These photos were submitted by David Brashears, one of the paddlers who enjoyed a 2 day, 21 mile paddle on the New River from FR 22 to Pope’s Place Campsite on the river.

Stopping for lunch along the upper river.

The group camped at campsite 17 on the east side of the river the first night.

The second day’s paddle, stopping for lunch at Gully Branch landing and campground.

The group then paddled another 6 miles to the take-out on the west side of the river, Pope’s Place campsite.

The weather was great, the river 18 inches lower than a week ago when a scouting and clearing party prepared for this trip.

When the deciduous trees begin to leaf on the New River, the water is drawn quickly.  In a dry spring, there will only be pockets of water in the upper section, waiting for summer rains to replenish the river.   Early spring brings the best chances of paddling, rather than walking, this stretch.