New River Outdoor Adventures

The New River is the oldest river system in North America and the second oldest in the world, after the Nile River. Now, you can float, swim, splash, and fish these amazing waters on your Virginia vacation with New River Outdoor Adventures.

This outdoor adventure center, known as NROA, offers kayaking, tubing, fishing, and biking. Various packages are available for each category, making a visit to NROA perfect for any budget, group size, or timeframe. 

NROA's Galax location makes combining multiple activities in a day doable. For example, you can float down the New River in the morning and watch a bluegrass concert in the evening at the Rex Theater or the Blue Ridge Music Center. 

Regarding equipment, New River Outdoor Adventures rents top-notch gear and offers exceptional service, ensuring that every visitor has a memorable and safe experience. NROA is also your go-to for a Virginia fishing and hunting license.

The nearby New River Trail State Park will appeal to cyclists who want to cruise the restored railroad track called rails-to-trails. NROA has cruiser-style bikes, helmets, and trailers to rent to make your day of cycling safe and enjoyable.

New River Outdoor Adventures offers top-notch rental gear and excursions on the picturesque New River, making a visit a must when in Virginia.

New River Outdoor Adventures: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One standout feature is the various watercraft to rent, ranging from kayaks and canoes to river tubes. The diverse selection makes finding the perfect vessel for exploring the shallow waters easy. 

If you're an experienced angler or a newbie, the guided fishing trips on the New River promise to be rewarding. This waterway is considered one of the top fishing destinations in Virginia, with anglers landing record-breaking-sized muskellunge (45 lbs) and smallmouth bass (8 lbs.)  

For those who prefer land-based activities, New River Outdoor Adventures offers bike rentals to explore the area's bike trails. You can rent for a half or full day to explore the New River Trail State Park near NROA. If you're a seasoned rider, consider reserving a shuttle to more challenging trails and riding back to NROA. 

The NROA shuttle system will appeal to cyclists, kayakers, and tubers who bring their own equipment. For a nominal fee, NROA will haul you and your gear to several pre-arranged destinations so you can create your adventure getting back to their location. 

Last but not least, a cool feature is the New River. This wide, shallow, and clear river offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while the small rapids make exploring it perfect for adventurers of all ages, sizes, and skill levels. And when your day of fun on the water is over, head into Galax to celebrate and refuel at restaurants like Briar Patch Marketplace and Cafe.

Whether casting a line into the ancient waters of the New River, paddling through its gentle currents, or biking lush trails, New River Outdoor Adventures is a must-visit for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to dip their toes into a new adventure.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to New River Outdoor Adventures from Hillsville:

• Start by getting on I-77 S from US-58 W/US-221 S/Fancy Gap Hwy.
• Continue on I-77 S, then take exit 19 for VA-620 toward New River / Byllesby Dam Gear.
• Turn right onto VA-620 W and follow it for approximately 5 miles.
• Turn left to stay on VA-620 W and continue for another 3 miles.
• Make a slight right onto River St.
• Address: 5785 Fries Rd, Galax, VA 24333

Cost

There are too many trip and rental options to post, but here's a sample of what you can expect:

• Canoe Trip 1: $60
• Kayak Trip 1: $50
• Tube Trip 1: $20
• Bike Half Day: $20
• Bike Cart Half Day: $20

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.