New River Trail State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. The park's Foster Falls area offers guided horseback trips; canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites dot the trail. There are access points to the trail at Allisonia, Chestnut Yard, Cliffview, Dannelly Park (near Galax), Draper, Dora Junction (near Pulaski), Foster Falls, Fries, Galax, Gambetta, Hiwassee and Ivanhoe. Horse trailer parking is available at Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex.

Two tunnels: 135 feet and 193 feet long
Three major bridges: Hiwassee - 951 feet; Ivanhoe - 670 feet; Fries Junction - 1,089 feet
Nearly 30 smaller bridges and trestles
A historic shot tower used more than 200 years ago to make ammunition
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.
Five non-flush toilets are available along the trail.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: There are several entrances into this park. 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.

Its address is 116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360.
Foster Falls: Latitude, 36.530512. Longitude, -80.512931.
Shot Tower: Latitude, 36.522000. Longitude, -80.522033.
Cliffview: Latitude, 36.408613. Longitude, -80.550665.

Drive Times: Charlotte, N.C., 2 hours; Knoxville, Tenn., 3 hours; Winston-Salem, N.C., 1 hour.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Outdoor Fitness Stations, Horse Stables, Equestrian Rings, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Nature Center, Historic Site, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater

Trash Cans: Yes

Camping: Tent, Primitive

Camping Amenities: Overnight Camping, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Hiking, bicycle trails, bridle trails.

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Single Track, Horseback Riding, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Fitness/Exercise Stations, Mountain Biking Features, Panoramic Views, Historic Sites

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Natural Water Feature: River/Channel