Middle River at Franks Mill

Middle River at Frank's Mill River Right Access (south side of river) Beach Worthiness: D Bank Fishing Worthiness: F Wade Fishing Worthiness: C Kid/Family Playaround Friendliness: D (access is under bridge) Distances to Nearby Accesses: It is a 6.0 mile float down to Spring Hill (river right) Access Description: This is an informal "under bridge" access point. This is a classic "climb over the bridge wall/embankment" type put in at the SE corner of the river/bridge. Spring Hill Road Parking: Gravel pull-off on Union Church Road to the South/East of the bridge. There's room for one or two cars. The River: Middle River is small here, averaging 30-100 feet wide and has normal variety of depths from 1' to 6' deep. This is a pretty tame float in low water with Class A - II rapids. BEWARE of low water bridge 1.2 miles downstream from Union Church Road that must be portaged around. Pastoral and wooded setting most of the way with a few groups of houses. Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 4.o feet on the USGS Middle River Grottoes gage. 2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) or if you are not skilled enough to handle the velocity of flow 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water Staying as Safe As Possible: River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the many river outfitters that exist along the river to rent you a tube/boat/raft and put you on an appropriate float. But for people with some experience or those who would like to venture out on their own you may wish to heed some general guidelines Including: 1) Bring much more water than you think you'll need 2) Wear your life preserver 3) Wear closed toed secure river shoes or tennis shoes at all times 4) Don't drink water from the river 5) Bring wet weather gear even on the hottest days (long summer thunderstorms can give you hypothermia) 6) If you have an open cut or scrape keep it out of the river 7) If you get a cut or scrape from the river, clean it out very very thoroughly right away and make sure no debris/algae or dirt remains in the cut. Disinfect. Keep Dry. River infections are extremely serious. If you suspect infection is developing in a cut after having contact with the river then seek medical attention immediately - emergency care if your doctor is unavailable. Signs of river infection are increasing redness or prolonged soreness, increasing swelling, wound odor and/or fever. 8) In cool weather dress in warm layers. Never wear cotton against your skin and this includes t-shirts and jeans. 9) Be aware of where you are in the river and become familiar with what your take-out point looks like if you're doing a float so you don't miss it and get stranded after dark. 10) Avoid wild animals 11) If thunderstorms develop you should have a plan which usually includes finding a place that reduces your chance of being struck by lightning and/or being hit by a falling branch or tree in high winds.