After portaging Buck Dam, the river guides you through some beautiful scenery on the way to Austinville. The river is dotted with rocks and small islands and deep pools. For the paddler this stretch of water is easy and relaxing and the fishing is out of this world. Walleye, small mouth bass, trophy catfish, and muskellunge call this section of the river home. Near Austinville Cripple Creek, a renowned trout stream, joins the river and occasionally an angler will pull a trout from the river.

Put In: 36.8008900, -80.91560000

Take out: 36.8538980, -80.9184620

New River Trail State Park

116 Orphanage Drive

Max Meadows, Virginia 24360

276-699-6778

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail