New River
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Region
Southwest Virginia
Type
River and outdoor destination
Virginia stretch
From the North Carolina border to West Virginia
Known for
Paddling, fishing and the New River Trail
The New River is a journey through Southwest Virginia rather than a single town or park. It enters Virginia near Mouth of Wilson, winds north through a landscape of mountain valleys and river communities, and leaves the state near Pearisburg. Along the way, visitors can paddle or fish the river, explore the adjoining New River Trail State Park, or use the region’s towns as a base for a longer outdoor getaway.[1]
Plan a trip to New River
Why go
The New River combines on-water recreation with an unusually accessible land-based route beside the river. In the southern part of the state, the rail-trail links river scenery with places such as Galax, Fries and Foster Falls. Farther north, the river runs through the New River Valley and Giles County, where public access and local outfitters make paddling and fishing part of a broader visit to communities including Radford, Pembroke and Pearisburg.[2]
This is a good destination for travelers who want to set their own pace: take a short walk or ride, plan a float with an outfitter, or make a multi-day trip of trail time and nights outdoors. River conditions, access points and outfitter services vary by stretch and season, so check current local information before setting out.
Highlights
Explore a 57-mile rail-trail that parallels the New River for 39 miles. The gentle-grade route welcomes hikers, cyclists and horseback riders; check the current park map for open sections and access details.
At Claytor Lake, a reservoir on the New River, find a different kind of water outing, with park facilities and opportunities for boating and lakeside recreation. Confirm current conditions and services with the park.
In Giles County, the New River Water Trail connects river access points for paddling and fishing. Local outfitters can help visitors plan a float suited to their route and experience.
Walk, ride or camp the rail-trail
The state park follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way through four counties and the city of Galax. Beyond its long main route, it offers several access areas and a range of trail experiences; the park lists hiking, bicycling and horseback riding among the main ways to explore. Boat launches, fishing access and camping are also available at designated locations. Check the park’s current map and notices before choosing a section, since trail access and services may change.[3]
- Paddle or fish
The river offers different experiences from one stretch to another. In Giles County, the local water-trail guide describes a 37-mile route with public and private access points and identifies Eggleston to Pembroke as a popular float. Visitors without their own equipment can look to area outfitters for rentals and route planning.[4]
Fishing is another reason to spend time on the water or the bank. The state park notes that the river supports a variety of freshwater game fish. Anglers should check current regulations, licenses and access restrictions before fishing; reciprocal-license rules apply only to specified waters and boundaries.[5][6]
History and character
The New River gives the region both its physical shape and part of its name. In Virginia it runs north through Southwest Virginia, crossing mountain and valley country before continuing into West Virginia. The river’s route has long connected communities and landscapes; its surrounding history is visible in former industrial and railroad sites as well as the converted rail corridor that became New River Trail State Park.[7]
The trail itself grew from a 57-mile abandoned railroad right-of-way donated to the Commonwealth in 1986. It opened as a state park in 1987, turning a transportation corridor into a route for outdoor recreation while retaining reminders of the region’s rail and industrial past.[8]
Planning a trip
Decide first whether your visit will center on the river, the trail, or both. The New River covers a wide area, and access points are spread across multiple communities and counties; choose a launch, trail segment or town as your starting point rather than assuming the whole route is close by.
For trail visits, consult Virginia State Parks’ current trail map, access information and closure notices. The park advises visitors to use only open portions of the trail. Its general guidance lists the park as open daily from dawn to dusk, but conditions, services, fees and facilities can change; confirm details before traveling.[9]
For paddling, check the route’s length and difficulty, water and weather conditions, and the location of suitable take-out points before launching. If renting equipment or booking a shuttle or guided trip, contact an outfitter directly to confirm availability and arrangements. Virginia DWR advises paddlers to match conditions to their skill level, watch the weather and water level, and plan how to communicate in an emergency.[10]
If fishing, check current Virginia regulations and licensing requirements for the specific water you plan to fish. Do not assume a license or reciprocal agreement applies to every part of the river.[11]
Explore nearby
Galax, Virginia
Use this Southwest Virginia community as a starting point for the southern end of the New River Trail and nearby outdoor outings.
Pulaski, Virginia
Explore a New River Valley community near the river, Claytor Lake and the New River Trail.
Blacksburg, Virginia
Discover a college town in the New River Valley, within reach of river recreation and regional trails.
Christiansburg, Virginia
Make this New River Valley town a base for exploring nearby communities and outdoor destinations.
Appalachian Trail
Add a long-distance hiking landmark to a wider Southwest Virginia outdoor itinerary.
Southwest Virginia
Plan a broader trip through the region’s mountains, small towns and outdoor destinations.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ The Guide to Fishing, Food, and Fun on the New River, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ The Guide to Fishing, Food, and Fun on the New River, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ New River Water Trail Adventure, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Reciprocal Licenses, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Enjoying the Water, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Reciprocal Licenses, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
External links
- New River Trail State Park — Virginia State Parks
- Public Boating Access — Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Enjoying the Water — Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- New River Water Trail Adventure — Virginia Is for Lovers