About the New River
The New River is not so "new". Actually the New River is considered by many to be the second oldest river in the world. The New River is also one of the few rivers in the world that flows North for its entirety. The South Fork of the New River and the North Fork of the New River Join together at the "confluence" in northern Ashe County not far from the Virginia state line. The head waters of the South Fork New River begin in the Boone and Blowing Rock area in Watauga County, NC. The headwaters of the North Fork New River also begin in Watauga County, NC closer to the Tennessee state line. The New River leaves northwest North Carolina and continues its 320 mile journey northward through Virginia and West Virginia where it joins with the Gauley River and becomes the Kanawha River. The Kanawha River then flows into the Ohio River which then flows into the Mississippi River. It's crazy to think the New River waters end up in the Gulf of Mexico after making its long journey northward!
Our area of the New River is a gentle and scenic part of the river great for beginners and family outings. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, it is a great place to escape the heat and cool off in fresh mountain air and experience the refreshing water. We are located on a 26 mile section of the New River that was designated by President Clinton as a National Wild and Scenic River as a result of the efforts of some locals and groups of people that fought the construction of a couple dams that would have created reservoirs and flooded this area of the New River Valley. The New River is rich in history. The New River Valley was a hot spot for Native Americans who used the river as a valuable resource. The river became settled by a lot of Scotch-Irish descendants as time went on who farmed and lived off the land. Farming is still fairly prevalent in the area, but now the New River Valley and surrounding mountains has become a hot spot for tourism and summer homes as the cooler temperatures and extraordinary scenery make our area one of the best places on earth to visit.
Our area of the New River is a gentle and scenic part of the river great for beginners and family outings. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, it is a great place to escape the heat and cool off in fresh mountain air and experience the refreshing water. We are located on a 26 mile section of the New River that was designated by President Clinton as a National Wild and Scenic River as a result of the efforts of some locals and groups of people that fought the construction of a couple dams that would have created reservoirs and flooded this area of the New River Valley. The New River is rich in history. The New River Valley was a hot spot for Native Americans who used the river as a valuable resource. The river became settled by a lot of Scotch-Irish descendants as time went on who farmed and lived off the land. Farming is still fairly prevalent in the area, but now the New River Valley and surrounding mountains has become a hot spot for tourism and summer homes as the cooler temperatures and extraordinary scenery make our area one of the best places on earth to visit.
Who We Are

Dusty Trails Outfitters is entering it's ninth season. Located in Alleghany and Ashe County, NC. Our #1 priority is your safety! We strive for excellent customer service, and we want you to have a fantastic experience enjoying the great outdoors.
At Dusty Trails Outfitters, we strive for excellence. We want you to feel like family and friends when you are visiting with us. With many things to offer, there is never a dull moment at Dusty Trails Outfitters! We are a small business ready to welcome you at our door.
Meet Our Staff

Dustin
I, Dustin, am just the local guy. I have lived my entire life with the New River at my front door. My family has been settled in the New River Valley near our outpost since around the time of the Civil War. I guess you can say the river is in my "roots". I grew up fishing and spending time on the river and there isn't anything I enjoy more. Having grown up in this beautiful area enjoying all these mountains have to offer, I want to share my passion with you. We want everyone to experience the peace and beauty that we enjoy in the New River, one of our greatest rivers. We take pride in our business.
Many think the name Dusty Trails Outfitters has something to do with my name. Actually I developed the name due to the gravel roads beside the river in the area that I grew up on and where we are located. In the summertime during dry days, the roads become very "Dusty" when you drive on them. As far as I am concerned, to get to the best places you have get off the hardtop and hit a Dusty Trail!
I, Dustin, am just the local guy. I have lived my entire life with the New River at my front door. My family has been settled in the New River Valley near our outpost since around the time of the Civil War. I guess you can say the river is in my "roots". I grew up fishing and spending time on the river and there isn't anything I enjoy more. Having grown up in this beautiful area enjoying all these mountains have to offer, I want to share my passion with you. We want everyone to experience the peace and beauty that we enjoy in the New River, one of our greatest rivers. We take pride in our business.
Many think the name Dusty Trails Outfitters has something to do with my name. Actually I developed the name due to the gravel roads beside the river in the area that I grew up on and where we are located. In the summertime during dry days, the roads become very "Dusty" when you drive on them. As far as I am concerned, to get to the best places you have get off the hardtop and hit a Dusty Trail!

Cat
Cat is a NC native who loves the adventure of the outdoors! The New River has captured her heart and kayaking has become a new favorite hobby. Dusty Trails is incredibly special to her because it is a stand out place with stand out people and offers the BEST sections of the New River. Cat's favorite trip is the Full Moon Float and depending on how the night goes you may or may not catch her dancing under the light of the moon. Bring her a s'mores and you will have a new best friend for life!
Cat is a NC native who loves the adventure of the outdoors! The New River has captured her heart and kayaking has become a new favorite hobby. Dusty Trails is incredibly special to her because it is a stand out place with stand out people and offers the BEST sections of the New River. Cat's favorite trip is the Full Moon Float and depending on how the night goes you may or may not catch her dancing under the light of the moon. Bring her a s'mores and you will have a new best friend for life!

Donny
My name is Donny Davis, I am 22 years old and have been on the New River most of my life. I’m an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and hunter. Currently in school going to be a Wildlife Biologist. Dusty Trails is an amazing place, I floated here before I started working and was always treated like the #1 person and we always prioritize people having as much fun (safely) as possible. There’s no place I’d rather be than by the river with good friends. Of all the river trips I’ve been on, my favorite of all time is the 46.5 mile stretch of the south fork we did as a crew in 2023, it was cool to see so much in one day. In terms of our trips, our 4 hour trip is definitely my favorite because that’s just more water to fish. Favorite Kayak: Bonafide SS 127. If you’re ever on the river with me, I spend too much time looking at critters and fish than about anything else.

Corey