The Nottoway River rises in a dense forest outside of Scholfield, an unincorporated community in Prince Edward County.

The Nottoway River reaches North Carolina 9.53 miles (15.34 km) south of Franklin, Virginia.

The river briefly enters North Carolina for 1,455 feet (443 meters) ending at the confluence of the Blackwater & Nottoway rivers, creating the Chowan River in Hertford County, North Carolina.

The Nottoway River is known for its abundance of bass, catfish, and bluegill.

Multiple counties have provided sports and recreational access through numerous boat ramps along the river.