Virginia whitewater, New River Grayson county, Stuart Dam to Fries section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I-II     41 miles   The Stuart Dam to Fries section of New River in Grayson County is 41 miles long and has been rated as a class I-II section by American Whitewater. If you've been whitewater rafting and kayaking outside Virginia you might find the rivers here a bit more manageable, so better not forget that rivers in this state are less demanding. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with plenty of spots for that. A stretch this     long is of course too much for a one day trip, so it looks like you will be camping out. The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. The put-in location is a short drive from North Wilkesboro, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. The natural beauty of Grayson County and the cool fresh water have people coming here. Great exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors will make you glad you came. This is not the only paddling section in this river system, there are others too. Whitewater   paddling here in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a great experience. Briefly about the general area: Near New River you come across the Perkins Knob Trail which is a glorious hiking trail, and people from Independence love to come here. Not enough hours in a day to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains. Going for a hike on the Divide Trail is always a great adventure, and close by Low Gap is a great place to go. This river is a wonderful place to visit. Stone Mountain State Park is a great location to stretch your legs a bit. From a rainfall point of view New River is a relatively normal spot. New River, Stuart Dam to Fries road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near New River.   Whitewater Near New River: New River, Alleghany NC/Grayson VA County, 5 miles away       Class I-II - 23.5 miles long (US Route 221/21 to US Route 58/221) Elk Creek, Grayson County, 5 miles away       Class I-III - 4.5 miles long (Route 650 to New River) New River, Carroll/ Wythe/ Pulaski/ Grayson County, 12 miles away       Class I-III - 32 miles long (Fries to Allisonia) New River, Grayson County, 12 miles away       Class I-II - 41 miles long (Stuart Dam to Fries) New River, Alleghany NC/Grayson VA County, 13 miles away       Class I-II - 11 miles long (Stuart Dam to US 221/21) New River - South Fork, Watauga/ Ashe/ Alleghany County, 15 miles away       Class I-II - 61 miles long (Route 1347 to Mouth of Wilson) Chestnut Creek, Carroll County, 16 miles away       Class I-III - 11.5 miles long (Route 721 to Byllesby Dam on New River) Big Wilson Creek, Grayson County, 23 miles away       Class III-V+ - 3 miles long (Close to Mouth of Wilson) Reed Creek, Wythe County, 23 miles away       Class I-IV - 8 miles long (I-81 to New River) Reddies River, Wilkes County, 25 miles away       Class I-II - 10 miles long (Route 1546 to North Wilkesboro)   Ski Areas Near New River: Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 45 miles away, 365 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Winterplace, West Virginia , 52 miles away, 603 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 55 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Ski Beech, North Carolina , 57 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 57 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs   Hotels Near New River: Knights Inn Galax, Galax , 15 miles away Rodeway Inn Galax, Galax , 15 miles away The Bolling Wilson Hotel, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, Wytheville , 17 miles away Budget Host Inn Wytheville, Wytheville , 17 miles away La Quinta Inn Wytheville, Wytheville , 17 miles away   Campgrounds Near New River: New River Campground and Canoe, Independence, 5 miles away New River Canoe and Campground, Independence, 5 miles away New River Canoe Rentals, Sparta, 5 miles away   Trails Near New River: Perkins Knob Trail, Grayson , 6 miles away Divide Trail, Wythe , 6 miles away Mountain Trail, Grayson , 7 miles away Horse Heaven Trail, Wythe , 7 miles away Little Dry Run Trail, Wythe , 8 miles away   Public Lands Near New River: Bluestone National Scenic River, Glen Jean - WV , 69 miles away Gauley River National Recreation Area, Glen Jean - WV , 69 miles away Stone Mountain State Park, North Carolina , 13 miles away New River State Park, North Carolina , 21 miles away Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia , 24 miles away   Golf Courses Near New River: New River Country Club, Sparta , 7 miles away Olde Beau Golf & Country Club, Sparta , 11 miles away Crestview Golf Course, Ennice , 14 miles away   Lakes Near New River Rural Retreat Lake, Wythe , 14 miles away