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
Register & complete volunteer waiver: https://renewthenew.org/
Meetup location: Eggleston Park
More details on image and on linked webpage.
For quite sometime there has been ongoing conversations, work, and planning efforts to expand the New River Water Trail beyond it’s original 37 mile stretch through Giles County, Virginia. While Giles County is continuing its commitment to outdoor recreation and river access by investing in major improvements to the New River Water Trail (NRWT), we continue to admire the growing relationships, efforts, and partnerships.
The New River Valley Regional Commission is facilitating:
One of the most anticipated projects is the new and improved river access at McCoy Falls (Giles County), which is currently in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026, with the new launch opening to the public by Spring 2027. This project is made possible through the support of funding partners including the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
Over the next few years, partners will invest more than $3 million in expanding the NRWT throughout the New River Valley. This includes four new boat access facilities by 2027, as well as improved and expanded water trail signage. Large kiosk signs will be installed at up to eight new or improved boat access points, and on-water wayfinding signage will help paddlers navigate the river safely and confidently. Nearly $80,000 is being invested in these wayfinding improvements.
This expansion is a true regional effort. Giles County is partnering with neighboring communities—Montgomery County, Pulaski County, and the City of Radford—to ensure the NRWT covers the entire New River Valley. Organizational partners such as the New River Valley Regional Commission, New River Conservancy, and the Virginia Department of Transportation are also playing key roles in planning and implementation. Funding support from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will help make these improvements possible. All are invited to read the report from the NRV technical assistance and planning phase HERE.
By 2027, the NRWT will feature four new boat access facilities, expanded signage, and a fully connected water trail through Pulaski County. But the vision doesn’t stop there—plans have been released to extend the NRWT into West Virginia and North Carolina, creating an even more robust regional outdoor recreation experience.
These planning efforts are being facilitate by the New River Conservancy:
Partners from across the New River watershed are joining forces to plan an ambitious 360-mile New River Water Trail that will span North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. This effort is being led by the New River Conservancy, which is spearheading a three-state action plan designed to connect Appalachian communities, strengthen rural economies, and promote stewardship through trail development.
The New River Water Trail expansion is about more than recreation—it’s about building an economic engine that benefits local communities while protecting the river’s natural beauty. The plan emphasizes community-led efforts, ensuring that residents play an active role in shaping the future of the trail. Completion of this project will help preserve land for improved river access, overnight stays, and scenic quality, creating a sustainable outdoor experience for generations to come.
The initiative focuses on four key objectives:
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 5th 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.
ReNew The New’s FALL INTO THE NEW, end-of-summer river cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, 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.
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 Lily Valley Inn 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.
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.
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.
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.
At a glance:
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.
DAY 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.
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.
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.
Load up the pups, book your stay, and come play, wine, and dine 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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…
