THE SHENANDOAH RIVER
Interestingly, the main stem of the Shenandoah is not known for being a whitewater river, nor, in reality, should it be. For the most part, the "Daughter of the Stars" meanders through farmland, riverside communities and rural reaches of the Eastern Panhandle. But the last three miles of the Shenandoah, before it commingles with the Potomac at Harpers Ferry, flaunts some of the most intense rapids in West Virginia this side of the New River.

The six-mile getaway begins at Bloomery Road below the Millville Dam in Jefferson County. A river-left put-in exists several hundred yards below the dam; the ramp is concrete and parking spaces are available. Matt Knott, who operates River Riders in Harpers Ferry, strongly suggests that the Bloomery Road float only be taken by expert canoeists or by rafters and kayakers. I have kayaked this section and prefer that method of transportation -- in this instance -- to a canoe. A possible Class IV rapid exists here and it should definitely be portaged. Rapids rated between Class I and III also characterize this section.

This junket begins in a very gentle fashion, as the first two miles consist of nothing more than the occasional riffle. But at the two-mile point, the correctly named Class I Entrance Rapid intimates what is in store. Entrance Rapid is a snap to shoot through, but then comes the very long and variable Bulls Falls, which can range from easy Class IIs to difficult Class IIIs, depending on water levels. For the rougher sections, I recommend portaging on river left.

After Bulls Falls, its sister rapid, Second Bulls Falls, parades its drops and boulders and is quickly followed by Third Hydraulic, which can swamp an open canoe. A very easy Class I rapid is next on the horizon. The fishing throughout this section from Entrance Rapid to Third Hydraulic can be fantastic, as eddies, current breaks and push water exist in numerous places. Also worthy of mention is the fact that the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park now claims both sides of the Shenandoah.

Then comes a long rock garden, which I find an absolute delight to fish. The riffles and Class Is within are particularly inviting. A Class I to II rapid is next on the agenda and yet another rock garden then commences. The Shenandoah River then resumes its stereotypical lazy pace . . . but not for long.

For soon you will have to deal with Upper Staircase, a rather mischievous rapid that can be a pussycat Class I or a lion-like Class III -- all depending on water levels. The best pathways vary according to the water levels.

The most important highway along the entire length of the South Fork and main stem of the Shenandoah, U.S. Route 340, now crosses the Main Stem and separates Upper Staircase from Lower Staircase, which has sections that vary from Class I to IV. The most intense part of Lower Staircase is the Heaven's Gate area, which contains Class III to IV rapids. Caution: Portage on river left.

Soon you will come to the confluence of the Shenandoah and the Potomac, one of the most beautiful sights in the Mountain State, as old bridge supports, a mountain and two rivers all compete to show off their respective charms. You now enter the Potomac and will finish the Bloomery Road trip with a quick one-mile streaking to the river-right take-out. In order, you will run an easy Class I, a river-wide Class II, the Class III-plus White Horse, and the Class III Washing Machine. A sign saying "Potomac Wayside," which is just off Route 340, marks the take-out.