Access Site
WV
Millville Dam
City: Charles Town, WV
County: Jefferson County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 39.26848777, -77.78369330
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Shenandoah River
4 runsDifficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
II-III
Put-in at this location
3. Millville, WV to Harpers Ferry (Potoma Wayside, VA or Weverton, MD)
6.1 mi
7 ft/mi
I-II
Take-out at this location
2. Bloomery Bridge Boat Ramp to Millville, WV
4.6 mi
10 ft/mi
I-II
Upstream from here (2.4 mi from take-out)
1. VA 7 to Bloomery Bridge Boat Ramp WV
14.0 mi
5 ft/mi
I(II)
Upstream from here (12.4 mi from take-out)
0.9 Route 50 to VA 7
14.8 mi
3 ft/mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Facilities:** Located at 2428 Bloomery Road in Charles Town, WV, this West Virginia Department of Natural Resources access point offers both a concrete boat ramp and a dirt hand-launch area for kayakers and canoeists. The site features a paved parking lot and serves as a popular put-in for paddlers exploring the Shenandoah River below the dam. This is a relatively isolated access point, making it quieter than some regional alternatives.
**Water Conditions & Paddling:** Immediately below the dam, paddlers can expect about one mile of flat to moving water before encountering rapids. Class II conditions (potentially Class III at higher water levels) follow, along with pools and additional gradient downstream. The tailrace environment typical of dam releases means water conditions can change; paddlers should check current flow levels before launching. This access works well for both hand-launching small craft and launching larger boats via the ramp.
**Nearby Recreation:** The site's remote location between Little Falls and Shepherdstown offers access to a scenic section of the Shenandoah. Nearby attractions include Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers) and Antietam National Battlefield, making this a good base for combining paddling with regional sightseeing. Huckleberry Hill Hiker-Biker Campsite is available within 10 miles for multi-day trips.
**Water Conditions & Paddling:** Immediately below the dam, paddlers can expect about one mile of flat to moving water before encountering rapids. Class II conditions (potentially Class III at higher water levels) follow, along with pools and additional gradient downstream. The tailrace environment typical of dam releases means water conditions can change; paddlers should check current flow levels before launching. This access works well for both hand-launching small craft and launching larger boats via the ramp.
**Nearby Recreation:** The site's remote location between Little Falls and Shepherdstown offers access to a scenic section of the Shenandoah. Nearby attractions include Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers) and Antietam National Battlefield, making this a good base for combining paddling with regional sightseeing. Huckleberry Hill Hiker-Biker Campsite is available within 10 miles for multi-day trips.
Nearby Campgrounds (1 within 10 miles)
Huckleberry Hill Hiker-Biker Campsite
On-site
Nearby Recreation Areas
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Located within
Antietam National Battlefield
Located within