Ripplemead Boat Landing Dedication & NRWT Ribbon Cutting
For over a year visitors and residents have seen work in progress at the Whitt-Riverbend Park in Ripplemead. The park, owned by the Town of Pearisburg was a partner with Giles County to secure development funds from a grant through the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to develop an official and permanent boat landing in that area. Now visitors will find bathroom facilities, easy through traffic pattern for access to the boat launch, and well establish parking areas.

On Monday, June 13th at the Ripplemead Boat Landing at Whitt-Riverbend Park Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward was on hand to acknowledge the partnerships and hard work with this water access project. The Giles County Chamber of Commerce also hosted a ribbon cutting for the New River Water Trail™. The New River Water Trail™ is a cooperative effort between Giles County Administration, Giles County Tourism, New River’s Edge, New River Outdoor Company, Tangent Outfitters, local passionate citizens, small business owners, and lodging businesses in the county. The trail itself is already in place- it is the river. The designation of the New River Water Trail™ will help visitors and resident navigate the river and explore the various sections that are ready to be discovered!

In addition to the dedication of the boat landing, Secretary Ward also made the presentation to the Giles County Board of Supervisors, Giles Industrial Development Authority, Town of Pearisburg, and New River Water Trail for

the designation as a Virginia Treasure. The Treasure program, run through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, aims to recognize recreational areas that provides “new public access to a natural, cultural, or scenic outdoor recreation resource. These are projects that help the public by enhancing outdoor recreation.” This announcement came as a surprise to those in attendance and Giles is excited to be a part of this list of Virginia Treasures.
To follow along with the New River Water Trail, find us on Instagram and Facebook.
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For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.