Reputed to be the second oldest river in the world behind the Nile, the New River flows north from North Carolina, into Virginia and West Virginia before flowing into the Kanawha River. Throughout its course, the river takes many turns through strong rapids and sheer cliffs. While this makes the river popular today for recreation, this geology made the New River an obstacle to many early settlers. Whereas rivers such as the James could be used for transporation, travelers encountering the New River were forced to follow the river on foot until they found a safe place to cross.