Events, NewsSeptember 16, 2026September 14, 2026 by Cora Gnegy

ReNew the New’s Annual Fall River Cleanup Draws 351 Volunteers

ReNew the New’s annual Fall Into the New River cleanup brought together 351 volunteers on Saturday, August 29, to help keep the New River and surrounding areas free of trash and debris. Volunteers gathered in Eggleston before heading out to clean the section of the New River between McCoy and Eggleston. Participants included 90 members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, 25 students from Giles County ACCE, members of local Lions and Rotary clubs, Trout Unlimited volunteers, Giles County staff, and many other community members.

Working from kayaks, canoes, rafts, and along riverbanks and roadways, volunteers collected 165 bags of trash and removed 92 tires from the river and surrounding areas. Cleanup supplies and lunch were provided by the Giles County ReNew Committee and Giles County. The effort is part of the larger ReNew the New program, a community-driven initiative dedicated to protecting the New River watershed. According to the ReNew Committee, more than 225 tons of trash and debris have been removed since the program began. Volunteers have contributed more than 32,000 hours of service over the past 25 years, helping collect and properly dispose of more than 5,000 tires from the river and its banks. These results demonstrate the lasting impact of local volunteers and the continued growth of the cleanup effort throughout the New River watershed.

Giles County is home to 37 miles of the New River and the New River Water Trail®, offering opportunities for paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and family-friendly outdoor recreation. To learn more about the New River Water Trail, visit www.newriverwatertrail.com. For more information about ReNew the New, volunteer opportunities, and year-round cleanup initiatives, visit www.renewthenew.org or follow @ReNewTheNew on Facebook.

Events, NewsJuly 10, 2026July 8, 2026 by Cora Gnegy

August 29 | Fall into the New

It’s that time of year! The ReNew the New Committee has opened registration for the 2026 Fall into the New river cleanup.

Date: Sat., August 29, 2026

Meetup location: Eggleston Park

More details on image and on linked webpage.

Events, NewsMarch 27, 2025 by Cora Gnegy

April 5th | ReNew the New Ramps ‘N’ Roads

ReNew the New’s Ramps ‘N’ Road Annual Spring River Cleanup

ReNew The New’s Ramps ‘N’ Roads, the start of spring river cleanup, is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, 2025. The long-standing community-based cleanup effort will look slightly different this year as this cleanup morning will focus on areas along the New River impacted by Helene and recent flooding events. Registered volunteers for the cleanup will gather at 8:30 AM at Eastern Elementary Middle School, located at 6899 Virginia Avenue, Pembroke, VA 24136. All interested volunteers are encouraged to sign up online at www.ReNewtheNew.com.

The morning of the 5^th after arrival and groups are formed with captains, volunteers will drive their own vehicles or convoy to specified locations. Project Coordinator, Charlie Mullins states that there will be “15 sites throughout the county to include four islands” that are the attention of the cleanup. Supplies and gloves will be provided, and those wishing to volunteer should wear appropriate clothing, including closed toe shoes. The organizing committee is still seeking volunteers with their own Jon boats who would be willing to assist with the on-water transportation of the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets as they support this cleanup with debris entanglements accessible only via the New River. The Virginia Tech Corp will be supporting the effort with 500 individuals.

All debris will be left bankside where Giles County PSA, in partnership with ReNew the New, will collect and dispose of it.

If interested in volunteering with your boat, please reach out to Project Coordinator Charlie Mullins at cmullins@gilescounty.org.

Lunch is provided for all volunteers around noon at their worksite as a thank you for the donated time and efforts to keep Giles County and the New River beautiful. ReNew the New held its first clean up in 2001 and since then has removed thousands of pounds of trash and tires from the New, hosted educational programming to support stewardship of this beautiful waterway, and expanded through partnerships to reach more volunteers and miles of river cleaned up in a calendar year. The New River is the oldest river in North America and flows south to north- a unique attribute that echoes our community’s commitment to this asset we have, that connects us all. Giles County boasts 37 miles of the New River and the New River Water Trail® that offers residents and visitors the opportunity to have water-based adventures, relaxing floats, and adventuresome fishing trips! You are invited to explore the New River Water Trail on the website, http://www.newriverwatertrail.com.

Visit the ReNew the New website at: http://www.renewthenew.org/ and find them on Facebook and Instagram at @ReNewTheNew. Learn more about ReNew by watching our YouTube video.

EventsSeptember 3, 2024 by Cora Gnegy

September 14 | ReNew the New River Cleanup

ReNew the New’s 23rd Annual Fall River Cleanup

ReNew The New’s FALL INTO THE NEW, end-of-summer river cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 14^th, 2024. Volunteers and participants for the Giles based cleanup will gather by 8:30 AM at New River’s Edge in Pembroke. All interested volunteers and supporters are encouraged to sign up online.

After participants are registered, and groups are formed with captains, buses will leave for the clean-up sites on the river where participants will be provided with canoes, trash bags and gloves. Volunteers can bring their own water vessels (kayaks, canoes, or rafts) and will need to provide their own shuttle this year. Those who are bringing their own boats need to call ahead for instructions on drop off and pick up areas. There will be an on-land option as well. Boaters will begin their floats with their captains after the safety meeting. Wear sunblock, river shoes, and be ready to work and get wet!

Lunch and a t-shirt are provided to all volunteers around noon as a thank you for the donated time and efforts to keep Giles County and the New River beautiful. The lunch and t-shirt distribution will happen back at New River’s Edge. Giles County boasts 37 miles of the New River and the New River Water Trail™ that offers residents and visitors the opportunity to have exciting water-based adventures, relaxing floats, and adventuresome fishing trips! You are invited to explore the New River Water Trail on the website, http://www.newriverwatertrail.com.

The continued development of partnerships allows participants along the New River to support this effort. The success of ReNew the New over the years is shown by the numbers of volunteers and the expansion throughout the New River Valley. ReNew the New is sponsored by Appalachian Electric Power (AEP), Celanese, New River’s Edge, Tangent Outfitters, and Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.

Visit the ReNew the New website at: http://www.renewthenew.org/ and find them on Facebook and Instagram at @ReNewTheNew. Learn more about ReNew by watching our YouTube video.

Company News, Events, NewsAugust 20, 2021August 20, 2021 by Cora Gnegy

Wet WanderLove on the New

The New River Water Trail connects you with public and private access points to enjoy a variety of floats as summer winds down. Fishing, floating, or fun times are to be found along this 37 mile stretch through Giles County, Virginia.

Floating

Peaceful, yet dramatic the New River has scenic floats for you! The most popular float trip for kayakers, canoes, and rafts tends to the Eggleston to Pembroke section. You can scope out the best section for you based on length, activity, or location. Giles County has public access approximately every 5-7 miles. If you don’t have your own gear- don’t worry, visit any one of our outfitters for rentals!

Fishing

The New River has long been known as an excellent fishery. Beyond the banks of the New the many mountain tributaries also offer fishermen and women something extraordinary. From the bank, from a boat, or with a guide, the New River is a fishing destination.

As with all natural resources, care is given to support this ecosystem. ReNew the New is a community of volunteers with the support of many local organizations that remove trash from the river twice a year. Fishermen will also find used fishing line receptacles at all public boat landings.

Bringing the whole family to enjoy the fishing in Giles? If so, then you may enjoy the trek off the beaten path to the Glen Alton Farm along Big Stoney Creek. The youth fishing ponds are just one fun feature to find on this USFS Day Use property.

Paddle on the fifth oldest river in the world with Tangent Outfitters in Pembroke. The river, lined with cliffs, rock outcrops and train tracks, is truly stunning! The occasional beaches allow for great picnic and camping spots. Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

Where to Stay

If we head back to the New River you can find many public and private campgrounds along the waterfront to enjoy a multi-day float. But if you’re hoping to get water frontage, but don’t want to camp, consider any one of our beautiful cabin properties.

Food

Because every good adventure has food! If you’re hoping to pack a lunch and head out on the water, you would enjoy the boxed lunches from Tangent Outfitters & Cascade Café. Also in Pembroke, following your Eggleston to Pembroke float you can enjoy Bluegrass BBQ, Scoops for great ice cream, or Solo’s. All easy access options in the area.

Venturing a little father away to find local joints with pizza, burgers, salads, and more. The drive to our destination dining options is another excuse to take in all the adventure in Giles!

Not playing in the water? Not a problem… Still a lot of fun!

Foot Traffic

Maybe you want to experience the New River, but from close proximity… Wrapping up your adventure in Giles. Enjoy a walk in our river front parks. Whitt-Riverbend Park in Pearisburg, Camp Success in Narrows, and Glen Lyn Town Park in Glen Lyn all offer riverside walking trails and parking to enjoy the water year round, while being outside.

Safety

As with all adventure activities users should be aware of the dangers that could arise. We want everyone to find their adventure in Giles, but do so safely. If you are heading out on the New River remember we are greatly affected by the weather systems to our south. River levels can change quickly due to factors relating upstream (in North Caroline). It’s best to check the river status before you head out and if ever concerned, call a local guide or outfitter for expert advice.

Same concept applies to hiking or nature walking along the riverbank. Travel with a buddy, let people know where you are going, and be aware of your surroundings- just a few tips to keep in mind.

Conclusion

Some days you just need a playday… Find yours in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. As part of our Wanderlove series we hope you enjoy these ideas and tips for a wet and wild adventure in Giles County, VA! We’ll see you soon…

Events, NewsJune 11, 2018 by Cora Gnegy

Giles County Scavenger Hunt Back By Popular Demand

Giles County, VA- Chances are you’ve hiked and taken a picture at Cascade Falls in Pembroke, Virginia. Many of you have also enjoyed a meal at The Palisades Restaurant in the Village of Eggleston. The entire month of July you are encouraged to ‘Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard’ and to participate in the Giles County-wide Scavenger Hunt that begins on Monday, July 2^nd and continues through Friday, August 3^rd. The Narrows Farmers Market is helping to host the Scavenger Hunt this year! All proceeds from participation in the Hunt will benefit the Giles County Access to Community College Education (A.C.C.E.) Fund.

To participate you can either visit the Town of Narrows Town Hall during their business hours (9am-5pm), get the hunt list, and pay the $2 registration or, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm or Saturday 9am to 1pm you can visit the Giles County Visitors Center, located with the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Marketing Office at 203 N. Main St, Pearisburg. Upon registering each user will receive the hunt list that includes 50 different tasks to complete and their official entry wrist band. Each photo must have the wristband visible for it to count. There are three levels of tasks that make it easy for a youth or family adventure, or you can try to conquer them all!

Scavenging and finding the items may be hard enough for some, but to qualify participants may also need to take a picture at the location and share to social media. Follow along on the journey by watching #GilesHunt on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All entries should be returned, including all items needed according to the list, to the Narrows Farmers Market on Friday, August 3^rd. You are invited to attend their special market events that night including a food truck, produce vendors, community vendors and more from 5-8pm. There will be a trophy ceremony at 7pm at the Narrows Farmers Market. If participants are unable or finish early, their lists and items can be returned to the Giles County Visitor Center during the work week.

Prizes will be given and an overall winner will win the official, custom made Giles County Scavenger Hunt trophy that will stay on display at the Visitors Center, and the bragging rights. How well do you know Virginia’s Mountain Playground™? Are you up for the Hunt?

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Wind Rock Sunset June 2016 Billy Bowling

Events, NewsNovember 28, 2017 by Cora Gnegy

Adventure Tourism Entrepreneur Workshop Coming To The New River Valley

Giles County, VA – The Friends of Southwest Virginia, in partnership with Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia Community Capital, Spearhead Trails, and Small Business Development Centers, are hosting adventure tourism workshops to highlight regional initiatives, opportunities, best practices, and expert advice for starting an adventure tourism business in Southwest Virginia.

Southwest Virginia includes 19 counties and four independent cities located near the southern and western border of Virginia. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, established in 2008 by the Virginia General Assembly, takes the lead in developing a creative economy in Southwest Virginia. In 2011, the Commission became the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, a self-sustaining community development organization with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through a supporting non-profit, the Friends of Southwest Virginia, businesses and individuals help artists, crafts people, localities, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed.

With multiple outdoor adventures and opportunities throughout the New River Valley, residents and visitors alike are starting to discover the outdoor recreation assets that our region has to offer. However, more adventure tourism businesses are needed to aid in the discovery of the “Adventurous Side of Virginia,” the tagline of the organization.

The workshops are free and open to the public. Advance registration is required with space limited to 30 attendees. The New River Valley will host a regional workshop on December 13^th from 9am until noon at the 19^th Hole at Castle Rock, located at 900 Castle Rock Drive, Pembroke, VA. You may also find more information and register online at the Giles County, VA Facebook Event page.

The collaboration among the aforementioned partners, as well as the localities hosting the workshops aid in the development of our communities and assist the Friends of Southwest Virginia in promoting outdoor recreation in Southwest Virginia to the world. The Friends of Southwest Virginia would like to thank the hosts for the workshops and for their partnership.

For more information, please contact Emily Mayo (276-492-2412).

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About Southwest Virginia

Tucked in the mountains of Southwest Virginia is a vibrant culture of music, craft and stunning natural beauty. It’s a region of spectacular views and rich natural resources. Time spent in the region adds up to something much more than a simple getaway. A different side of Virginia. And a great place to visit for a week’s vacation – or to make a home for a lifetime. Authentic. Distinctive. Alive.

Follow SWVA: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Snapchat: southwestva

Events, NewsOctober 25, 2017October 24, 2017 by Cora Gnegy

Narrows Completes RALLY Southwest Virginia Project

Giles County, VA- RALLY Southwest Virginia is building community leadership capacity and reinforcing collaborative communities across the region of Southwest Virginia. The region consisting of 19 counties from Giles to the far southwest counties in Virginia, has embraced this program and others to find creative outlets for suppressed economies and the revitalization for downtown areas.

The Town of Narrows is the first community in the New River Valley to participate in this new mini-grant program, facilitated by Opportunity SWVA. The mini-grant program provides a $3,000 award to communities to implement a community development project through a team structure. The team in Narrows is comprised of citizens, small business owners, town staff, and county representatives. The group gathered for the initial meeting early in 2017 to discuss the potential of the RALLY program and begin brainstorming how this mini-grant could be utilized to support ongoing development efforts in Narrows.

Opportunity SWVA logo

Since March of this year a group of local leaders have planned and implemented multiple mini-projects that will soon complete their RALLY Project. The final presentation will happen at the Narrows Fall Festival on October 28. The festival will run from noon until 8:00pm, with a special RALLY presentation at 1:45pm. The presentation will unveil a new downtown sign directing residents and visitors to the multiple community and outdoor assets in the community that is cohesive with the Giles and New River Water Trail signage for familiarity and to continue to foster collaboration.

Narrows Metal Sign RALLY project 2017

The sign is housed in a new kiosk designed and built as part of a local young man’s Eagle Scout project. In addition to the kiosk at the Duck Pond, the RALLY group identified buildings throughout downtown to install large pictures highlighting the recreational opportunities within the nearby area. The pictures were provided by local citizens and the Town orchestrated a photo contest to add to the collection.

The pictures are installed throughout downtown in an attempt to also highlight the space available for future business locations. The local group worked with building owners to share that part of this process was to communicate availability of space for business. In addition the New River Valley Regional Commission assisted with pulling together resources and information that potential businesses would need through their startup or expansion process. This printed packet will be available at the Narrows Town Hall as well as downloadable on their website. On October 28 to draw attention to the RALLY components and provide an activity for guests at the Fall Festival, the RALLY group has facilitated a Scavenger Hunt with prizes to be awarded.

Local committee hanging signs in Narrows 2017

The sign, the pictures, and the kiosk combined to complete the Narrows RALLY project. The local RALLY group identified that these actions would help draw attention to the community for positive development and usage of the surrounding natural resources. In addition to the RALLY presentation the Narrows Fall Festival will feature knockerball, kids games, a bouncy house, face painting, a corn hole tournament, and disc golf tournament at Camp Success along the New River. The festival goers will enjoy live music all day with performances by 90 Proof, Destiny Quartet, Melanie Vaught, Chad Robertson & Corey Lowe, Giles County School of Dance, and Dance Motion. Street and food vendors along Main Street from noon until 8pm. To round out the evening there will be a Street Dance beginning at 6pm featuring The Cadillac Ranch Band. The Narrows Fall Festival is presented in partnership by the Narrows Recreation Department and FNBP-Narrows. More information can be found on their Facebook event page.

For more information or to schedule an interview prior to or the day of the Narrows Fall Festival, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. For additional information on RALLY Southwest Virginia please feel free to contact Robyn Lee at 276-376-3453 or rlee@uvawise.edu.

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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. 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.

Events, NewsAugust 10, 2017 by Cora Gnegy

Register Today for the Muddy ACCE Race on the banks of the NRWT

Sept 16 | Register Today for the Muddy ACCE Race

The 2017 Muddy ACCE Race is drawing near! The event promises something for everyone, from family fun to the fiercest competitors. Register as a team or an individual participant today for the September 16th event at www.muddyaccerace.com.

The Glen Lyn Town Park in Giles County, Virginia will be transformed into a 5K mud run obstacle course, promising muddy mayhem and fun to all those who are brave enough to conquer the course or cheer from the sidelines. There will be 28 obstacles to master by running, climbing, and crawling along the banks of the New River Water Trail. Some of the obstacles to master will be Claustrophobia, Salmon Run, Floating Bridges, and a Rope Swing to finish off the course with a splash into the New River to help wash off all the mud.

Our event is great for the toughest, truest mud run veterans or rookies just wanting to try out a mud run. We have hardcore heats beginning at 10 a.m. for runners who want to tackle the course as best and as quick as they can. Law enforcement officers, fire department members, and emergency medical personnel teams can sign up for these first heats if they want to compete against other departments from across the region. After 11 a.m., runners can run or walk as much of the course as they please, and they can bypass any obstacles they want to skip. Participants will indicate which start hour they want to run when completing registration.

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.

The Glen Lyn Town Park in Glen Lyn, Virginia is located less than 20 minutes from Exit 9 on Interstate 77 at Princeton, WV by taking 460 East just over the state line. The muddy fun is happening less than 40 minutes from Virginia Tech’s campus, and less than one hour from Radford University’s campus.

Registration is online and live at www.muddyaccerace.com! Registration is only $50 per person, and you can register as a team or an individual. If you have a child age 10 and under, don’t forget to register them for the Youth Mud Pit for only $10 for all day access.

We strive to make the Muddy ACCE Race a destination event that promotes friendly competition, camaraderie, and teamwork, but most of all, we want everyone to come have fun in the mud!

All proceeds from the Muddy ACCE Race go to the Access to Community College Education (ACCE) Program. ACCE 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.

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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.

Events, NewsJuly 20, 2017 by Cora Gnegy

Local Mud Run Boasts Family Friendly Atmosphere

When people think of a mud run, they may not typically think of a family outing. The Muddy ACCE Race is a fun, exciting event for the entire family to enjoy! Families can run the race together, split up so the children can run in our Youth Mud Pit, cheer on their loved ones, and so much more!

The Muddy ACCE Race is a 5k obstacle mud run event to 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, tuition-free, 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 need and funds available for the program. The Muddy ACCE Race event is a premier fundraiser for the ACCE program.

Held along the banks of the New River Water Trail in Giles County, this mud filled race will delight, challenge, and test our runners to the limits. The race is open to individuals and teams, and is comprised of the Main Course with over 25 obstacles with differing levels of difficulty so you can choose your limits as you run, and a Youth Mud Pit to make it an adventure for either the truest and toughest or the whole family. This year’s event will be held on September 16, 2017, beginning at 10am. The first heats of the day, between 10-11am, are for the hardcore runner wanting to test themselves and for the competitions between first responders and firefighters. After noon, teams, families, and individuals can run/walk the course and be as competitive as they want.

You’ve always told your child to never make messes, well at the Muddy ACCE Race we specialize in dirt and mud. We want children to get in on the muddy fun with our Youth Mud Pit area, with specially designed obstacles for the youngsters to tackle. It is $10 for all day access for children 10 and under with an adult supervising their fun. Don’t worry though, when the fun is over, a hose off station is provided before everyone heads back home.

If getting muddy isn’t your child’s favorite thing, they can also watch and cheer on the young-at-heart as they run, climb, and get muddy by spectating the 5k course. Parts of the course are visible from the Vendor Village sidelines. For the parts of the course that aren’t visible, Facebook Live streams will be running in our spectator tents for our young spectators to watch their favorite runners for the entire race!

Vendors of varying types will also be in our Vendor Village, where food is available as well as interactive demonstrations.

We strive to make the Muddy ACCE Race a destination event people of all ages can enjoy!

Ready to get your mud on? You can register online or check out muddyaccerace.com/ for more details. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram. See you at the starting line.

Category: Events