The New River Water Trail

The Newest Water Trail on America's Oldest River

Flowing 360 miles through the heart of the southern Appalachians, the New River Water Trail is a trail for paddlers to experience the beauty of America’s oldest river and connect with communities that thrive along its banks. Highlighting the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural history of the New River, the water trail is an adventure from the headwaters on the North and South Fork in North Carolina, through the mountains of Virginia, to the New River’s confluence with the Gauley River in West Virginia.

Key Contributing Elements:

Scenic Beauty: The New River enjoys an Appalachian setting throughout it’s length.

Natural Resource Value: From the rare and iconic Hellbender and Candy Darter, to trophy smallmouth bass and walleye, the New River is host to a vibrant and broad spectrum of flora and fauna.

Community Connection: The New River Water Trail connects visitors from across the country with the communities of the New River.

The New River Experience

New River Water Trail Action Plan

The Watershed Partner's for Water Trail Planning

Partners from across the Watershed are coming together to plan for the 360 mile New River Water Trail!

The New River Conservancy is leading the New River Water Trail three-state action plan which seeks to connect Appalachian communities in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, build a green-economic engine, and increase the opportunity for community-led conservation through trail development. Completion of the project will help to strengthen rural economies, protect important natural communities of the river, and preserve land for improved access, overnight stays and scenic quality.

Connect New River watershed communities
Protect special places
Empower a culture of river stewardship
Build a network of support for trail related efforts

Do you love the New?

New River Water Trail Community Survey

We want to hear from you!

The New River Water Trail planning is ongoing and community input helps shape the future of the project. The community survey is geared toward recreational users or folks that access the New for sport or fun, h0wever, the survey is open to all across the watershed. We encourage you to participate.

Take the Survey HERE!

The New River Water Trail needs you!

Want to get involved with the New River Water Trail?

There are several ways to stay up to date with the project and the team:

Are you a land manager, a land owner or a river steward? We are building out the New River Water Trail Coalition which will be responsible for the long-term governance and management of the New River Water Trail. If you want to join in on the fun, email kathleen@newriverconservancy.org.

Reach Out!

Existing Access Maps

The New River Water Trail is under development, however partners from across the watershed have created trail segments with existing public access facilities. Find your flow state and paddle the future NRWT!

North Carolina

Home to the confluence of the North and South Forks of the New River, the High Country hosts the headwaters and the future beginning of the New River Water Trail. Watauga, Ashe and Allegheny Counties are known for their scenic calm waters and variety of rare aquatic species.

North Carolina Access Maps

Virginia

The dynamic New crosses the border into Virginia where trail users can just as easily float on tubes as they can fish with john boats. Virginia is home to 160 miles of the New River and offers a variety of experiences, from the New River Trail State Park to the flat waters of Claytor Lake and beyond.

Virginia Access Maps

West Virginia

Get ready for a fun time! The New reaches it’s confluence with the Gauley River just North of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Around the park you can experience class III-V rapids and technical paddling, while upstream folks can explore a more wild landscape- a naturalists delight!

West Virginia Access Maps

Kathleen Armstrong

Director of Trail Planning and Community Engagement

Meet Kathleen