The Complete Guide to Exploring the New River

About 160 miles of the New River flows through Southwest Virginia, drawing outdoor and water sports enthusiasts year-round to experience the scenic river journey over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The New River enters Virginia from North Carolina near Mouth of Wilson, then makes its way northward, leaving the Commonwealth around Pearisburg to finally end in West Virginia. This flowing gem is unique in several ways. It is one of only a few rivers in the world that primarily flows south to north, and the river is also considered to be the second oldest river in the entire world (another rare north-flowing river, the Nile, is the oldest).

Whether you’re interested in an adrenaline-fueled whitewater kayak trip or looking for a quiet peaceful retreat on the water, plan a trip to the New River to venture into some of Virginia’s most stunningly wild waterfront acreage.

Here's our guide to the best spots along the southern and northern portions of the New River, which outfitters will help you get on the water, and where to eat and drink after a day on the river. 
 

JUMP TO: Southern New River | Northern New River

SOUTHERN NEW RIVER

Where it Runs: North Carolina Border to Pulaski

Communities to Visit Along the River: Mouth of Wilson, Independence, Fries, Galax, Austinville, Draper, Pulaski

River Outfitters & Guides

• New River Trips LLC in Galax: Guided fly and spin fishing trips.
• New River Outdoor Adventures in Galax: Canoe, kayak, and tube rentals.
• New River Fly Fishing in Willis: Guided fly fishing trips.
• New River Charter in Foster Falls: Guided fishing trips.

Where to Eat

• Thee Draper Village in Draper
• The Galax Smokehouse in Galax
• Graze on Main in Wytheville (About 30 minute drive from the river)

Wineries & Breweries

• Creek Bottom Brewing in Galax
• Great Wilderness Brewing Company in Pulaski
• West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery in Max Meadows

Area Highlights near the Southern New River 

While much of the New River runs through beautifully undeveloped land, there are still many places to visit along the river’s shores.

The Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail

If you’re a music lover, you need to visit Galax, part of the iconic Crooked Road and home of the historic Rex Theater, which hosts a live radio show every Friday night featuring bluegrass and oldtime bands. The town also holds several notable music festivals, including the Galax Old Fiddler's Convention. The town of Fries, just a few miles northwest of Galax along the river, is another stop on the Crooked Road worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more about the musical heritage that comes from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

New River Trail State Park

Outdoor activities abound along the New River, from fly fishing and kayaking to cycling nature trails along the shores. New River Trail State Park parallels the river for more than 50 miles through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, and Pulaski. Converted rails-to-trails pathways invite hikers, horseback riders, and cyclists to discover the beauty of the New River in the untouched landscapes of the park.

Access Points to the Southern New River

• Baywood
• Bridle Creek
• Independence
• Mouth of Wilson
• Oldtown
• Riverside
• Byllesby Pool
• Ivanhoe
• Austinville

NORTHERN NEW RIVER

Where it Runs: Pulaski to West Virginia Border

Communities to Visit Along the River: Hiwassee, Radford, Eggleston, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Narrows

River Outfitters & Guides

• Tangent Outfitters in Pembroke and Radford: Canoe, kayak, raft, and tube rentals. Guided fishing and stand up paddleboarding trips.
• Mountain 2 Island in Hiwassee: Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Guided paddleboard tours.
• New River Junction in Blacksburg: Tube rentals.
• New River Outdoor Company in Pearisburg: Canoe, kayak, and raft rentals. Guided fishing trips on the New River.

Where to Eat

• BT’s Restaurant in Radford
• Cabo Fish Taco in Blacksburg
• The Blacksburg Tavern in Blacksburg
• The Palisades Restaurant in Eggleston

Wineries & Breweries

• Rising Silo Brewery in Blacksburg
• Bull and Bones Brewhaus & Grill in Blacksburg
• Beliveau Farm Winery in Blacksburg
• The River Company Restaurant & Brewery in Fairlawn

Area Highlights near the Northern New River 

Claytor Lake State Park

A popular spot for water sports, the 4,500-acre Claytor Lake was formed in 1939 by a hydroelectric dam built on the New River. Along the waterfront, Claytor Lake State Park provides campgrounds, cottages, and hiking trails for those water enthusiasts that want to explore and stay on the lands along the New River. In addition to the pristine state park grounds, Claytor Lake offers a large, calm waterway that lends to motor boating and sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, and stand up paddleboarding. 

Lily Valley Inn

You'll find the beautiful Lilly Valley Inn in Pearisburg, overlooking the New River. The B&B is a must-stay destination if you want to add some luxury to your river adventures. 

Access Points to the Northern New River                                         

• Little River Road Public Boat Launch
• Peppers Ferry Road Public Boat Launch
• Whitethorne Public Boat Launch
• New River Junction/Big Falls Park
• Snidow Park Landing
• Glen Lyn
• Narrows
• Rich Creek

Get out on the New River this summer and you'll find adventure, endless fun for the whole family, and some of the Commonwealth’s most gorgeous scenery are just around the bend!