Explore Virginia's New River: Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Wonders
Stretching about 160 miles through Southwest Virginia, the New River draws outdoor enthusiasts and water sports lovers year-round. This scenic waterway flows northward over the Blue Ridge Mountains, entering from North Carolina near Mouth of Wilson and exiting near Pearisburg into West Virginia. One of the world's few south-to-north rivers, it's also the second oldest after Egypt's Nile. From adrenaline-pumping whitewater kayaking to peaceful paddles, discover Virginia's wildest riverfront landscapes.
Southern New River: North Carolina Border to Pulaski
Communities Along the River: Mouth of Wilson, Independence, Fries, Galax, Austinville, Draper, Pulaski
River Outfitters & Guides:
- New River Trips LLC—Galax: Guided fly and spin fishing trips.
- Bluecat on the New—Draper: Canoe, kayak, and tube rentals.
- New River Outdoor Adventures—Galax: Canoe, kayak, and tube rentals.
- New River Fly Fishing—Willis: Guided fly fishing trips.
- New River Charter—Foster Falls: Guided fishing trips.
Local Dining Highlights:
- Draper Valley Marketplace—Draper
- The Galax Smokehouse—Galax
- Graze on Main—Wytheville (30-minute drive)
- Al’s on First—Pulaski
Wineries & Breweries:
- Vale Vineyards—Galax
- Creek Bottom Brewing—Galax
- West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery—Max Meadows
Area Highlights:
Much of the New River winds through undeveloped land, but charming stops abound. Music fans should head to Galax on the Crooked Road trail, home to the historic Rex Theater's Friday night Bluegrass and Old-Time radio show, plus festivals like HoustonFest and the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention. Nearby Fries offers more Crooked Road heritage from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Outdoor pursuits thrive here: fly fishing, kayaking, and cycling the New River Trail State Park, a 50+ mile rails-to-trails path through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, and Pulaski counties for hikers, equestrians, and cyclists.
Southern Access Points:
- Baywood
- Bridle Creek
- Independence
- Mouth of Wilson
- Oldtown
- Riverside
- Byllesby Pool
- Ivanhoe
- Austinville
Northern New River: Pulaski to West Virginia Border
Communities Along the River: Hiwassee, Radford, Eggleston, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Narrows
River Outfitters & Guides:
- New River Fishing Guide Service—Dublin: Guided fishing trips.
- Tangent Outfitters—Pembroke and Radford: Canoe, kayak, raft, tube rentals; guided fishing and SUP trips.
- Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company—Hiwassee: Canoe, kayak, paddleboard rentals; guided tours.
- Greasy Creek Outfitters—Riner: Guided fishing trips.
- New River Junction—Blacksburg: Tube rentals.
- Appalachian Waters Float Fishing and Guide Service—Hiwassee: Guided fly and spin fishing.
- New River Outdoor Co.—Pembroke: Canoe, kayak, raft rentals; guided fishing.
Local Dining Highlights:
- MK’s Gourmet Pizzeria—Dublin
- BT’s Restaurant—Radford
- The Black Hen & Bar Blue—Blacksburg
- The Social House—Blacksburg
- Due South BBQ—Christiansburg
- The Palisades Restaurant—Eggleston
Wineries & Breweries:
- Right Turn, Clyde Brewing—Narrows
- Rising Silo Brewery—Blacksburg
- Bull and Bones Brewhaus & Grill—Blacksburg
- Right Mind Brewing Company—Blacksburg
- Beliveau Estate Winery—Blacksburg
- The River Company Restaurant & Brewery—Fairlawn
- Giles Mountain Vineyard & Winery—Staffordsville
- Whitebarrel Winery—Christiansburg
Northern Highlights:
Claytor Lake, a 4,500-acre reservoir formed in 1939 by a New River dam, is a water sports haven. Claytor Lake State Park offers camping, cottages, and trails. Enjoy boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and SUP on calm waters, with upscale rentals and inns nearby.
Northern Access Points:
- 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
Head to the New River this summer for family adventures, thrilling activities, and breathtaking scenery. Share your New River tips in the comments!
