About Us

The South Fork of the Shenandoah is a flowing mountain river legendary for its canoeing excellence. Canoes are swift, maneuverable, and easy to handle. Canoes are the craft of choice on the Shenandoah because they're ideal for exploring the many subtle riffles and eddies which make this river so much fun to paddle. There is no better way to experience this wonderful river.

FISHING NOTES

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River has historically ranked as one of the finest small mouth bass fisheries anywhere. Unfortunately, a mysterious fish kill in 2005 wiped out about 80% of the mature bass, but spared the smaller fish. Fishing action for smaller bass remains good, but it will take a few years before big bass make a comeback. Awesome fishing days are still common, just not quite as dependable as in years past. Downriver Canoe Company carries a wide variety of artificial bait which, from our experience, works well on this river (the local country stores in Bentonville carry live bait as well). Don't forget your fishing license which may be purchased at any Kmart or Walmart, or may be purchased on line or at one of our local country stores.  Rental tackle is also available for $12 per day. Human consumption of the fish is not recommended due to careless industrial practices upriver during the first half of the twentieth century.

• Suntan lotion and a hat
• An old pair of sneakers (river rocks are sharp)
• A short piece of light cord to secure items in the canoe
• A picnic lunch (good sandwiches available locally)
• Drinking water or drinks (No Glass Containers, Please)
• Fishing tackle (rental tackle available)
• Your fishing license
• An open mind (to be filled by today´s great adventure)
• Trash bag
• Change of clothes for the ride home
• Insect spray (It only gets bothersome in the evening)

Downriver Canoe Company has done everything possible to assure our guests a rewarding experience. After all, we have been professional river outfitters for over thirty years. However, we wish to inform our guests that river running is not entirely risk free. Unlike a theme park setting, your adventure will take place in a natural environment over which Downriver Canoe Company has no control. Therefore, all activity participants will be required to sign our Acknowledgment of Risk/Release Form. All children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian signature on our form. Downriver Canoe Company reserves the right to restrict or cancel any river trip due to unfavorable river level or adverse weather conditions.

Downriver Canoe Company maintains a primitive campground in a spectacular riverside setting called Golden Rock Campground. It is located right at Compton Rapid, the midpoint of the two day trip. The facility provides fresh water, portable toilets, picnic tables, and firepit grills, but no showers or hot water. Tent camping only is allowed. The campground is restricted to canoeists on our two day trip on weekends during May and June. However, during July, August, September, and October, canoeists taking the single day trip with Downriver Canoe Company are eligible to stay in the Campground for $8 per person per night.

Alcohol and river activities...canoeing, tubing and swimming... DON´T MIX. Your judgment and abilities can be diminished by alcohol along with your ability to withstand cold. Exposure to summer sun intensifies the effects of alcohol. Virginia is taking a strong stand against drinking in public and while on the water. Be responsible and smart..make the drive home safe and sober.

Whether you are organizing a group from work, a church group, scouts, or simply bringing family and friends, there are certain steps you can follow to make your task easier, more fun, and less stressful.

1. Call ahead for reservations to set aside the equipment you think you will need. Please make your estimate as accurate as possible.
2. Collect deposits from everyone who says they wish to come. This commitment will make your numbers more solid and your planning easier. Please note, deposits are due one month prior to the date of your adventure to insure equipment availability.
3. Things to tell people to bring include river sandals (or an old pair of sneakers), sunscreen, a hat, a picnic lunch and plenty of fluids to drink (alcoholic beverages are discouraged, save the bottled fun for after the run), a change of clothes, insect spray (not really necessary for day trips), and a small trash bag.
4. Keep us posted on any major changes to your group size or needs. We understand your group numbers will constantly change, we simply ask you to keep us posted on any major changes, especially last minute changes. We are anxious to work with you to make your job as organizer easier.
5. Check our web site three days prior to your adventure to ascertain river level and weather forecasts. Phone in any last minute changes to us and confirm arrival time.
6. Make sure everyone in your group has directions (available off our web site) and an agenda. Collect everyone's balance due so one payment may be made for your group as opposed to everyone paying separately upon arrival (this saves a lot of time).
7. Every individual must sign our release form (which may be downloaded from our web site). It saves time to have this done prior to your arrival. Any child (under the age of 18) must have our release signed by a parent or guardian.
8. Upon arrival at Downriver Canoe Company assemble your group at one of our assembly points. Then you, as the leader, come inside with your group release forms and payment. We take it from there.

• Minimum age: 5 with close parental supervision
• 2 persons per canoe is ideal, maximum 3 adults
• Pets are O.K. if you can handle them except in rafts
• No glass containers on the river please
• We operate rain or shine