River Float Trips

Welcome to our River Float Trips on the fabled South Fork Shenandoah River.

This is a gorgeous and wild river with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a river trip. Choose your boat, how many miles you’d like to float, let us outfit your group and shuttle you upriver to begin your journey.

Come to Front Royal River Adventures, park your car, gather your belongings, select from a fun variety of boats, check in, and let us provide you with a complimentary shuttle upriver in our van or bus to begin your paddle trip.   Don’t hesitate to bring your fishing gear if you’d like to try your hand at the famous smallmouth bass fishery.

Float Length Options:

3 Mile River Float:  Eastham Park to Front Royal River Adventures.

A great option if you have just a couple hours or just want to “put your toes in”.  This float is also perfect for beginners as it features only Class A or 1 rapids, which means just riffles and some small river ledges to maneuver, which make it fun.  This 3 mile float arcs around the Town of Front Royal, but you wouldn’t know it since it’s scenic and undeveloped the entire way.  Full of wildlife, with bluffs on the right, farmland bottom on the left, and the Massanutten Mountain behind you.

5 Mile River Float (North Fork Shenandoah):  Catlett’s Landing to Front Royal River Adventures.

The North Fork Shenandoah is a jewel.  It’s the smaller, undiscovered sister of the South Fork.  Run this quaint five mile river section from a historic river boat landing at Catlett’s Ford downstream about five miles where it joins the South Fork.  A fairly straight forward mild paddle with only class A-1 rapids. Wooded and secluded most of the way, this runs a straight path at the Northern terminus of the Massanutten Mountain range.  Shallow, clear most of the time, and a nice length for a 2.5-4 hour paddle.  Water levels permitting.

9 Mile River Float:  “Gooney Creek” to Front Royal River Adventures.

A classic scenic South Fork Shenandoah River Float for guests who want to spend 4-6 hours on the river.  Start the float with a spirited Class 1+ to 2 rapid, then enjoy a mixture of riffles, ledges and pools for the rest of the float.  Gorgeous scenery and wildlife with mountain backdrops, farm fields and just you and nature. Floating times vary with water level, paddler experience and how much time you want to spend enjoying the float.  You just need to be back to Front Royal River Adventures by closing time so you get to pace your own trip.

15 Mile River Float:  Shenandoah River State Park to Front Royal River Adventures

Starting at the Shenandoah River State Park, this is an amazing float with so many different looks it’s a favorite among more experienced paddlers.  Features class I and II Rapids.Some sections are shallow with flowing river grasses and water so clear it will remind you of an aquarium.  Other sections are deep and slow with rock bluffs and small cliffs.  An experience you’ll remember. Please Note: The length of the float will require an early start, and you’ll be glad you ate some Wheaties for breakfast.

Boat Options:

Sit-On-Top Kayak:

• Open-Air Adventure: For those who crave an open-air adventure, our sit-on kayaks are the perfect choice.  We have selected Jackson Rivieras for our entire sit-on-top kayak fleet.  Awesome boats, they remind us of a convertible Alpha Romeo.  Easy to maneuver and play in current, yet nice for cruising flatwater.  Offering a relaxed seating position with a molded seat, these kayaks are great for paddlers looking to soak in the sun and enjoy the refreshing river breeze.  We use these boats during the warm season because guests will likely get wet, which is part of the fun and nice when it’s hot. If staying dry is your priority you might decide to try our Sit-In Kayaks.

• Precision and Comfort: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the river with our sit-in kayaks. Designed for precision and control, these kayaks provide a custom fit with adjustable seats and easily adjusted foot pegs to account for our variance in leg length.  These boats sit nicely in the water, are pretty fast for a river boat, and a bit dryer than our Sit-On-Top option.  They also have a convenient dry storage compartment for your gear built in.  These boats offer an intimate connection with the water, making them an excellent choice for paddlers seeking a more streamlined experience.

Canoe:

• Classic Exploration: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, our canoes offer a lovely couples or family paddling experience. We’ve chosen the absolutely classic Old Town 158 series canoe for our fleet. These durable canoes provide a feeling of stability, are maneuverable and have ample space for gear, a young child or two, or your dogs.  Perfect for your leisurely cruise along the Shenandoah River.

Tour Highlights:

Quality Equipment:

• We spared no expense selecting our fleet of canoes and kayaks, and work to meticulously maintain them to ensure safety and reliability. Each rental includes paddles and life vests, meeting all safety standards for a worry-free experience.  Our boats are hand chosen for their performance and comfort. Also, we have selected NRS outfitter zip-on adjustable PFD’s which are a big step up in quality and comfort from much of what we see on the river.

Flexible Time and Length:

• We offer multiple length river float trips.  This allows guests to consider their experience and expectations, the interests of their group, and how much time they’d like to spend on the water.
• Tailor your river exploration to your schedule by choosing from among the different length floats. From several hour excursions to full-day adventures, we accommodate your preferences for a personalized experience.

Convenient Pickup and Drop-off:

• Located just a couple minutes off Route 66, near Shenandoah National Park, we operate on our own riverfront park-like property in the northern part of Front Royal. Park in our convenient spacious parking lot, gather your belongings, visit our check-in booth and you’ll be on your way.  We provide complimentary transportation upstream to the beginning of the river float of your choice  Paddle on your own schedule and finish your trip back at Front Royal River Adventures.  All trips end where you parked, so after your trip you’re free to stay and picnic with your family or head home if other activities await you elsewhere.  No waiting for transportation to pick you up after your trip.

Local Guidance:

• Benefit from our team’s local expertise. Receive insider tips on scenic routes, wildlife hotspots, and the best paddling spots along the Shenandoah River.

Reservation Convenience:

• If you prefer to guarantee your spot or wish to streamline your check-in, secure your watercraft in advance by making a reservation online or by phone. However, drop-ins are more than welcome and still the most common choice for our guests.

Professional Staff: Our experienced and friendly staff are here to ensure your safety and maximize your enjoyment. They will provide a brief safety orientation, equip you with all necessary gear, and direct you to the correct location to start your trip.

Wildlife Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls the Shenandoah River home. From herons gracefully gliding over the water to turtles sunbathing on rocks and logs, each moment on the river brings the possibility of a delightful wildlife encounter.

Group-Friendly: Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a family, or a group of friends, floating the Shenandoah is a classic past-time and suitable for guests of most ages. Create lasting memories as you share laughs and experiences with your fellow adventurers.

Optional Add-ons: Enhance your tubing experience with optional add-ons such as dry-bags for your personal belongings, economical river shoes (available at check-in) if you don’t have a pair suitable for river use, insulated dry bag cooler for your cold food and drinks