Are trips guided or self-guided?

All river trips are self-guided with safety briefings and maps provided at check-in.

What is the maximum weight for kayaks?

The single kayak weight limit is 250 pounds to ensure proper buoyancy and safety.

Can I bring pets on the river trip?

Yes, pets are allowed when they ride in canoes or kayaks, but not recommended in rapids.

How do I get tickets for Luray Caverns?

Tickets are included and must be picked up at the outfitter’s office before your trip.

What if the river levels are too high or low?

Trips may be rescheduled or canceled due to unsafe river conditions; check with the outfitter beforehand.

Is transportation provided to the river put-in and take-out?

Yes, the outfitter offers shuttle service to and from the launch and take-out points.

Shenandoah River Outfitters: Whitewater & Luray Caverns Trip

Shenandoah River Outfitters in Luray, Virginia, offers an immersive adventure combining eleven miles of whitewater paddling with a visit to the iconic Luray Caverns. Situated in the scenic South Fork of the Shenandoah River valley, this trip is designed for those seeking a blend of river thrills and underground exploration. Launching from Bealer's Ferry and concluding at Burner's Bottom, paddlers navigate Class I-II rapids that strike a balance between excitement and accessibility, making the journey suitable for paddlers with some prior experience.

The river corridor cuts through a landscape of mixed hardwood forests and limestone bluffs, creating a diverse natural corridor rich with wildlife such as herons and the occasional beaver. Along the way, paddlers will encounter clear pools and gentle riffles, framed by Virginia's characteristic flora including mountain laurels and sycamores. The trip’s neat integration with tickets to Luray Caverns — a hundred-million-year-old limestone cave system famous for its vast chambers and reflective pools — adds a geological marvel to the outdoor experience.

Check-in takes place at the conveniently located Shenandoah River Outfitters office, where staff provide maps, safety briefings, and equipment like life jackets and paddles. The outfitter holds your car keys for safety and transports guests to the put-in point, ensuring a smooth start to the trip. The combination of controlled self-guided river running paired with a guided cavern experience makes this unique offering one of the few that marry above-ground adventure with subterranean gravity.

Whether paddling through serene stretches or negotiating mild waves, this trip anchors itself as a standout in the region’s outdoor offerings. The Shenandoah River’s clean water and diverse recreational opportunities, bolstered by this all-in-one package, make it an ideal day trip or part of a longer exploration of Virginia’s South Fork Shenandoah area. For adventurers who value a seamless blend of river dynamics and an extraordinary geological destination, this trip delivers in spades.