River Groups
Creek Freaks
The Creek Freaks Paddlers, a paddling club co-sponsored by the Franklin County Parks & Recreation Department, is a family oriented club that exposes people to local rivers. From arranging trips and gear swaps to expanding the availability of river/lake access facilities, the Creek Freaks are all about water. Continued growth of the blueway network and paddling sports activities will depend on volunteers and partners who will provide critical support to work on particular projects or events. The Creek Freaks are just a group of paddlers trying to float the rivers. 
Friends of Roanoke River
Friends of the Roanoke River (FORR) is an effort to engage the growing net-roots movement in southwest Virginia, western North Carolina and the entire section of the Southeast impacted by the Roanoke River Basin, from the headwaters to Albemarle Sound. FORR will serve as a clearing house for up-to-date information on regional efforts to improve the quality of the Roanoke River Watershed. Initial daily efforts will focus on issues facing the Upper Roanoke River from the headwaters to Smith Mountain Lake. The ultimate objective of FORR is to bring a Riverkeeper Program to the Upper Roanoke River through the Waterkeeper Alliance, a national waterway protection organization. Several waterways in the region, like Virginia’s historic James River, have successful Riverkeeper programs.
Float Fishermen of VA
The Roanoke Valley Chapter of the Float Fishermen of Virginia (FFV) is a varied group of boaters that includes rafters, kayakers & canoeists. We do whitewater paddling, flat water fishing, and everything in between. Most importantly, we all pull together when it comes to protecting our waterways. When not on the water, we gather on the last Wednesday of each month (except August & December) at the Roanoker Restaurant. Starting at 7:30 p.m. meetings are likely to include stories of past trips, planning for future ones, reports on projects, updates on access and conservation issues, safety issues, and more. Many folks come early for dinner and networking with other boaters. Come and join us, shake a hand or two, meet someone with the same boating interests, and just have some fun for a change!
Friends of the New River
The mission of the Friends of the New River is to promote the conservation, protection, and enjoyment of the natural, cultural, recreational, scenic, and historical values of the New River from Claytor Lake Dam downstream to the West Virginia stateline. In 1988 the New River was designated as one of fourteen American Heritage Rivers. Friends of the New River is a National Committee for the New River partner. Learn more about the National Committee for the New River.
