Canoeing and Kayaking
in the New River Valley
New River Canoe Livery
P.O Box 100 - Pembroke, Virginia - 24136
Phone - (540) 626-7189
E-mail - newriverrats@cs.com
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About the New River
The New River is the largest river in Virginia and one of the few rivers that flow north. From Claytor Lake Dam, the river flows free for 70 miles into the back waters of Bluestone reservoir in West Virginia. The river is characterized by long pools, occasionally interrupted by a mild to moderate (Class I-III) rapid. Good water quality, excellent scenery, plentiful campsites and sandy beaches make the New ideal for summertime cruising and camping. From June thru October when most Virginia streams are too low for canoeing, the New is at its best.Our location in Giles County, Virginia, probably the most scenic in the state, puts us near the very best of the New River. The spectacular cliffs towering above the river here provide some of Virginia's most outstanding scenery. They are seldom seen except by canoeists. The section between Pembroke and Bluff City has more frequent and exciting rapids than others and is becoming the most popular summer canoe trip in western Virginia.
The New is Virginia's leading musky fishery with good populations of small mouth bass and catfish.
Historically, the New River was a barrier to settlers moving west by wagon and a main highway for Indians moving north by canoe. Indians used the many caves along the river as shelter on their journeys. In the early 1800's, boatmen cleared channels that are still visible today through most rapids below Shumate Falls.
In April and May, Walker Creek offers faster paced trips with frequent mild to moderate, white water and scenery equal to that on New River. Come join us. Relax, drift, and enjoy the scenery or take on the challenge of whitewater. It's all here in Giles County where the New River meets the Appalachian Trail.
The beautiful New River Valley offers many recreational opportunities nearby in addition to your canoeing adventure. While in the area you may wish to embellish your trip by enjoying a hike to the Cascades Falls or through the Jefferson National Forest on the Appalachian Trail, a dip in the pool or a round of golf at Castle Rock Recreation area, or perhaps the amenities of lovely Mountain Lake Resort. In a bit of trivia, the feature film and box office hit Dirty Dancing was filmed at Mountain Lake.