The New River
“What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn’t have any doubt – it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn’t want to go anywhere else.”-Hal Boyle
There are few natural forces more intriguing than a river, and the New River is truly a rare wonder. The New River is one of the few major rivers in the world that flow South to North, and it is the only river to wind through the entire width of the Appalachian Mountains. Contrary to what its name suggests, the New River is actually ancient at more than 350 million years old. Native American artifacts found in the New River Valley date as far back as 10,000 years ago and reveal a long history of the bond between humans and this river. It is no wonder that the New River was honored as one of fourteen American Heritage Rivers.
The New River has long been a sanctuary for wildlife. Its clear waters nurture a healthy ecosystem where a diverse array of creatures thrive. Perhaps that is why some of the largest smallmouth bass and walleye ever caught in Virginia came from right here on the New River. In Southwest Virginia, the river journeys through unspoiled forests, rocky cliff sides, rolling green hills, and picturesque farmlands.
The New River is a unique treasure because its natural integrity has been well preserved. On a leisurely float down the river, one is sure to encounter surprises around every bend- a graceful great blue heron lifting skywards, a turtle sunning on a broad, smooth rock, a beaver harvesting a tree, or a white tailed deer drinking form the river banks.
Over the years, the New River has become a sanctuary for humans, too. In Southwest Virginia, the New River is calm and clean which makes it ideal for swimming, fishing, tubing and kayaking. This ancient river has a way of restoring the spirit and offering relief from the stresses of our modern world for those who seek a greater harmony with nature.