The New River: An Appalachian Mountain Natural Resource

Kenneth Goode(Montgomery County, VA)

GeographyThe New River is formed by the confluence of the South Fork and the North Fork in Ashe County, North Carolina. It then flows north into southwestern Virginia, passing near Galax, Virginia and through a gorge in the Iron Mountains. Continuing north, the river enters Pulaski County, Virginia, where it is impounded by AEP Claytor Dam, creating Claytor Lake. North of the dam the New River accepts the Little River and passes the city of Radford, Virginia before passing through Walker Mountain via a narrow water gap. After flowing north through Giles County, Virginia and the town of Narrows, the river crosses into West Virginia.

In WV, The New River is impounded by Bluestone Dam, creating Bluestone Lake in Summers County. The Bluestone River tributary joins the New River in Bluestone Lake. Just below the dam the Greenbrier River joins the New River, which continues its northward course into the New River Gorge. Near the end of the gorge, the river flows by the town of Fayetteville, West Virginia. A few miles northwest of Fayetteville, much of the New River's flow is diverted through the 3-mile (4.8 km) Hawks Nest Tunnel for use in power generation. The water re-enters the river just upstream of Gauley Bridge, where the New merges with the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River.

A Brief HistoryDespite its name, the New River is considered by some geologists to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. In this particular region, together with the river's many cuts through various erosion-resistant Appalachian rocks, tends to reveal that the New River's formation preceded uplift of the Appalachian Mountains themselves described in Tectonic Plate Theory. The first recorded European exploration of the New River was the fur trading Batts-Fallam expedition of 1671, sent by Abraham Wood. Variant names of the New River include "Wood's River", after Abraham Wood. Mary Draper Ingles traversed the region during her now famous 1755 escape from captivity among the Shawnees. The New River also has an extensive industrial history, dominated by coal mining, logging and railroads. In 1968, President Johnson signed into law the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in which the 26.5 miles of the NC segment would become part of in 1976. The 39 miles in VA, although not a scenic river, however is a designated blueway.

As a result of location, wealth of natural resources, and breath taking natural beauty, the New River has become a international tourism destination area. Today, there are many parks, forests and trails along its watercourse. These include (upstream to downstream): Pisgah National Forest, New River SP, New River Trail SP (focus park), Shot Tower Historical SP, Claytor Lake SP, Jefferson National Forest, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Bluestone WMA, Bluestone SP, New River Gorge National River, Grandview, Babcock SP, and Hawks Nest SP.

New River Bridge under construction in Fayetteville, WV

William and Mary Ingles house near Radford, VA

Lee Highway construction at Pulaski, VA

HistoryIn December 1986, Norfolk Southern Corporation donated a 57-mile tract of abandoned railroad right-of-way to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the establishment of a new state park. Because railroad tracks had previously been on the strip of land, the cinder roadbed needed very little grading. With the help and support of volunteer groups and chambers of commerce in the region, the park was able to open in May 1987 with four miles of trail. Since then approximately 57 miles of the park are open to the public.

GeographyThe park is 1,337 acres with width averaging 80 feet. The length from Galax to Pulaski is 51.5 miles; from Fries Branch, 5.5 miles, giving the linear river park a total length of 57 miles. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties before discontinuing. The park lies at North Latitude 36.88 /West Longitude 80.85.

RecreationThere are many ways in which to enjoy outdoor activities at the New River Trail. Some include: multi-use trails, fishing, boating, tubing, a horse complex, camping, picnicking, and many other outdoor activities. There is a environmental education center at Foster Falls and a visitors center in Cliffview and Foster Falls. There is also campsites at Cliffview and Millrace. The are nature an history programs for interested visitors, and a historic shot tower used for the manufacturing of ammunition during the 1800’s. There is also a AEP dam near Fries used for electrical power generation.