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Planning commission sets March public hearing for guided rappelling SUP at Golden Rock Campground
Summary
The Page County Planning Commission voted Feb. 10 to schedule a March 10 public hearing on a special-use permit that would allow guided rappelling tours at Golden Rock Campground. Staff recommended conditions including proof of liability insurance, Health Department approvals, and third-party equipment inspections.
The Page County Planning Commission on Feb. 10 agreed to hold a public hearing March 10 on a special-use permit application from Checkers LLC and Mark Harris (Downriver Adventure Company) to operate guided rock-rappelling trips at Golden Rock Campground, 9751 US Hwy 340 N in Rileyville.
Planning staff told commissioners the operation would run April through October, with a maximum of 15 participants per guided session, sessions lasting two to four hours, and an estimated three to four sessions per week. Staff noted the parcel (tax map 8-(A)-103) contains 44.66 acres, is zoned Woodland-Conservation, and that the rappel location is immediately adjacent to the Shenandoah River and largely within the FEMA 100-year floodplain; no new permanent structures are proposed.
Applicant Mark Harris said he took over Downriver Canoe Company last February and aims to broaden river-based offerings by pairing paddling and guided rappelling. "The opportunity to use the rock feature at Golden Rock came to mind," Harris said, and he described using shuttle service from the business’ Bentonville headquarters to limit on-site vehicle traffic.
Staff and commissioners focused on public-safety and operational conditions. Tracy Clatterbuck, planning staff, summarized agency comments including VDOT’s note that shuttle transport should limit additional traffic and Health Department guidance that campgrounds may use porta‑johns under certain conditions while a permanent septic solution is pursued. The Building Official’s recommended language in the packet called for "An inspection on harnesses, ropes, carabiners, helmets, & anchors prior to operation and annually thereafter. All inspections will be required to be 3rd party." Commissioners asked staff to refine that condition so it covered "all equipment, including but not limited to" the listed items.
Commissioners also asked for proof of liability insurance limits; Harris said current coverage is $2 million and can be increased to $5 million. Planning staff will add conditions tying insurance, equipment inspection protocols, and demonstration of any required lease terms with the property owner into the SUP. Ms. Catherine Grech moved to schedule the March 10 public hearing; the motion passed unanimously (5-0).
The commission will consider public testimony and the refined conditions at the March hearing; staff requested the public hearing notice include the draft conditions and applicable zoning citations.
