New River (West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina)

The New River, a tributary of the Kanawha River, is approximately 320 miles long, flowing through the states of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

What do you know about the New River? Explore the Quick US Geography Rivers and Streams Quiz.  "Check Your Answers" at the end of the page.

1. The New River is formed by the confluence of the South Fork New River and the North Fork New River in Ashe County, North Carolina. What is the elevation at the confluence?

• 2,546 feet
• 2,646 feet
• 2,746 feet

2. Much of the river's course through West Virginia is designated as the New River Gorge National River. The New River is one of the American Heritage Rivers of the United States.

• True or False?

3. South Fork New River stretches from its headwaters at a spring near Blowing Rock and the Eastern Continental Divide and meanders northward along the northwestern face of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the eastern and central portions of Watauga County and then Ashe County in northwestern North Carolina, passing through the town of Boone. What is the elevation?

• 3,543 feet
• 3,643 feet
• 3,743 feet

4. The North Fork New River begins at Elk Knob, Watauga County, NC at 4,446 feet.

• True or False?

5. The river enters Pulaski County, Virginia, where it is impounded by Claytor Dam, creating Claytor Lake. Who created the dam?

• Appalachian Power Company
• US Corps of Engineers
• Tennessee Valley Authority

6. What is the name of the town where the river crosses into West Virginia?

• Narrows
• Smokin
• Gap

7. Bluestone Dam located on the New River in Southern West Virginia, was authorized by Presidential Executive Order in 1935 and approved by the U.S. Congress in the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938. What town is near by?

• Hinton
• Clinton
• Bush

8. At Hinton, just below Bluestone Dam, what river flows into the New River?

• Greenbrier River
• Hanking River
• Knapp River

9. The New River is spanned by the New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville, West Virginia. It is also a very popular river for white water rafting (class II-IV in season, IV-VI during the spring run-off), and several commercial outfitters offer a variety of guided trips. Those willing to brave the colder water of spring will be rewarded with a more challenging big-water experience.

• True or False

10. The mouth of the New River is at Kanawha River at 653 feet. What is the nearby community?

• Gauley Bridge, WV
• Audrey, WV
• Gorge, WV

New River Answers

1. 2,546 feet
2. True
3. 3,543 feet
4. True
5. Appalachian Power Company
6. Narrows
7. Hinton
8. Greenbrier River
9. True
10. Gauley Bridge, WV

1 page of 1