Here is a somewhat interesting side track. Despite its name, the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in North America. It flows north from North Carolina through Virginia into West Virginia, where the best known sections are. Trains still run through the Gorge via Amtrack. Each summer U S Forest Rangers board the trains to provide information about the sights along the way and the history of the river.

The New River is also noted for its white water rafting. Each year approximately 100,000 people gather on the third Saturday of October for Bridge Day at New River Gorge Bridge, which has a central span of 1,700 feet and a total length of 3,030 feet,rising 876 feet above the riverbed. One of the main attractions is that on that day, BASE jumpers are legally permitted to jump from the bridge.

I know, not all that much to do with the song, but many think it is the TRAIN that is new, rather than the RIVER!