New River Austinville
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
New River Austinville is a scenic community located in Wythe County, Virginia, known for its rich history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
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Summary
Located along the New River, the second oldest river in the world, this area offers visitors a chance to enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The community also features several parks and campgrounds, including the New River Trail State Park, which offers over 50 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
One of the main attractions in the area is the Austinville Mines, which were once one of the largest lead mines in the United States. Visitors can explore the old mine tunnels and learn about the history of the area. The Shot Tower Historical State Park is also worth a visit, as it is home to a historic shot tower that was used to manufacture ammunition during the 1800s.
Other points of interest in the area include the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, the Fort Chiswell Animal Park, and the Rural Retreat Lake. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains and visit local wineries and restaurants.
The best time of year to visit New River Austinville is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the area offers year-round recreational opportunities and is popular with outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
Overall, New River Austinville is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Virginia.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Matthews State Forest
Grayson Glades State Natural Area Preserve
Big Spring Bog State Natural Area Preserve
Hawks State Forest