and relax!

All types of guests sign up for these trips 

Some have never kayaked before, while others have been on more excursions than they could ever count. But regardless of experience level, one thing everyone has in common by the end of the float is an appreciation of the beauty and uniqueness of this particular river. 

With the large Massanutten Mountain as its backdrop, a more magnificent view would be hard to find.  Green and Blue Heron wade in the shallows, as painted turtles sun themselves on rocks. Iridescent Damselflies hitch rides on kayaks, while sunfish leap out of the water to catch insects. And if you’re really lucky, you might even see an eagle or osprey flying overhead, or an otter gliding through the current.

There are so many ways to enjoy the river at Shenandoah River State Park  

Besides the guided trips offered by the park on a weekly basis (in-season), you can bring your own kayak or tube and launch from one of several areas.  ou can start at the low-water bridge in Bentonville and end at the main canoe launch in the park, which is about a four-mile trip. If you’re staying in the RV campground, you can put in at the tube launch and take that to the canoe launch for a shorter trip of 1.2 miles. If you’re staying in the primitive campground, you can begin your trip at the low-water bridge and end up back at your campsite (4.5 miles) or begin your trip at your site and continue on to Karo Landing or Front Royal Landing. 

For those on extended river trips beginning south of the park, you may reserve a campsite beforehand, so guests can pull off the river at the campground and stay the night in the park before continuing. 

Once you decide on the logistics of your trip, you can get down to the most important part…relaxing on the river. Traveling by water is the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, in my opinion. No traffic or crowds to deal with, just the gentle sounds of water bubbling over rocks and birds chirping in the trees. What better way is there to relieve the stress of a busy week than this?

Come out to Shenandoah River State Park and feel the stress melt away.