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Take it easy & enjoy the New River Water Trail

All attractions and locations listed in this post are well suited for a low-impact, high enjoyment trip to Giles.

You work hard, you do good things, you deserve to rest and relax in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. Read on for a perfectly packaged trip to Giles County, Virginia.

Traveling through Giles on your arrival, you will notice the scenic river views, landscapes in the distance, and charming towns. Arriving at the Inn at Riverbend for your stay provides you a chance to check-in and check out from the rest of the world. The award-winning bed and breakfast has beautiful rooms that all overlook the New River. Access to sweeping porches and beautifully landscaped grounds are just part of the allure of this magical property. Guests enjoy luxury bedding, amenities, and a gourmet breakfast, the perfect way to start your day.

 

building roof and deck with landscape

 

After leisurely enjoying the morning, you’ll head to JBR Vineyards and Winery, the only one in Giles. This relaxed atmosphere puts you right in the vineyard to enjoy your tasting with the owners, Jessee and Debby Ring. Guests can enjoy JBR during their normal business hours (Saturdays 11am-5pm & Sundays 1-5pm) or they invite you to call ahead and set up a time for arrival for a private tasting (they are happy to do it). Meandering to the vineyard is part of the fun. The rolling vineyard is beautiful to see and they are enthusiastic to share about their process, their grapes, and history of the local area. Be sure to bring back a bottle or more to enjoy and remember your time at JBR.

 

lady blonde hair with wine glass

A relaxing visit means no cooking for dinner, and we have just the spot to relax and unwind. The Palisades Restaurant located in the Village of Eggleston is an off-the-beaten path destination dining experience. Their rotating seasonal menus feature unique creations to delight the tastebuds. Their tried-and-true regular menus items are outstanding as well. Fan favorites include the pork chop or the black and blue salad. The Palisades also feature a curated collection of wines and beer from Virginia and beyond, ask your hospitality specialist for a recommendation, they are there to help. Their dessert menu is the delectable finishing touch to your dining experience. Most weekends you can enjoy live, local musicians in this lively establishment.

 

plated food with vegetables

What better way to relax than to have a customized, fully catered fishing trip with Tangent Outfitters along the New River Water Trail? Shawn or any of his guides will put you on the best spots for trophy smallmouth. Cast a line under their expert eye to reel in any one of the predominant species found in the New. Looking to float instead- they can also set you up for a kayak or canoe trip on our 37 miles of the New River that run through Giles. A popular and scenic float is Eggleston to Pembroke, but one that’s comparable in time that you may enjoy is Bluff City to Narrows. They also have other services to complete your relaxing float, connect with them to set it all up.

scenic new river with single canoe

At a glance:

  • Stay at the Inn at Riverbend
  • Play with Tangent Outfitters along the New River Water Trail
  • Taste the wines at JBR Vineyard and Winery
  • Dine at The Palisades Restaurant
man and dog and young boy on boat on water
CategoriesNews by

Pets welcome in Virginia’s Mountain Playground

Pets welcome in Virginia’s Mountain Playground

All locations and attractions mentioned are welcoming of pets on your visit…

Traveling with your best friends or man’s best friend, Giles is ready to welcome you to Virginia’s Mountain Playground. From a place to stay, things to do, and adventures to have- Giles is a pet friendly destination. Read on for a two-day suggested trip to Giles County, Virginia.

Women and young boy looking at camera petting a dogDAY 1:

Check in to the pet-friendly Mr. Hunter’s Cottage in the village of Eggleston. Mr. Hunter’s Cottage is a two-suite home on the banks of the New River and adjacent to The Palisades Restaurant. Guests can book one or both suites and the sofas pull-out for added sleeping accommodations. This historic vacation home features wide plank pine floorboards and a quaint setting that provides easy access to the New River or neighboring towns to explore.

Less than eight miles from The Palisades Restaurant is New River’s Edge. This private retreat along the New River can sleep up to 16 in the a-frame cabin. But what’s more is New River’s Edge is the place to be to “let the river love.” They can provide family and group tubing for one price all day, putting in at the Pembroke public boat landing and taking out at the property’s private boat landing. Then do it again, all day from 10am-4pm. They also have yard games, fire pit, and open spaces just to enjoy the fresh air and flowing waters.

man and dog and young boy on boat on water

Day 2:

These two lodging locations put you in prime proximity to enjoy a wine tasting at the only vineyard and winery in Giles, JBR Vineyards and Winery. The owners welcome you to book a tasting on-site any time or visit during their normal hours as posted on their Facebook page. JBR Vineyards and Winery is positioned in the rolling hills of Giles and produce their own wines, from their own grapes. You can enjoy cheese and crackers along with Riesling or Pinot Noir on your visit. Again, pets are welcome to the property for the open spaces, scenic beauty, and quality experience.

grapes in vineyard with people in background

 

From playing on the New River, sampling the wines of Giles, and enjoying the company of man’s best friend, surely, you’ll work up an appetite. Next door to Mr. Hunter’s Cottage is the award-winning destination dining experience, The Palisades Restaurant. Open Wednesday through Sunday and many times with live music on the weekends, this historic building in the heart of the village is a must for your visit. Their contemporary Appalachian cuisine will delight and intrigue all. Their seasonal menu will not disappoint but be sure to consider the wood-fired pizzas or the pork chops. Made-on-site ice cream offers unique flavors. (Unfortunately, service animals are the only pets invited to dinner- please leave the pets at your lodging location.) If you’d like to pick up dinner to enjoy at your cabin, they offer amazing stone fire pizzas, and their entire menu can be ordered to-go.  

dish with ice cream sitting on placemat

Load up the pups, book your stay, and come play, wine, and dine in Virginia’s Mountain Playground!

At a glance:

  • Stay at Mr. Hunter’s Cottage or New River’s Edge
  • Dine at The Palisades Restaurant
  • Pets welcome as you enjoy the wines at JBR Vineyards and Winery
  • Play along the New River Water Trail with New River’s Edge or Tangent Outfitters

 

canoes on New River as seen from above
CategoriesFamilies, News by

Family Time is time well spent in Virginia’s Mountain Playground

Family Time is time well spent in Virginia’s Mountain Playground

All items and locations are perfect to add to your trip with your family, large or small, to Giles

 

Close knit group or large family gathering- read on for trip inspiration and plan to come to Giles. There’s always so much to consider when planning a family get-away. With Giles’ easy to access location, family-friendly activities, and welcoming people let us help you take some of the work out of planning your next get-away.

 

Large groups, up to 16 can enjoy the riverfront cabin at New River’s Edge. While staying at “The Edge” guests have access to the firepit, their own river access, and all the yard and river toys you can imagine. New River’s Edge can also set up the entire group to enjoy a short section float on the New River in tubes or kayaks. For a flat rate all day (10am-4pm) guests can enjoy the Pembroke to NRE section of river as many times as they’d like, stopping only to play as needed.

 

girl on tube in New River

Small family groups will enjoy Mr. Hunter’s Cottage that feature two units in a single story cottage, also near to the New River. With accommodations for eight people, this historic vacation home in the heart of the Village of Eggleston is in the heart of it all (easy access to everything), but off the beaten path so your family can enjoy their time together.

interior bedroom of lodging

Adjacent to Mr. Hunter’s Cottage groups of all sizes are welcome at The Palisades Restaurant. Their seasonal menu features unique, contemporary Appalachian cuisine and fan favorites. If you’re looking to try farm raised trout or sticking to the peperoni stone-fired pizza there is something on the menu for the family to enjoy. Their dessert menu is top-notch and homemade ice cream is worth the trip. The Palisades also regularly features live local music on the weekends and offers food to-go if you’d rather enjoy the company of family in your lodging accommodations.

girl server with pizza in restaurant

 

While there are many things to do in Giles that offer up fun to your family unit- in the warm months, you can’t miss getting out on the New River. Tangent Outfitters, also located in Pembroke, can help you pick the best float for your family in kayaks or canoes and based on the amount of time you want to spend on the water. Along the New River Water Trail families can enjoy easy access at our 14 public boat landings, making it easy to spend an hour or the day on the water. From scenic rock cliffs to fun water rapids, the New River in Giles, with the appropriate level of caution, is an easy and safe family fun experience. Cooler months, when on-water isn’t ideal take the family for a hike in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. Short and easy nature walks, or more moderate hikes to spectacular waterfalls- you’ll find your families next adventure is here in Giles County, Virginia.

canoes on New River as seen from above

The most important part and take-away from playing in Giles with family and friends, is the time spent together was well worth the memories made. We’ll see you soon, in Virginia’s Mountain Playground.

At a glance:

  • Stay at New River’s Edge or Mr. Hunter’s Cottage
  • Play with New River Edge or Tangent Outfitters
  • Dine at Cascade Café or The Palisades Restaurant

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CategoriesNews by

Virtual ReNew the New 2020

RENEW GOES VIRTUAL!

 

For sixteen years ReNew The New and Giles County PSA have hosted “Fall Into The New” at the end of every summer. Thirty-seven miles of the New River run through Giles and every year one third, of those miles, was designated for cleanup. ReNew borrowed canoes from local outfitters, the Boy Scouts, and a number of recreation programs and transported them to central locations; Giles County school buses carried volunteers to and from assigned sites. Depending upon the year, there were anywhere from two hundred to almost five hundred volunteers, who cleaned and cleared the river of debris and, afterwards, were treated, by  Giles County, to lunch and a specially designed tee-shirt. Those sixteen years transformed the New River and ReNew’s stewardships will continue RENEWING the New River.

 

A COVID aware “Fall Into The New “ was planned for Saturday, August 29th and all the pieces were in place. Then two hurricanes  began crossing the Gulf of Mexico heading to the Eastern United States. Marco lessened and Laura intensified. Before putting volunteers out on a stormy river and paying for 150 box lunches, a decision had to be made: forge on with ReNew’s well-planned event, or cancel. County Administration stayed  closely in touch with the National Weather Service and AEP. At noon, on August 26th, for the first time in its sixteen year history, “Fall Into The New” was canceled.

 

But ReNew already had a complementary cleanup planned.

 

It was dubbed it the “virtual” cleanup because rather than having the large crowds expected during a normal “Fall Into The New”, dedicated volunteers can continue to clean the river on their own, and by documenting their efforts through photography and social media, virtually become the large crowd.  In support, the County Administration has placed mailboxes containing orange trash bags at all of the official boat ramps in the county.  Volunteers are encouraged to use those bags to pick up trash in and along the river and then deposit the full bags at any official boat ramp.  The county PSA will remove those bags on a regular basis.

 

 

By taking a picture of yourself with the full trash bag, you become eligible for a FREE 2020 ReNew the New River Tee-shirt.  By tagging your photo with #ReNewtheNew and posting it on social media, you will become part of the virtual crowd and help spread awareness of New River and good river stewardship.  Due to the fact that “Fall Into the New” was cancelled, the virtual cleanup will continue until the end of the year, or until the tee-shirts run out.  The tee-shirts are limited to one per volunteer.

 

 

The beautifully designed 2020 ReNew the New River tee-shirts are available at Pembroke Stop N Save adjacent to Route 460, just west of Pembroke across from the Cascades Industrial Park.  Show the trash bag selfie to the staff at Pembroke Stop N Save to receive your richly earned tee-shirt.  They have already given out a number of tee-shirts, with photos posted on their Face Book page.    Please see www.renewthenew.org. for more details.

CategoriesNews by

Epic Road Trip along the New River Water Trail

Epic Road Trip along the New River Water Trail

Experience an epic outdoor road trip and staycation through Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. If you find yourself driving a motorcycle, convertible, or RV this is your map to epic outdoor adventures. Whatever your mode of transportation, Giles has your wide open adventure!

Not sure where to start on your motorcycle adventure? GearHead Moto Tours in Pearisburg can outfit your entire excursion. Looking for a totally guided experience, gear and bike included? They have that! Looking for great routes for your road or dual sport bike? They have that too! You can also pick up area motorcycle and adventure maps at their shop, GearHead Junction located in downtown Pearisburg. Motorcycle lovers bring a new sense of adventure to our playground! The Backcountry Discovery Route traverses through Giles and connects dual sport riders to the entire eastern seaboard of paved and dirt road riding.

Epic is one way to describe the feeling of experiencing Dirty Dancing for yourself! On your next staycation sleep and play at Mountain Lake Lodge. Not only is this the film location of the fan favorite film, but guests can also experience hiking trails, and the Treetop Adventure Center with archery tag, zip lines, and aerial obstacle course. Guests can enjoy access to the Appalachian Trail and the shooting sports with Clays at the Overlook. Stay in the historic stone lodge and any one of their cottages and cabins. The ride up the mountain and the sense of mountaintop escape must be added to your epic road trip! Find other great lodging options!

Sometimes the best way to experience the world around us is on foot. Park the vehicle and climb the gorge to witness the Cascades waterfall. Part of an approximate 4-mile round trip hike, this 69 foot waterfall is not to be missed. Then take it another step further- beyond the Cascades guests can hike farther up the mountain to see the Upper Cascades and even farther still to take in Barney’s Wall and the perfect views of Giles County and beyond. Be sure to be prepared for your hike and pack out what you pack in. Hike our Dismal Falls or Mill Creek Falls.

Time for a refresh and more adventure. Traveling to The Palisades Restaurant is an adventure on its own. The road trip to this destination dining experience is part of the fun! Follow mountain roads to the Village of Eggleston to enjoy contemporary, casual Appalachian food and libations in a renovate general store. Shopping next door while you wait at Gun Powder Springs Gift Shop. Also additional lodging is next door at Mr. Hunter’s Cottage. Find other Giles dining options!

Fish, float, paddle, or play along our 37 miles of the New River. Enjoy the New River Water Trail from any one of our public boat landings, or use one of our outfitters and guides to take all the guesswork out of an epic day on the water. Our outfitters and guides can direct you to the perfect section of the New River to view the majestic rock formations, enjoy still water, or the good fishing spots that don’t show up on the maps!

Wrap up your epic road trip by getting off-road to add a whole other level to your trip with ATV and UTV trails at Kairos Resort. With over 60 miles of trails on the private mountaintop resort, guests can rent a side-by-side or bring their own machines to the enjoy the trail, amazing scenic overlooks, and untouched wilderness. They have trails for dirtbikes, 4-wheelers, side-by-sides, and full size Jeeps or trucks.

So however you get here, and however your explore- whether by bike, boat, even bus! We’re right there with you, find what you love in Giles, on your epic staycation…

 

CategoriesNews by

Inn at Riverbend | Waterlife 2019

Inn at Riverbend | Romantic Escapes

Original post from Virginia Living magazine.

by 

OCTOBER 30, 2019

 

Plan a dreamy weekend à deux at these gorgeous guesthouses.

Mountain hideaways are often considered among the most romantic reprieves; adding water simply perfects the recipe. Carve out time for an amorous escape to a waterside inn or lodge in Virginia.

 

Inn at Riverbend

Seemingly perched on the side of a bluff in Pearisburg is the Inn at Riverbend, a two-story bed and breakfast with wraparound porches and incredible views of the New River. Each room at Riverbend brings the outside in with large windows and sweeping views. However, the plum-shaded “Palisades” room has been dubbed the most romantic by previous guests. Posh bath amenities, cushy robes, and an oversized whirlpool tub provide a luxurious, restful experience.

 

Connect with Tangent Outfitters to plan an aquatic adventure of fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, or stand-up paddle boarding. Trips can last a couple hours or all day, depending on your pace and whether you abandon ship for a swim. Should the weather disagree, there are small town shopping opportunities, artisans to discover, and historical sites to explore, like Historic Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg.

 

A farm-fresh meal awaits at The Palisades Restaurant in Eggleston. Local trout from Brackens Trout Hatchery in Wytheville is a top menu choice, but all of the ingredients are sourced from within the New RiverValley. Whatever you choose, leave room for the cherry pudding; it’s divine. InnAtRiverbend.com

 

Osceola Mill

Below the Blue Ridge Parkway along Route 56 in Steeles Tavern sits Osceola Mill. Originally part of the historic Cyrus McCormick Farm, the circa-1849 mill offered stone-ground grains until Hurricane Camille unleashed its wrath in 1969, devastating several communities on either side of the Blue Ridge Mountains and ending the mill’s production.

 

Today’s guests are drawn to Osceola Mill to see the historic Fitz Overshoot Water Wheel and its mill race, see the massive hand-hewn chestnut beams inside the mill, taste the unexpected flavors of The Mill Stone Dining Room, and rest well in the charming overnight quarters. The lack of cellular service is a bonus for most visitors.

 

The Mill Store Cabin is a cozy, private space independent of the main lodge. Its woodburning fireplace and adjacent whirlpool tub make it easy to achieve both rest and romance. Coffee on the deck overlooking Marl Creek is a peaceful way to start the day.

 

Two popular waterfall hikes are nearby. St. Mary’s Falls are within St. Mary’s Wilderness, Virginia’s largest wilderness area. Fishermen enjoy casting their lines for brown trout in St. Mary’s River, which also boasts fun swimming holes and natural slides. Across the Blue Ridge Parkway is Virginia’s most popular waterfall, Crabtree Falls. It’s the highest cascading falls east of the Mississippi River. Follow the path to reach the top, but do not step out onto the rocks.

 

Additional explorations are minutes away. Sample award-winning wine at Rockbridge Vineyard, and visit Wade’s Mill (circa 1750) to take home freshly ground grits, cornmeal, and more. OsceolaMill.com

Peaks of Otter Lodge

Nestled in a valley at the base of Virginia’s most popular trio of summits is Peaks of Otter Lodge. Reflected in Abbott Lake at milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the lodge is a rustic getaway with modest, comfortable lakefront rooms. Connection to the outside world is limited, so your attention on the pristine surroundings and each other is undivided. Sate your appetite with waterfront dining at Lake View Dining Room. The Half Peaks Chicken is a favorite traditional choice, while the Eggplant Timbale is a hearty pick for veggie lovers.

 

Adrenaline-fueled explorers will be tempted to conquer Sharp Top, Harkening Hill, or Flat Top, while those who enjoy steady hand-in-hand walks may be satisfied with a mile walk around the lake. A day on the Upper James River Water Trail is easy to arrange. Only 10 miles west in Buchanan is Twin River Outfitters, which equips canoe, kayak, and tubing trips.

 

Should shifting weather patterns dampen your day, head to Peaks of Otter Winery for a refreshing flight of fruit wines or to Bedford for antiquing. Add a dose of presidential history by visiting Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, a historic treasure and active archaeological site. PeaksOfOtter.com

 

This article originally appeared in our WaterLife 2019 issue.

     

by 

October 30, 2019 | 6:00 AM

CategoriesNews by

Tailgating Atmosphere at Muddy ACCE Race

Sept 15 | Tailgating Atmosphere at Muddy ACCE Race

 

If you head out to enjoy a football event this fall, you will likely see game-goers tailgating the event before the anticipated kickoff. The Muddy ACCE Race event has a friendly tailgating energy to it before, during, and after the race for participants and spectators! Plus free parking!

 

Held along the banks of the New River Water Trail in Giles County, this mud filled event will delight, challenge, and test our runners to the limits. The race is open to individuals and teams and comprised of the Main Course with over 48 obstacles with differing levels of difficulty, so runners can choose their limits as they run. The first heats of the day, between 8:30 and 9:30 AM are for the hardcore runners wanting to test themselves and for fun competition between first responders and firefighters. After 10 AM, teams, families, and individuals can run or walk the course and be as competitive as they wish. A Youth Mud Pit is also available for the youngsters from 10 AM until 2 PM. If running the race isn’t for some, spectating the race is always an option for joining in on the mud fun.

The Warp Wall is one of the first obstacles to overcome at the MAR, it then leads directly into the freezing Ice Bath! Join us on Sept 16th along the New River for the 2nd annual Muddy ACCE Race.

 

Before the race, runners can meet up with their team members to prepare for the race. Once together, they can go over strategies to complete the course, or they can get to know their competition a little before they all set off to begin the course. Hanging out in the Vendor Village will give you something to do and enjoy throughout the day. The designated tailgating parking area will be in the line of sight of the first stretch of obstacles and mud pits of the course. If wishing to park in the tailgating area, tell the parking attendants when you arrive. All parking is free but we are encouraging camaraderie in the specially designated tailgating area.

 

During the race, the spectators can cheer on their favorite runners from the sidelines! Once the runners are out of view, spectators are invited to continue watching the muddy mayhem in the Vendor Village via Facebook Live streams. Food is always a central component of a tailgate, and at the Muddy ACCE Race food is available for spectators to enjoy while they root for the runner of their choice. New to the 2018 event, spectators can enjoy a hayride through the entire course! $5 per person, or a family pack of 5 for $20. Find the hayride ticket area and pickup near the Vendor Village.

 

After the race, runners can then grab their much deserved bite to eat. Runners and spectators can come together to celebrate a job well done for helping raise funds for the Access to Community College Education (ACCE) Program.

 

The ACCE Program is a Giles County and New River Community College Partnership that makes college available to graduates from Giles County by covering the cost of tuition for two years at New River Community College. ACCE supports as many students as possible based on student needs and funds available for the program. The Muddy ACCE Race event is a premier fundraiser for the ACCE Program.

 

Overall, the race promotes a friendly competition among runners and spectators rooting for their favorite team or runner. Come early and hang out all day. We’ll see you at the Muddy Mayhem on September 15, 2018 in Giles County, Virginia along the New River Water Trail.

 

Follow along with the fun on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM

#2018MAR or #MuddyACCERace

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079.

For interviews or onsite visits, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. We can arrange and assist with any media needs leading up to the September 16 event.

CategoriesNews by

Giles to Break Ground on Newest Public Boat Landing

Eggleston Boat Landing

For Immediate Release

Contact: Cora Gnegy
203 North Main Street
Pearisburg, VA 24134
540-921-2079 (office)
540-335-6314 (cell)

cgnegy@gilescounty.org
Date: June 21, 2018

Giles to Break Ground on Newest Public Boat Landing

 

Giles County, VA- Throughout the month of June there have been ongoing celebrations of the outdoors as we celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Adding to the inventory of public access points to the New River, Giles County will break ground at the newest location on June 28th at 1pm. As part of an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant award, in partnership with the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, Giles will be building or improving access points along the New River. This particular ground breaking will occur at the future home of the Eggleston Boat Landing. Located near the Palisades Restaurant this boat landing will be another asset that allows river goers easy, safe, and convenient access to the New River. The future boat landing will be located by turning from Eggleston Road, onto River Road and after crossing the railroad tracks turn left to go under the bridge.

 

The short ceremony will highlight the cooperative efforts, improvements to tourism assets throughout the region, and New River Water Trail successes. 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 continued access and success of the New River Water Trail™ will help visitors navigate the river and explore the various sections that are ready to be discovered both on and off water!

 

***

 

Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles provides adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079. For interviews or onsite visits, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. We can arrange and assist with any media needs. 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.

CategoriesNews by

June is National Outdoors Month

June is National Outdoors Month

 

Giles County, VA- Giles County, Virginia’s Mountain Playground™ will, along with communities and officials across America, celebrate the great outdoors for the entire month of June. June is recognized as Great Outdoors Month. You are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available in Giles to enjoy the great outdoors. You can choose any one of the 37 miles of the New River Water Trail, 60+ miles of the Appalachian Trail or Great Eastern Trail, mountain biking trails, walking one of the newly recognized nine Wellness Trails through our community spaces, or anything in between. Giles has identified a variety of events and activities for the whole family can experience Virginia’s Mountain Playground™ in June, and all summer long.

 

wellness trail park sign
The Rich Creek Wellness Trail is located at the Town Park also known as Woodlawn Park.

 

On June 22nd all are invited to CRUSH Friday and join us on a Fun Float from Eggleston to New River’s Edge. Paddle what you bring and RSVP to let us know if you want lunch. We will be heading out at 9am from the Eggleston wide spot river access. Visitors to any of the eight public boat landings in Giles County will see the signage that outlines safety information, fishing and floating times, including maps and contact information. You can learn more about the New River Water Trail by visiting Facebook.com/NewRiverWaterTrail or on Instagram @NewRiverWaterTrail.

 

SUP people on New River at Castle Rock
Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

 

On June 28th at 10am all are also invited to a ground breaking ceremony at the soon-to-be Eggleston Boat Landing. The new boat landing will be off of Eggleston Road, onto River Road and turning left under the bridge. Other Outdoors Month events left include June 23rd New River Water Trail Poker Float, followed that evening by the next installment of the Newport Jamboree featuring Dale Cash and County Connection. Close out the month with a good ‘ol fashioned Ice Cream Supper at the Newport Village Green.

 

new river from boat landing
The New River at Whitt-Riverbend Boat Landing

 

Share all your outdoor adventures by using #GilesCoVa on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We look forward to seeing your favorite spots and activities to celebrate all the great outdoors in the New River Valley.

 

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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.

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Improving New River access points in Giles County | WDBJ7

Improving New River access points in Giles County

GILES COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) The New River is a popular spot for people in Giles County. Now, officials are taking steps to make it easier for boats to come and go.

“I love the outdoors, I really love being on the water,” Randy Fuqua said, admiring the scene around him.

 

Fuqua and Austin Cunningham took a group of out-of-towners on a fishing tour of the New River in Giles County. They pushed off from the Whitt Riverbend boat landing in Ripplemead where there’s a concrete boat launch.

 

See full video HERE.

 

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Boat landing in Giles County, Virginia
Picture from WDBJ7.

Randy and Austin guide fishing trips for New River Outdoor Company located in Pembroke. The New River Water Trail has pubic access points along the 37 miles of New River in Giles, approximately every 5-7 miles. The newest boat landings will improve safety, ease of access, and help minimize impacts on river banks.