new river float trips va

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COME AND RIDE THE

NEW RIVER WITH US

trip option 1

2-mile scenic float 1-3 hours, prices starting at $30, prices starting at $25, trip option 2, 6-mile scenic float 3-4 hours, prices starting at $40, prices starting at $35, trip option 3, 8.5-mile moderate float 3-4 hours class-2 rapids, trip option 4, 14.5-mile moderate float 6+ hours combines trips 2&3, prices starting at $60.

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.

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The New River is an iconic natural feature here in Virginia. And, perhaps most impressive of all is the fact that it’s one of the oldest rivers in the world . One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the New River is by taking an all-day float trip in Virginia. Thanks to New River Outdoor Adventures, you can embark on a six-hour tubing adventure that promises gorgeous scenery at every turn. It’s the ultimate summer outdoor experience in Virginia, and you won’t want to miss out!

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What are your thoughts on this incredible all-day float trip in Virginia? Is this an adventure you would sign up for? If so, be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For more information, including rates and reservations, be sure to check out New River Outdoor Adventures online .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Explore Virginia

Featured addresses.

• United States

Float New River

Blacksburg, Virginia

Description

Added by T Cundiff

Super getaway to enjoy the scenic and historic New River. Perfect trip for a beginner with small rapids and can be easily be broken up into wonderful individual day trips.

Starting at the "falls" below the New River Junction you can enjoy a three day float trip down to Bluff City near Pearisburg. [Tangent Outfitters in Pembroke can rent you kayaks and shuttle you to the start point and pick you up at the end point if you don't have 2 vehicles to leave] Trip can be broken up into three day trips all equally as much fun. 

This part of the historic New River has beautiful isolated calm runs spotted with small groups of rapids from Class II - Class IV. 

We normally find a flat spot and camp riverside. There are numerous boat landings offering options to stop and restock if you are camping and carrying your gear. 

Best time for trip is late July - September. Water temp during this time is perfect for a quick cool-down or a good swim and the nights are generally comfortable and the sky is clear! 

Start at "The Falls" and find a camp spot near dusk. The next day after getting started you will find yourself around Pembroke Virginia at the Snidow Park Landing which is a good restocking point. [again Tangent Outfitters is a good option here, if you call them they will pick you up and drive you to their store and give you a ride back for a fee] Either have someone meet you or be ready for about a 1/2 mile hike to Tangent Outfitters, Restaurants and a Dollar General for some essentials. Finish the day riverside again on one a many small islands/sand bogs beneath the rock walls. The last day will be a few hours of some nice calm runs spotted with some fun rapids ending at the public landing under the Rt 460 bridge in Bluff City.

This is a great introduction to kayaking/camping and an all around back-to-nature respite.

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Float New River Reviews

Stephen Catalano

Lots of rentals nearby

This is one of the best rivers in the region if you're looking for a float/paddle trip. The nearby outfitters offer affordable options as well, especially for overnight trips.

Done this a few times,.. great way to get away!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Hike through the New River Cave

Fish Sinking Creek at Clover Hollow Queens Truss Bridge

Photograph Sinking Creek Falls

Cascade Falls

Take a Stroll around Pandapas Pond

Hike Barney's Wall

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River trips.

So much to See and Do!

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We put YOU on The New!

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We will be opening for our 2024 season on April 1. To kick things off, we are offering a 20% discount on all ONLINE CAMPING RESERVATIONS  during the entire month of April (valid for stays during April 1 - April 30). We look forward to seeing you then and are excited about another amazing year here on The New!

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New River Trips, LLC

New River Trips, LLC, offers New River guided fly fishing float trips and spin fishing float trips near Galax, Hillsville, Radford, Independence, Pearisburg and Blacksburg. This company generally fishes 8 sections on the Upper New River and 5 sections on the Lower New River, all while using a 14-foot raft. This is their ninth season of professional guiding. A 6-hour trip costs $220 for one angler (or adult and one youth up to 14), or $280 for 2 anglers. A full day, 8+ hour trips, will range from $270 for one angler (or adult and one youth to age 14), to $340 for 2 anglers. No deposit is required for these trips. Just tell us what day you want to fish and it is a gentleman’s agreement to fish that day. Enjoy our catch and release fishing experience today! Reserve your trip today.

N ew River Outdoor Co. is owned and operated by Britt and Leigh Stoudenmire. Since 2004, the couple has been blessed to provide award-winning outdoor services to clients from across the globe. New River Outdoor Co. specializes in professionally guided fishing trips on the smallmouth- and musky-rich waters of the nationally recognized New River. Their fishermen love to stay at Walker Creek Retreat, their private, waterfront vacation rentals, along the hidden banks of Walker Creek. In addition, they have recently opened a spectacular, mountain-top event venue, Walker Creek Barn, where they continue to show off His majestic creation. Located in Pearisburg, VA, approximately 30 min west of Blacksburg & Virginia Tech. Please c ontact us at 540-921-7438 or [email protected] .

• (540) 921-7438
• [email protected]

Guided Fishing Trip Pricing

Call 540-921-7438.

• Full Day (8hr): $525 - One or Two Persons
• Flex Float (6hr): $450 - One or Two Persons, June thru Oct
• Half Day (4hr): $395 - One or Two Persons, June thru Oct

New River Fishing

YOUR GUIDES TO TROPHY NEW RIVER SMALLMOUTH

Www.newriveroutdoorco.com.

Our parent company New River Outdoor Co. is also located in Pearisburg, Virginia (~30 min west of Blacksburg/Virginia Tech). All guided smallmouth trips are run on the New River, recognized as some of the best smallmouth (and musky) water in the entire country. Britt and his team of professional guides have plied these ancient waters for decades in pursuit of trophy smallmouth bass and musky. The NROC guide team tailors each day on the water to that day's clients’ needs and revels in the lifetime memories that are made.

The New River is recognized as the second oldest river in the world and is estimated to be between 10 and 360 million years old. Characterized by its extensive ledge systems, deep pools, numerous rocky runs, and plentiful forage, the New River has all the necessary ingredients to garner the ranking as one of the best rivers in the country for producing citation-sized (20" and up) smallmouth.

New River guided fishing trips are run on over 100+ miles of the New River in the state of Virginia and are catered to both spin and fly anglers. Equipped with fully outfitted self-bailing rafts with fishing frames, the team carries a full array of tackle on every trip and furnish our clients with G.Loomis spin rods, Shimano reels, and the like. Bonus fish include walleye, stripers, hybrids, musky, carp, rock bass, brim, rainbow trout, flathead or channel catfish, largemouth bass, and Kentucky spotted bass; all of which have been caught by clients on guided trips.

Please call Leigh at 540-921-7438 to book/add a fishing trip or click here to visit New River Outdoor Co.'s website for all the details.

Photo Gallery

New River Fishing IMG_4116

New River Fly Fishing

fall-fishing-image

Ph. (540) 274-2737

Float trips for smallies .

The New River is one of the top smallmouth bass fisheries in the U.S. Our smallmouth float trips are run from April through October. During the spring months we are typically casting large streamers and baitfish poppers to big  pre-spawn fish. During the summer and fall we are using large "buggy" surface patterns and often sight-casting to smallies.  ​For smallies, we recommend 7/8 wt. rods with floating lines and a 9' leader (1x).

When on a guided trip with us, be prepared to fish hard for the day. Please note that there is a huge learning curve involved in going from small stream fly fishing to the open water tactics required on the New River to target smallmouth bass on the fly. Many anglers new to river fishing may find casting to be difficult at first, but we will teach you the necessary techniques for success!

About Your Trip:

All trips require a $125 "good faith" deposit at time of booking. 

3/4 Day Rates:

1 Person: $450

2 People: $500

Full Day Rates

1 Person: $525

2 People: $575

Paddle Maps

Below you will find section maps with details about the new river’s class rapids. you can click on each section and print it out or download it for future reference..

Maps courtesy of

BLUFF CITY TO SHUMATE FALLS

Regional paddle map, eggleston to bluff city.

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The 10 Best Places for River Tubing in Virginia

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

River tubing in Virginia is the perfect way to cool down during the dog days of summer, while also exploring some of the state’s most beautiful rivers .

River Tubing in Virginia Guide

• New River Outdoor Adventures (Galax)
• New River Junction (Blacksburg)
• Clinch River Life (Duffield)
• Clinch River Adventures (Saint Paul)
• Twin River Outfitters (Buchanan)
• Riverside Outfitters (Richmond)
• Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (Purcellville)
• Shenandoah River Outfitters (Luray)
• Shenandoah River Adventures (Shenandoah)
• Virginia Outdoor Center (Fredericksburg)

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Staunton VA

Tubing on the New River

1. New River Outdoor Adventures

5785 Fries Road, Galax VA • (276) 237-8823

Official Website

The New River is a very special place. Far from “new,” it’s actually the oldest river in North America, and the second oldest river in the world (after the Nile)!

This river is formed by two streams flowing down from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina , ultimately converging four miles from the Virginia state border.

Notice anything strange about that description? The New River actually flows northward rather than southward, like most other major rivers in the Eastern USA. 

Located in Galax VA , just 12.8 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway , New River Outdoor Adventures is one of our favorite places for New River tubing in VA.

Jackets and rope are included in the price of the river tube rental, and there’s an option to rent a cooler tube to keep your refreshments cold. 

They also offer other outdoor activity options, including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and camping . 

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA

2. New River Junction

2591 Big Falls Road, Blacksburg VA • (540) 639-6633

Located about 15 minutes from Blacksburg VA (and close to Virginia Tech), New River Junction is a perfect spot for family-oriented outdoor fun and  camping in Virginia . 

Near their office, the New River is almost 300 feet wide, shallow, and clear, so there’s lots of room for endless summer soaking and splashing.

Although the area can get unusually warm in summer (up to 85-90°F), the river itself is still really refreshing. 

There’s a mile of peaceful, family-friendly river to float down, at the end of which a shuttle bus will pick you up at Big Falls Park.

After this pullout, there are 200 yards of white water rapids, which can be super fun in our experience, but are not for everyone. 

Note that if you do choose to go through the rapids, you’ll have to get out at one of the beaches and walk back up to Big Falls Park in order to catch the shuttle bus. 

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Roanoke VA

Tubing on the Clinch River

3. Clinch River Life

15264 US-23 N, Duffield VA • (276) 690-9199

The Clinch River is beloved in Southwest Virginia , and played an integral role in the settlement of the area.

Famous Appalachian explorer/pioneer  Daniel Boone  once walked the banks and rode the currents of this challenging river on his journey to the Cumberland Gap. 

The river flows 135 southwest from the town of Tazewell VA before moving on into Tennessee . Tubing the Clinch River is a great way to dip your toes in this historic waterway. 

Clinch River Life guests are shuttled by bus around 2 miles upriver for a 90-minute to 3-hour (depending on water levels) float back to their parking area. 

Once you get back, there are picnic tables and grills for customers to use. We recommend bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy after your  fun-filled day of floating. 

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Things to Do in Bristol TN/VA

4. Clinch River Adventures

16642 E Riverside Dr, Saint Paul VA • (276) 275-4154

Your Southwest Virginia tubing trip with Clinch River Adventures will start and end at their iconic Red Caboose.

Guests can have their photos taken in front of the super-cool train car, then hop on the shuttle bus for the short ride upriver. 

It’s easy to spot the vividly colorful caboose on your way back down the river, so there’s no need to worry about floating by and missing your stop. 

Note that it is highly recommended that you make a reservation for river tubing the Clinch River in the summer months, as local outfitters are often fully booked days in advance.

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Virginia Waterfalls for Hiking

Tubing on the James River

5. Twin River Outfitters

640 Lowe Street, Buchanan VA • ( 540) 254-8012

Beginning in the Appalachian Mountains and flowing east to the Chesapeake Bay, the James River is the longest river in Virginia.

With 348 miles of it to explore, there are a bunch of different outdoor adventure options to choose from. Twin River Outfitters is a great choice if you’re looking for fun stuff to do nearby.

You can enjoy up to 3 hours of tubing the Upper James River, which is close to the mountain town of Buchanan. 

Once you’ve had your fill of tubing, the famous stone arch of  Natural Bridge State Park is a 15-minute drive away. We highly recommend exploring the natural attractions and restaurants .

You should also stop at the Caverns at Natural Bridge for some underground fun!

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA

6. Riverside Outfitters

325 S. 14th St, Richmond VA • ( 804) 560-0068  

If you want to go tubing in Richmond, check out Riverside Outfitters.

In addition to  kayaking and boat rentals , Virginia tubing ranks pretty high on the list of fun things to do in the area. 

These outfitters offer a “rent and ride” service, in which you’ll be shuttled to the put-in with your river tube in tow.

In our experience, the route that runs from the Huguenot Flatwater to Pont Pasture is super fun to take. 

This 2- to 3-hour float ends with some relatively mild Class II white water  rapid for you to enjoy.

But if that’s not your thing, there is a chance to avoid it at an earlier put-out.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Historic & Covered Bridges in Virginia

Tubing on the Potomac & Shenandoah River

7. Harpers Ferry Adventure Center

37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville VA • (540) 668-9007

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is a great jumping-off point to enjoy both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.

There are perfect tubing runs for laid-back family fun, as well as more bracing white water options. 

The Potomac River offers a more rapid ride. If you’re looking for a more relaxing float trip, the Shenandoah River is for you. 

Harpers Ferry tubing also offers package trips where you can spend the day tubing and ziplining , tubing and rafting, or even tubing and rock climbing. 

Whichever adventure you choose, there’s a shuttle bus to take you to the put-ins, plus full guidance to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant trip. 

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Civil War Battlefields in Virginia to Visit

8. Shenandoah River Outfitters

6502 S Page Valley Rd, Luray VA • (540) 743-4159 

For more Shenandoah River float trip options, Shenandoah River Outfitters offers a variety of tubing tours in Luray VA.

When waters are high, you can float from Bealer’s Ferry to Fosters, where you’ll encounter some gentle white water.

If waters are low, you’ll be taken to a deeper section of the river, floating from Seakford to Burner’s Bottom. But you’ll get a chance to experience some mild rapids here, too. 

We recommend visiting earlier in the day to avoid the blistering summer sun of the afternoon. You’ll be shown a safety video first, and all of the necessary equipment will be provided for you.

They also have a Shenandoah River map that shows you where all of the rapids are, and tips on how to navigate them. 

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Luray VA (Gateway to Shenandoah)

9. Shenandoah River Adventures

415 Long Avenue, Shenandoah VA • (888) 309-7222 

Located in the mountain town of Shenandoah VA, Shenandoah River Adventures offers yet another option for Shenandoah River tubing.

This outfitter is just a short drive away from many popular tourist attractions, including  Shenandoah National Park , Luray Caverns, and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. 

They have VA river tubing trips to suit all ages and levels of experience. If you get started early, there’s a chance of getting in  two tubing runs before 2 pm (but there’s only one after that). 

SAR also has options for camping , riverside campfires, and picnic tables, with several restaurants just a short drive away.

In short, this is a great place for multi-day adventure getaways ! 

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Caves and Caverns in Virginia

Tubing on the Rappahannock River

10. Virginia Outdoor Center

3219 Fall Hill Ave, Fredericksburg VA •  ( 540) 371-5085  

Now celebrating 50 years of wonderful water fun, the Virginia Outdoor Center is located in downtown Fredericksburg.

It’s a great jumping-off point for water sports such as paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking , and tubing. 

There’s a 1-mile stretch of the Rappahannock River that you can float down as many times as you wish until 4 pm. They have shuttle pickups every hour to take you back to the put-in for multiple river tubing trips.

The route offers flat and relaxing waters, as well as some light rapids to keep you on your toes. 

Note that all food and drink must be kept in your vehicle, but there are plenty of places nearby for you to picnic after your fun day of tubing in Fredericksburg VA. –by Emma Gallagher; lead photo via Canva

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Emma Gallagher

Born in Britain, writer/photographer Emma Gallagher lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC on a permaculture homestead with her husband, Jonathon. While traveling the world for 13 years, she fell in love with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge region when she lived at an artist retreat in Burnsville NC before moving to Brevard. Today Emma lives near Stone Mountain State Park and Doughton Park volunteers at the Surry County Fiddlers Convention, and cares for the gardens at the Reeves Downtown School of Music in Elkin. She's also a volunteer for the Elkin Valley Trails Association, which maintains segment 6 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

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• 855-379-8738

Float Fishing Full Day: Guided Fishing Trips on the New River

An unparalleled private new river gorge fishing experience.

The New River Gorge area may be famous for its whitewater, but it also provides amazing opportunities for prime fishing.

Exceptional habitats, deep pools, and swift currents make West Virginia’s New River a fisherman’s paradise. The boulder-rich waterways in the New River Gorge offer plenty of shade, which keeps waters cool to attract fish. It’s not uncommon to reel in dozens of fish in just one day spent on the New River!

Guided New River Gorge Smallmouth Fishing

This adventure is a guided full-day float fishing trip. You’ll get started early in the morning, giving you the chance to make the most of prime hours for smallmouth bass fishing. We’ll float down up to 12 miles of the New River.

Our experienced New River Gorge fishing guides know the river inside and out and will show you the best places on the New River to fish. Our guides are some of the best-trained out of any resorts in the area.

Choose from spin fishing or fly fishing–just let us know your preference when you book your trip.

Book a Fishing Trip today!

What’s included.

We’ll provide everything you need to have a great day of fishing in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia, one of the area’s best-kept fishing spots! This includes tackle, rods, reels, plastic bait, plus flies and fly rods if specified. We also bring lunch, snacks, and beverages. 

If you prefer to use your own fishing gear, feel free to bring a rod, hard bait, crank baits, plugs, or minnows. Transportation to and from the river will also be provided.

Looking to take a fishing vacation in the New River Gorge Area? We also offer comfortable accommodations at our resort . While a resort stay is not included as part of this fishing trip, many people who choose to fish the New River also want to take advantage of our many other adventures for a unique and fun-filled experience.

What to Wear and Bring

Fishing the New River, West Virgina, like elsewhere in the state, requires a license.

You’re responsible for obtaining and bringing your West Virginia fishing license, which you’ll need to show your fishing guide before the trip. 

We also recommend bringing sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothes, including rain gear, warm layers, sunglasses, and a hat.

This is a full-day trip, with approximately eight hours spent on the river. All day trips depart during early morning.

Requirements and Limits

The minimum age for this adventure is eight years old. You must have a current West Virginia fishing license, which you’ll need to show your guide during check in. All fishing trips are catch and release with artificial baits only. Consult with your physician before attempting any new activity.

Your fishing guide will discuss all specific safety requirements on site before fishing the New River Gorge. Our guides know this river better than anybody, and they’ll help you with bait or fly selection and where to cast, plus instruction if necessary.

Due to high traffic volume online booking is currently running slow. For booking help call (855) 379-8738 or see our Trip Planner .

Family Upper New River Rafting Afternoon Express Trip

Quick Details

• Key Hole Level: Gentle float
• Hour Glass Duration: 4 hours
• Water Rapids: Class I/II
• User Ages: 5+

New River Rafting for the Whole Family!

This family-friendly trip is perfect for everyone for ages 5+. Float down the beautiful Upper New River and take in the beautiful national park scenery. It’s a great trip for kids, who get to enjoy time to swim and play in the water. Class I and II rapids make this a gentle float. Your experienced raft guide personalizes your trip, and private rafts provide the ultimate family or group experience.

Start the day by checking in at our BaseCamp and meeting your guide. We answer all your questions and outfit everyone in your party with a paddle, PFD (flotation device/lifejacket), and helmet. On the short bus ride to the river, we go over basic safety instructions, and treat you to our best jokes — bonus points if we make you laugh!

At the river, you get into the private raft for your group and practice a few strokes with your guide. Once you’re comfortable in the raft, you head slowly down the river, enjoying gurgling ripples and gentle rapids. The scenery through the national forest is spectacular, from remnants of old coal mining operations tucked into majestic mountains and rock formations to birds of prey, water birds (even bald eagles if you’re lucky), and the occasional train that still journeys through the hills of the New River Gorge.

Don’t miss this great family experience!

Rafting Trip Highlights

• National Park scenery
• Class I/II family-friendly rapids
• Personal guide in your raft
• Afternoon express trip
• No meal provided
• 3 p.m. meet time
• 6:30 p.m. return time
• Group and school rates available
• Group custom start times/itineraries available

Related Adventures

• Water Class I/II
• Hour Glass 6 hours
• Key Hole Gentle float

Family Upper New River Rafting Day Trip

A family-friendly trip on the beautiful Upper New River through national park scenery with time to swim and play in the water. Private rafts provide the ultimate family or group experience!

• Water Class III/IV
• Hour Glass 4 hours
• Key Hole Intermediate

Lower New River Rafting Afternoon Express Trip

Go on an exciting rafting trip in New River Gorge National Park, paddling through amazing scenery and Class III/IV rapids. Enjoy the perfect afternoon on the river!

• Dollar Free Bath House Access

RV sites while visiting the New River Gorge area in WV.

RV sites on a quiet wooded campground with water and electric. Close to New River Gorge, Fayetteville, and Beckley WV. Available for 1-7 night stays.