Day Trips

McCoy to Eggleston Springs

Distance: 3 miles
Estimated Float Time: 1.5 hours
Estimated Fishing Time: 2-4 hours

This stretch makes for a great half-day float or continue down to Pembroke for a longer jaunt. This float has one strong Class II and several Class I riffles.

WARNING: Big Falls marks the beginning of this section and is a Class III-IV rapid which should be carefully scouted and run by highly experienced boaters only. An easy, road-side portage on river right is suggested for the less experienced or novice paddler.  Take out off Route 622 on river left under the Route 730 Bridge or river right, just past the bridge at Eggleston Springs Campground.

Eggleston Springs to Pembroke

Distance: 6 miles
Estimated Float Time: 3 hours
Estimated Fishing Time: 6-7 hours

With towering cliffs lining both sides of the river, including the historic Palisades Cliffs on river right just downstream of the put in, this section is recognized as one of the most scenic floats in all of Virginia. Short riffles are scattered throughout the float appealing to both boaters and anglers. Fly anglers can try casting a wooly bugger in the eddies and runs while spin fisherman can try top-water baits along the grass edges early and late in the day. This float has one strong Class II, two milder Class II’s, and several Class I riffles. Take out off Route 623 on river right at the Pembroke VDGIF ramp just upstream of the Route 623 Bridge.

Pembroke to Ripplemead

Distance: 2.5 miles
Estimated Float Time: 1 hour
Estimated Fishing Time: 2-4 hours

A short but beautiful float characterized by numerous islands and riffles throughout, this section is a great run for a quick afternoon or morning float. It can also be added to the sections before or after it to lengthen the trip. One of the largest tributaries of the New, Walker Creek, enters on river left near the end of the float signaling the beginning of Whitt Riverbend Park. This float has one strong Class II at the beginning of the float and the rest are Class I and riffles. Take out off Route 636 on river left at the entrance of Whitt Riverbend Park and before the Route 460 Bridge.

Ripplemead to Bluff City

Distance: 8.5 miles
Estimated Float Time: 4 hours
Estimated Fishing Time: 8 hours

One of the best whitewater runs in all of Virginia offering Class I and II’s throughout the entire length of the float. In addition to scenic, towering bluffs along the banks, this is one of the top paddling trips in the southeast. Big Stony Creek, a stocked trout stream, enters on river right about halfway through the trip and Clendenin Shoals, located about 2 miles from the takeout, is a strong Class II rapid with large wave trains throughout. Smallmouth and musky fishing is good throughout the float, particularly in the oxygenated riffles during the warmer months. Take out on river left just below the Route 460 Bridge.

Bluff City to Narrows (Camp Success)

Distance: 4 miles
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Estimated Fishing Time: 4-5 hours

Mostly smooth water with one long shoal about a mile into the float. Take out is on river left at VDGIF ramp at Camp Success Park in the town of Narrows just downstream from the mouth of Wolf Creek.

WARNING: Narrows Falls, a dangerous Class III rapid that descends 7 feet in 50 feet of river, looms downstream of the takeout and presents numerous hazards in its course including the remains of an old dam.

Narrows (Lurich Road) to Glen Lyn

Distance: 5.5 miles
Estimated Float Time: 2.5 hours
Estimated Fishing Time: 5-6 hours

A very calm float with several riffles and big islands dotting its course. Put-in at either the Lurich Road access on river left just downstream of Narrows Falls, or at the Rich Creek VDGIF ramp on river right about a mile downstream. Take out at the Glen Lyn VDGIF ramp just above the Route 460 Bridge at Glen Lyn Park. Approximately 7 miles of river flows through Virginia before exiting the state, but finding a takeout can be challenging.

Rich Creek to Glen Lyn

Distance: 4.5 miles
Estimated Float Time: 2.5 hours
Estimated Fishing Time: 4-5 hours

A very calm float with several riffles and big islands dotting its course. Put-in at the Rich Creek VDGIF ramp on Rt. 460E. Take out at the Glen Lyn VDGIF ramp, river right, just above the Route 460 Bridge at Glen Lyn Park. From Glen Lyn, approximately 7 more miles of river flows through Virginia before exiting the state, but finding a takeout can be challenging.