New
02.0 Fries Dam to Byllesby Dam
| Difficulty | I-III |
| Length | 7.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 11 fpm |
| Gauge | New River Near Galax, Va |
| Flow Rate as of 50 minutes | 2140 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 29, 2025 |
River Description
David Sichi shared:
Ran Fries to Byllesby Dam. Nice run 2 miles of rapids class 2-3 depending on level. This run is approx. half rapids, half flatwater. Great place to teach people how to read water; good defined features with little worry about a bad swim. The shuttle is a little long but worth the trip. Taking out at Byllesby Dam shortened the trip to 8 miles. The takeout at Byllesby Dam is overgrown; take out approx. 1 mile earlier and carry to vehicle following the New River Trail, which runs parallel to the river for the entire run. Take a bike for solo shuttle; the trail is very easy and fast on bike.
Donald Gurkin commented: A very fun run especially for novice. We ran it in open canoes with camping gear and in whitewater kayaks. At higher levels there are many holes and waves to play on, but nothing so big as to get a novice in trouble. Great two- or three-day camping trip.
Richie Hughes suggested:
When one gets to Byllesby Reservoir, there is a takeout on the right after 2 miles of lake paddling. This is a Virginia state boat launch ramp. To get to this takeout, check the Virginia gazetteer. There are brown info signs leading you to this takeout. Bike shuttle is not possible when taking out on the right since the New River Trail is on the other side of the lake. First 2 miles below Fries is flatwater. Next 2.5 miles is delightful class 2 and low 3. Then 2 miles or more of lake.
See Also:
New River Outdoor Adventures, rentals, shuttles, camping.
New River - maps and directions from Virginia DWR.
Classic Virginia Rivers, Ed Grove (1992 ed), p. 306.
Virginia Whitewater, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 471.
Exploring Virginia's Waterways, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 339.
River Features
Put In
The best access (pictured) is at the New River Trail parking area in Fries, river left not far below Fries Dam. There's a parking fee at the NRT access. However, it's also possible to put in at the adjacent Fries River Park just upstream (near the red caboose). Ample parking, toilets at both parks.
Take Out
The Byllesby Pool Access is on river right after a little less than 2 miles of flatwater/lake. It's at the end of River Hill Rd. (Rt. 736). Signage to this access was missing in April 2025. Ramp and parking, no facilities. It's a somewhat long shuttle that's not really bikeable.
There appears to be a Byllesby Dam access on river left another mile down the lake, which would enable a bike shuttle along the New River Trail.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportThis is an underrated section of the New. I don't know of any other section that has what is essentially a 2-mile long rapid. So much fun. Don't let the flat water scare you off. The first two miles are moving water, and the last two has some moving water, depending on level, and isn't bad at all. In between, there are tons of routes, some surfing waves, and good scenery with no houses and only the New River Trail alongside. 1750cfs was low-ish but not bad at all. The shallowest water is at the put-in at Fries.
View of section (Dixon Rd.) from New River Trail on NW side of river.