South Fork Shenandoah — Luray to Bentonville: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
South Fork Shenandoah River · Class II · Virginia
Current verdict
Good to paddle
Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.
USGS gauge 01629500 · updated Jul 9, 7:45 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class II
- Length
- 8 mi
- Float time
- ~4 hr
- Best months
- April–October
- Put-in
- White House Landing (Rt 615, Luray)
- Take-out
- Bentonville Landing (Rt 613)
Reading USGS gauge 01629500 — S F SHENANDOAH RIVER NEAR LURAY, VA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling South Fork Shenandoah — Luray to Bentonville?
This section is generally runnable at 300–5,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check South Fork Shenandoah River levels?
We read USGS gauge 01629500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is South Fork Shenandoah — Luray to Bentonville good for beginners?
This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle South Fork Shenandoah River here?
Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float South Fork Shenandoah — Luray to Bentonville?
This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.