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The Best Places to Kayak on the Shenandoah River

Don’t let summer pass you by without taking a refreshing Shenandoah River kayaking trip! Whether you’ve never kayaked before or it’s one of your favorite hobbies, the Shenandoah River always offers beautiful scenery and fabulous adventures.

Can’t get enough of the Shenandoah River? Keep that adrenaline pumping with some Shenandoah river tubing, white water rafting, and other adventures on the river!

Shenandoah River Kayaking Adventures

The following outfitters offer a variety of adventures. Some are an hour; some are 5 days. And many are self-guided (basically, a kayak rental with shuttle service) while others offer a guide. Check them all out below to plan your perfect kayak trip on the Shenandoah River!

Massanutten Adventures

Massanutten kayak trips begin in Elkton and follow the scenic river for 7 miles and last approximately three hours. You’ll kayak through calm waters and rapids, and a shuttle will take you back to your starting place. Take their self-guided trips in either a single or double kayak, and be sure to make a reservation for your rental before you go.

Shenandoah River Adventures, LLC

All of the kayak trips at Shenandoah River Adventures are self-guided, but if you’d like a guide for your trip, that can be arranged at an additional price. Their rates and policies differ depending on the trip and day, so check out their website for details before you make your reservation.

Shenandoah River Outfitters

Shenandoah River Outfitters is unique in that they offer different lengths of 1-day kayaking trips as well as 3- to 5-day kayaking trips. These self-guided adventures also include shuttle service. So whether you want to be on the river for 3 hours or 5 days, they have a trip to fit your needs! Also, check out their YouTube video on canoe/kayak safety!

Note: Regardless of your skill level, make sure you and everyone in your group are aware of how to stay safe on the river. Here are some safety tips from the American Canoe Association to get you started. Most important: always wear a life vest, and know your limits on the water!