Several things make our very own New River unique. For one, many geologists say that it is the second oldest river in the world. (They say the Nile River is the oldest). Also, it is one of the few rivers in the world that flows north, as opposed to the opposite. Finally, it is the meeting place for not only a variety of wildlife, but college students from Radford University and Virginia Tech, as well as locals of the New River Valley.

Here are some more fun facts for potential New River frequenters. The New River is 320 miles long, flows from North Carolina to West Virginia, and has up to Class III rapids in some areas. It is also responsible for several fishing records for the largest catch in Virginia for several species, including a 45-pound Tiger Musky.

Although there can be large fish and active rapids, that should not deter visitors. Many other activities are available, both in the river and on dry land. The New River Junction and Tangent Outfitters are suppliers for tube and canoe equipment rentals for the adventurous water types. McCoy Falls and Pepper’s Ferry Bridge are two of the many available boat ramps in the New River Valley.

Several campgrounds exist along the river, as well as hiking trails and bird watching opportunities. Claytor Lake State Park and the Jefferson National Forest are just examples of the many scenic areas along the New River.

Keith Regner, a senior at Virginia Tech, has spent a couple Saturdays at the river. According to Regner, he could see a big difference in both the water level of the river as well as the amount of people, even though his visits were one week apart.

“It’s a good place to hang out. I really like to listen to the birds whistling dixie,” Regner said. “The second time was nice because it wasn’t as crowded. I don’t know why it was so busy one weekend and not as busy the next. Both times were on Saturdays and the weather was beautiful both days.”

One of the newest additions to the McCoy Falls area of the new river is the implementation of grills. The New River Junction will provide all the necessary equipment and supplies, which is all included with a tube rental. According to Dave Mondy, owner of the New River Junction, they have been closed for four consecutive weekends following Memorial Day weekend due to the recent influx of rainstorms.

“If the river is an inch above what I consider safe, no one goes,” Mondy said. “I’m not willing to sacrifice someone’s safety for a dollar,” he said, referencing those who are interested in renting tubes, canoes, or kayaks. “Rapids create what are called hydraulics and that’s what [canoeists] and kayakers call drowning machines.”

The New River Junction Campground was created in 1982, and Mondy has seen a change in the people who have chosen to go tubing on the river over the years. According to Mondy, 28 years ago the large majority of tube renters were students, but now more than half of the renters are locals of the New River Valley.

“I guess they finally realized what’s in their backyard,” Mondy said.

With Mondy’s establishment of the New River Junction Campground, he has reached one of his goals by eradicating a lot of the parking issues. Before the creation of the parking lot, Mondy said traffic and inconvenient parking would create backups.

“We’ve strived to eliminate a parking problem, which has probably existed since the first tube was invented,” Mondy said jokingly. “We finally reached the goal.”

Between the convenience of the parking lot and the presence of available rentals from several businesses, the New River is a welcoming location for students and families from the New River Valley. The wildlife, plant life, and scenery can take the experience to a whole new level by combining fun activities with aesthetically pleasing surroundings.

Rachel Shapiro is an intern for the New River Voice and a fan of the New River.