River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE NEW RIVER DATA
New River levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow the New River
Follow the Appalachian New River north through Virginia and West Virginia toward New River Gorge.
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River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
The New River Gorge Bridge above the New River in West Virginia.
THE NEW STORY
An ancient river through the Appalachians
The New River cuts across the Appalachian ridges rather than following them, creating one of the East's most distinctive river corridors. It has served as a travel route, working river and, today, a nationally known fishing and whitewater destination.
Ancient landscape
A river older than the mountains around it
The New crosses the Appalachian ridges on its northward course, carving the deep gorge that now defines southern West Virginia.
1800s
Batteaux and railroads
Flat-bottomed batteaux carried goods on navigable reaches before railroads transformed transportation and coal development along the river.
Modern era
National park and whitewater destination
New River Gorge is now a national park and preserve, internationally known for big-river whitewater, fishing, climbing and public river access.
Photo: Darkstarcrashes · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Historical context: National Park Service, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
FISHING
Fishing the river
The New River is one of the Appalachian region's major warmwater fisheries, especially for bass and other river-oriented species.
Fish you may encounter
Smallmouth Bass
Walleye
Muskellunge
Channel Catfish
Rock Bass
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Upper New River, VirginiaBroad pools, ledges and current seams support classic warmwater river fishing through southwestern Virginia.
FISHING AREA
New River Gorge ↗The national park protects extensive public fishing access along a diverse warmwater fishery.
Before you fish
- Access crosses multiple states and includes both public and private land.
- Check current North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia fishing regulations.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
The New changes from long pools and moderate rapids to powerful technical whitewater through New River Gorge.
Hinton to Thurmond ↗
Intermediate river with long pools and Class I–III rapids through the upper New River Gorge reach.
Rafting Kayaking Fishing
Thurmond downstream ↗
The river narrows into technical Class III–IV rapids and powerful big-water whitewater.
Advanced rafting Advanced kayaking
Know before you go
- Lower New River Gorge whitewater is advanced terrain; inexperienced paddlers should use qualified outfitters.
- River access roads and take-outs can be remote and steep.
- Check current river levels and National Park Service conditions before launching.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
Sandstone Falls / Hinton access ↗
One of several public access areas along the upper national park reach.
Cunard ↗
Major public river access for fishing and whitewater trips.
Fayette Station ↗
Lower-gorge access near the New River Gorge Bridge.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve ↗
Fifty-three miles of free-flowing New River protected within the park.