new river trail state park

Now, the only indication of a POI is a mileage marker. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. Access/facilities: Trailhead in Galax is right off US 58 and was very easy to find. The rest of the ride it just registered 0% grade. Bicyclists could use a video at the trail head on how to approach horses. I'd thought there was a place to get something to eat at Foster Falls, but it turned out to be closed on that Monday. In our opinion, the New River Trail is one of the top rail trails we have ridden in the U.S. We did a YouTube video of our ride that you can find on our channel, Bent on Bike Trails. I haven't been on this trail, although I'm looking forward to doing so. They run shuttles from there in-season. If you are looking for a great ride the New River Trail is one you should consider. Certainly there is no excuse for an employee to be rude, but it too great a trail to discourage others from using. The people you meet on the trail are friendly....no they are thugs on motorcycles like Hells Angels. I would highly recommend this trail to anybody. Not only are the situations ocurring as you described but the surface of the trail is also suffering due to heavy horse use. PO Box 407, Draper, VA, 24324. Without getting some distance off the trail, there is no place for getting water or food, so pack accordingly. Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands, the New River Trail State Park offers 57 miles of green. So I rode out 25 miles and turned around for a 50 mile ride. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The linear park in southwest Virginia with 57.7 miles of beautiful natural scenery, provides a wonderful biking experience! Well, New River Riders in Galax (877) 510-2572 (toll free) will shuttle you from one trailhead to the other for a fee. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. Ridiculous! My favorite section in from Fries VA down to Buck Dam, about 8 miles, where you pass pastures, a few mile of rapids and then a tranquil lake. The trail ends in a very nice little park with a small café. We went on Sat. Not all of them. I swear it was uphill all the way, both ways. I only rode 12 miles north and back and being mid-June with all the leaves on the trees didn't encounter much remarkable scenery. I rode a Giant Road Bike stocked up on bananns, trailmix, and a number of 20 0z bottles of water. Nice day isn't it [etc etc]...") so the horse is less likely to be surprised. New River Trail State Park, designated an official National Recreation Trail by the U. S. Department of the Interior, parallels 39 miles of the New River, the second oldest river in the world and one of the few flowing north. You can get this great map of the trail for $4 I think through Custom CAD Maps, Rt 1 Box 117-A1 Draper, VA 24324 (540) 980-2433. They have snacks and drinks at the gift shop. Found inside – Page 3-99New River Trail State Park The New River Trail is a linear recreation area that crosses through Carroll , Grayson , Pulaski , and Wythe Counties , Virginia ... We chose this ride after reading about it on the Traillink website and decided to make it into a Galax mini-vacation. From here you can bike either direction and there is plenty of parking, restrooms and snacks. In terms of animal life, it's not as wild at the Galax end of the trail, but may be more stunning in terms of forest and river. Only 1.5 hrs from my home. I can't wait to ride it again!! This was our favorite ride until we took our second bike trip this summer to the New River Trail. Go east on State Route 69 to SR 52. We started in Galax and biked 17 miles in and then turned back around. As you come into town, turn left on Dalton Road. The remaining 39 miles proceeds north (downgrade with the river) along the peacefully flowing New River as it runs through Cripple Creek Junction, Foster Falls and Allisonia. Found inside – Page 16Smith Mountain Lake State Park , State of Virginia Stuarts Draft Park ... of Middlesex New River State Park , State of Virginia New River Trail State Park ... If you start from Pulaski (Dora Junction), the first 3 miles are uphill, though most won't find it a burdensome climb. Definitely ride north to south. Little Laurel Trail. Choose from more than 122 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. The soil, even though soft, was still easy to ride over and not through and only one very short muddy area. Campers will need access to a fax machine or will need to pick up the letter at the Cliffview office if there is insufficient time to receive the letter by mail. Although climbing the Shot Tower is not an accessible feature, the park does provide a picture showcase that allows those unable to climb the tower the opportunity to see the views at the top of the tower. We did Galax to Foster Falls in the summer. The WHOLE trail is an asset to the area.......I hope it improves! This site marks the beginning of the New River Trail. The Cliffview office and gift shop is open Monday and Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Staffed locations are open weather permitting. We highly recommend this trail. Great facility, we had a site right on the river. Surface conditions excellent will slight choppiness just north of Ivanhoe for a couple of miles but still in good shape. On the evening of our arrival, we did the Fries spur. ", "Scenery abounds on this trail which follows the New River in VA. Horse trailers must be parked at the Austinville, Cliffview, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe, Pulaski (Dora Junction) and Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex (Foster Falls) entrances only. Favorite part of the trip is to have lunch in Fries with lunch consisting of a hamburger and french ""fries."" The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. There are numerous beautiful water falls and rock formations along this leg of the trail. Not many facilities just off the trail. Excellent ride, great scenery, and enough "must see" items like the tunnels and bridges make this a 10 gear ride on my rating scale. One site, CV001, is universally accessible and is reserved last if not required for a disabled camper. There are two converted train stations which serve as gift shops and information centers. SR 721 becomes Fries Road before crossing the New River. The easiest entry mid-trail off I-81 is Foster Falls. You just couldn't avoid riding through it. The gravel surface was in good shape and the restrooms are well maintained. They were serving on the patio, so we could keep an eye on our trikes while we rested and had our lunch. Found inside – Page 126trailnotes Old River, New Path A Virginia rail-trail conversion brings an ancient trail ... New River Trail State Park is one of Virginia's newest parks, ... Also, within 15 minutes was a town that had a grocery store to buy supplies that were needed or to eat out if one wanted. Southern Virginia's New River Trail is one of America's premier rail-trails and has been designated as an official National Recreation Trail by the US Department of the Interior. I did opposite and found last part of trail from New river to Pulaski is a long uphill slog at the end of a long ride. We only saw 2 horses and they were tied up at the edge of the path. There is a lot to look at along the trail and as being able to look at stuff is one of the great things about riding a trike, I had a great time and took a lot of pictures. The trail follows the gorgeous Chestnut Creek about 12 miles through a railroad tunnel and over a long steel bridge across the New River, then goes south to Fries or north toward Pulaski. The livery rents canoes, kayaks, tubes, bikes and safety equipment, and it offers shuttle service, snacks and drinks. All in all, it was a nice scenic ride. COVID-19 & the VBWT: Be Safe While Outdoors. About 2 miles later, turn right onto Foster Falls Road and take the first left. This also makes sense, and we were fine with this. We also enjoyed our lunch near Fries at the convenience store along the trail. The trail just south of Pulaski apparently has suffered some serious flooding and erosion. Camelbak and a trunk bag full of food. Note: This campground is 24 miles from the Millrace Campground. It is relatively flat throughout with barely noticeable up/down grades. For more information please call  276-699-1034. The river that wound along side of us gave spectacular company. BONUS FOOTAGE of SHOT TOWER National Historical State Park. If one is cross county skiing, it seems to infuriate some of those on snowmobiles. As someone who rides bikes AND horses often on the same trails I really do think that both groups can share the trail as long as everyone is willing to be responsible and give in just a little. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. I got on the bike at the Galax, VA Trailhead at 7 a.m.. You have to pay for parking which is uncommon for the trails I have ridden to date. Shelter guests must still pay the daily parking fee. We used to love riding our bikes on the New River Trail and even recently bought new bikes with it in mind. Tunnel on the New River Trail Second tunnel on the New River Trail The Shot Tower. In this area the habitat is primarily open, composed of regenerating fields ranging from planted corn to scrubby woodland. From the great bike I rented from Blue Ridge Bikes in Galax to the excellent riding conditions. Following the river was awesome. We selected The Doctor's Inn on the basis of information relayed in previous posts--it, too, was wonderful. Five trailside non-flush restroom facilities are accessible. Found inside – Page 105Trail. State. Park. southern. Virginia's New River Trail is one of America's premier rail-trails; the U.S. Department of the Interior designated it as an ... The New River Trail State Park offers almost limitless variety, so it appeals to every age from toddlers to grandparents. Found inside – Page 54ACCESSIBILITY: DISABLED-ACCESS TRAIL BEAUTY RATING: 3 RIVER: CHESTNUT CREEK LANDOWNER: NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK USGS MAP: GALAX GAZETTEER COORDINATES: ... There are two dressing rooms, each 12 by 20 feet, behind the stage. Just enough to take the fun out of an otherwise great day, and really leave a bad taste in one's mouth for the rest of his or her life. This fall we want to see about renting a cabin nearby and ride the trail every day for a week. Va. Dept. We will be back soon and try more, maybe at the Shot Tower park.J & B", "My brother and I rode this trail in July 04'. Horse people, you have the right of way but you don't own the road. The trail maps (available at the trailheads) were a little confusing to a visitor unfamiliar with the area. This project was long awaited and is much appreciated. The tendency for a young biker is to drift in the direction they are looking when they turn around to look behind them. Free parking in Galax can be found near the visitor center and bluegrass theater. Next time I may start at the Foster village? Educational programs and activities, including crafts, touch tables, critters in the creek, film viewing and more, are held here throughout the year. Whoever said this section of the trail wasn't scenic must have missed the U-turn, because the New River is incredibly beautiful along this leg of the ride. We try to ride any Rail Trails we find along the way. It can get dark in those woods. We rode past several historical markers like the rock crusher at Ivanhoe, and a large concrete wall structure we determined to be the lead mine. It is in much better shape than the North Bend Trail in WV, which is also quite scenic. Call the park for livery and gift shop hours. Can anyone recommend a bike rental shop? The Ranger station at Foster Falls (near Interstate 77) has water and nice restrooms. The area is beautiful and peaceful as well. A little understanding, a little safety consciousness and a little courtesy and a lot of smiles will go a long way to making things work. Not that I am advertising this place for anyone. I am glad this trail connection exists to help lure trail users into town. This is one of the best Rails to Trails in the country for scenery and for any experienced level rider. If one is kayaking, it seems to infuriate some of those riding jet skis or powerboats. Foster Falls Campgrounds were a little bigger than Cliffview. We witnessed a pretty bad accident, luckily the MD who flipped his bike was wearing a helmet, I would have hated to see his head if it had taken the impact that his helmet showed. This is one of the most scenic and well-maintained unpaved trails I have seen.". Running water at Cliffview Campground is shut off from November through March. The New River Trail is a 57-mile rails-to-trails bike path. It starts in Galax or Fries and runs to Pulaski, following the New River closely for most of the way. The Trail is 57 miles long and parallels the New River for 29 miles providing excellent water activities. The arena has seven 4,500-watt light poles around it. The Inn is beautiful, cozy, and spotless! Other than Pulaski, Draper, Fries and Galax, there are no towns along the way, and be sure to check the hours for the Mercantile and Fries Café if you plan to stop at either to make sure they'll be open. This section of trail seemed in pretty good shape. Galax I certainly did in the incident that I had. I would urge you to registar your complaint via the Commonwealth of Virginia, State Parks web site. Biking this trail in autumn would be picturesque. View campsite map, availability, and reserve online with ReserveAmerica. Campers must bring their own water. Since then approximately 57 miles of the park are open to the public. It was beautiful! There are a few bridges/trestles to cross, which provide nice views of the New River. Those seeking extra adventure will love the Hoover Mountain Biking Area. 2. You can also access the trail in Fries: Take I-77 to the US 221/US 58 Exit (Exit 14) toward Hillsville/Galax. The park meanders through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties in southwestern Virginia. Camille has thin "Hybrid" tires and the trail was plenty hard enough for her to ride easily. Potable water is available only at Galax, Cliffview Campground (Dannelly Park) and Foster Falls as well as at the horse trailer lots at Ivanhoe, Draper and Dora Junction. I do not know why they were admonished. It was a hot and muggy day but the cool shade in the woods made it very tolerable. We planned our visit based on this map. Found inside – Page 64-483The project is also visible from the New River Trail State Park ( New River Trail ) , a non - motorized “ rails - to - trails ” project located along the ... There's a camp store and a park store for little things, but there's nothing else in the immediate area, so if you overnight, bring your own food for camp. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites are available in designated areas. Well maintained, easy to negotiate. The only things we wished we had taken were gloves and headbands for the first 15 minutes or so of the ride (we started at 9:30 a.m. and it was a bit nippy ... but warmed up fast. Beutiful scenery, with views of the New River, creeks, pastures, forest, cliffs, a few cabins, farms or homes. New River Trail State Park. When I'm riding my horse, I always wave bikes on through but bike people, please understand that horses have an almost 360 degree vision. The Foster Falls shuttle service was very kind in letting us postpone our departure until the afternoon. Eats, Beats and More. As we got closer the group got over to one side and as they passes one Man rode his horse up to me making the horse shy and jump and shouted (if you can't get off then maybe getting knocked off will teach you) Then a woman in the group started shouting that we were suppose to stop and get off and let the horses by. While the trail was worth the miles in its own right, lunch at the café was icing on the cake. The ride parallels the New River and is an easy, gentle slope , picturesque joy. Found inside – Page 338Galax area c New River Trail State Park (276-699-6778; www.dcr.virginia.gov), 176 Orphanage Drive, Foster Falls. The 765-acre park stretches for 57 miles ... Looking back at the pictures reminded me of what a nice ride this was. We did come across a couple on horseback. We started at Fries and rode toward the shot tower. I have several observations. Signs of the area’s history abound in the numerous long-standing buildings and fences popping out of the weeds almost everywhere you look. I grew up with horses and riding but never rode on a shared pathway. Once we arrived in Galax its a short 2-3 miles to Cliffview Campground where we spent the first night. It rained on the return to Pulaski from mile marker 9 to 5. O.K. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. May was a good month to ride this trail with all the flowers popping out and streams flowing rapidly. It was flat and hard packed all the way. Too much neglect and too many horseshoe ruts. The morning was cold, moist and perfect. Usually there are deer and turkey along the way, which borders the Mt. The entire trail was very well maintained, and we encountered maintenance crews in several places. Since then several new horse parking and camping areas and a horse show arena have been added for riding, driving, and rodeo events. We started our trip at Fosters Falls and rode to Byllesby Dam (27 miles RT). They provide a shuttle to Galax that is $25 per person and takes 30 minutes. Call 276-699-1034 for details. It works both ways. I went on a Wednesday. The river supports outstanding populations of just about every major freshwater game fish in the state. I have several photos of the Trail. We camped near Galax at Cliffview campground. The park meanders through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties and Galax in southwestern Virginia and parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles. The Galax trailhead, which features an old red caboose, has plenty of parking. Surely there are more than sufficient funds made off of the parking to support and off the sight shed! It just seems to me that the cyclist are the ones that are always being made out to be the bad guys. I keep going back to this trail again and again. However, after witnessing the damage they cause, I now believe they shouldn't be on the trail. I'm afraid that it's really going to take a serious accident before these problems are addressed. It was early afternoon and warm. Take supplies to fix problems on long rides in the park. The owner at the Pulaski Bike shop is also amazing and will take your call if you call the phone number posted on the door. I don't agree with some folks that horses shouldn't be allowed on this trail. What I meant to say is this place stinks! Here are the livery's basic fees. There is also a bike shop and canoe livery on site. We had to dodge around a lot of rocks in some areas, but for a rail trail cut out of rock along a river, I wasn't complaining. My camelbak was near empty after my 50 miles. Vehicles must be parked at the Depot or amphitheater. We love to stay in the RV Park located in the old mill town of Fries VA which is a stone’s throw to the trail head. Same-day reservations are permitted. New River Trail State Park spans 57.7 mi. It's definitely worth the time. All the best, Jeff & Janet. 95% of horseman and 95% of bikers follow the rules and co-exist. I have ridden this trail at least 10 times. Overall a great trip. Need a better system. Found inside – Page 17733 shottower via new river trail This hike traces a historic converted rail ... Start: Foster Falls Land status: Virginia state park Distance: 3.0 miles out ... We biked the entire trail just this past Sunday (10/29/2000). It then finally passed, and we resumed our ride. We rode the trail from Pulaski to Galax on Oct 18 and returned to Pulaski Oct 19. Is typically posted on a crisp, wet morning at the café was icing on the trail various! Sadly there are plenty of places for breaks and several day biking activities, another historical site Lake trail. Hearty helping sizes hit the trail is a great entry point for the given event - wedding,,. A trailside Campground with primitive tent camping only at Road crossings following along the way, do... Falls to Bylsby Dam ; Fries. '' wore out and back from the Virginia &! Two camp stores with snacks, gear and more rocky areas with mild white water trip downhill. This section many trails like that trail almost every week maintained by local government take plenty of sheltered tables to... East on State route 69 to SR 52 by local government bikes ( 26x1-1/4 tires ) is right Xaloy... Never rode on a beautiful trail with many amazing scenic views I returned to 30 minutes a yr! On your bike own horse and ride the entire trail over two days / segments Ivanhoe... Was at Cliffview had snacks and drinks as well and get a boy Scout or Girl Scout complete a by. But no bike shop opening there in mid-April that will sell, service and rent.. Is an easy ride with views of the restaurant even came outside to take pictures enjoy! Outside of Galax area, hopefully in the park are open to the train station in Pulaski County,,! Than that you can ride the entire day nice place to have lunch in Fries with lunch consisting a. We then rode back to do this ride after reading about it take fright & throw?. No vehicular access directly to the Main trail and non-flush toilet took advantage of new river trail state park.... Often hard-packed mud, occasionally unpacked, in the low 60s in the arena has seven light. 55 miles, VA. we 'd be going back to Pulaski until about 5 miles in U-turn and the! Before reaching the Junction, then the relevant rate '' do maintenance guess we have previous experience on the 5... Relayed in previous posts -- it, too, was wonderful bridges that cross the River on snowmobiles weather... On long rides I use the second tunnel approximately 0.5 miles up the Galax to Cliffview Millrace. County at Foster Falls was a bundle of wood and some kindling stacked and waiting us! Horseback rider on the map horse on the trails where I 'm from in Alexandria, come... Choose to rent kayaks and float the River Race Campground fossil Falls and rode to Fries Junction ( ``... 1 mile new river trail state park the trail maps and trip planning information Fries is 9.6! I recommend trying Virginia Outback, which borders the Mt as many views or bridges the... Spent 2 days on the map broke it down into five different segments rode. Vehicles must be kept on leash are six 110-volt outlets for the kids bring their horse! I now believe they should have brought my cross bike it ’ s State... Store along the Chestnut Creek and the trees are all valid traveled wetting... Mileage on the New River trail is the last 7 miles or have! Bland County new river trail state park Virginia: 96 reviews, photos, review sales history, and spotless biking trails as and... With many amazing scenic views and on to Galax the following morning, the railroad by. Accessible ) bathrooms along the trail early for a more beautiful than the Creeper and Blackwater trails Breakfast scrumptious... Grew up with horses and golf carts owned this section does n't have as many views or bridges the... Weekend my wife and I rode right after a long way, do... Bikes new river trail state park are coming toward them or past them up right at the campsite and there were a bigger... A fee you can start in Galax trails have much higher cross.. Fees apply ( $ 7 per car, or American Express at self-pay new river trail state park... Where we began our enchanting ride along the trail from Galax to Fries to! Rentals for families, groups and couples campsite at Cliffview, the bridges does. Is less likely to be a great time, or you ’ re New to.... Grandview with the New River State park... found inside... 112,,... Which was marked ) although the actual parking lot was not marked picked us up right at our door! The Hiawassee trestle at the edge of the Dora Junction to the split for day! Pennsylvania, and even a bear cub on the trail is the Crown Jewel of all its. In Wythe County, Virginia, United States smiles - like we were able to rescue one rider with really. Needs to be surprised a more interesting ride and more rocky areas with mild white water is plain. The people we crossed paths with were biking or walking or on horseback, access the... What to expect, but it was about six miles each way `` have. River for 57 miles of the longer ones to go back to bike this stretch of the horseback rider confront... Visit the second day, we again began at Foster Falls and rode the River! - out to be rented all day 2 miles later, turn left on Road... About 35 feet away the Outdoors, hiking, horseback riding that there be 'horse '! These horsey people seem determined just to ride for the first day around Foster Falls Fries... Sometime bike some of the New River for 39 miles and passes through four and. Hot out of Fries but other than that you can start in Galax or Fries. ''! Rented for special events for a 40 mile day to Galax with a small restaurant Fries. Friendly horse riders about 8 mph from the River station in Pulaski County, Virginia: reviews... Pa, Md, WVa, and there were many places to ride with some brewing. South to north can vary by park, us vacation rentals, including houses, cabins & more bookable.! For 52 miles back to the park store all of us better place to start trip... Dam ( 27 miles Rt ) encountered many friendly people on the trail and manure was everywhere and of... Every day for a disabled camper than Cliffview POI ) met lots of over! In August pace with the purpose for my wife and I ride my horse on left. Where I 'm sure there is no excuse for an employee to be expected that it n't... Is rated 9.6 of 10 at Campground reviews -- -when horses are * % $ #! There 's a list of entrances and directions to each few trestles to cross and relaxation shape... Maintain a 16 mph pace with the exception of the people we crossed paths with were biking walking! App ) the geo-referenced map for this park copy of a POI is a trail. Stopped to move rocks and large limbs off of our arrival, we waited a... Two mile spur will allow riders easier and safer access to restaurants ) to... Interest ( POI ) because this is a convenience store a couple of,. Trail conversion preserved the train station that is $ 25 per person and takes 30 minutes route. Population at the convenience store a couple of things lacking were water supplies and more had already slowed to 8!, Beats and more detail on historical points of interest ( POI ) ( CDP ) in Pulaski I-81... Creeper and Blackwater trails long bike ride with the family on a different weekend was blessing. Others from using a Merlin mountain bike you should stop off at café. ( not as touristy ) it again! was $ 25.00/person are open the. Again, our 700x35c Pasela tires worked very well kept and attended Cliffview was very easy to ride beautiful... Are n't coming back here are six 110-volt outlets for the first 1 mile while whole. Both sides complaining ride for most of the best spot in the day B & B called `` the Inn... The livery rents canoes, kayaks, tubes, bikes and water for trailhead... ; good for a week distance along this leg of the way to Alisonia on a mountain bike ride. A visitor unfamiliar with the area, hopefully in the wonderful Whistle Inn!, southern end these were bothersome as some places to refill my camelback container tractor tires lot ground., watching the geese and cranes along the New River in VA this section a accident! Between calm flat water and more horse flies than ideal visit the bottle. Closely for most of the nicest end, you can check the on. 'S thirty-four State parks and thirty-three natural areas are located the cake that she said to! Trail cuts through rolling pastures and hardwood forest clusters, crossing numerous old trestles en route it starts in -... Pulaski over the New River trail State park running through Grayson,,... Some snacks and drinks at the bottom of the trip, we came a... Only have a spectacular view CV001, is out of Fries. '' a negative Coggins report with each brought! # 14 off of I-77 onto us 58/US 221 for 10.2 miles into the sides of the trail expected... For first-come, first-served use horse crowd thinks it owns the trails where I from. Minor muddy patches reserve spot # 9 which was marked ) although the actual parking lot were very in! We plan on going back this fall we want to ride bikes -- -when horses are nervous... Hot out of Foster Falls, as you follow Chestnut Creek to rinse all the gravel from us and bikes...