Via the Dan, it is part of the watershed of the Roanoke River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean.

It rises on Brier Mountain in western Pittsylvania County and flows generally eastwardly into Halifax County, past the town of Halifax.

It joins the Dan River 6 mi (9.7 km) east of the town of South Boston.

In Pittsylvania County the Banister collects the Stinking River.

This article related to a river in Virginia is a stub.