New River Trail State Park:
Virginia
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Description:
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. It is also a state park. The highlight and namesake of this magnificent trail is the 36-mile section running through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, and Pulaski counties along the New River, the oldest river in the US. In 1986, the Norfolk and Southern Railroad donated this old railroad corridor, which originally served to supply the once expanding iron industry to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The best place to start a trip along this trail is at its southern terminus in Galax. Note that from this direction, the mileage markers count down beginning at the 57-mile marker. A large part of the trail is uphill if you start at the northern terminus at Dora Junction along Interstate 81.
The Galax trailhead, which features an old red caboose, has plenty of parking. From here, you follow Chestnut Creek along the 12-mile Galax to Fries Junction section. At mile marker 38, you'll encounter the beautiful Fries Junction trestle bridge crossing the New River. Just across the bridge, you have the option of taking a pleasant excursion to Fries, a 12-mile round trip. This 6-mile spur is included in the trail's 57-mile total length.
The remaining 39 miles proceeds north along the peacefully flowing New River as it runs through Cripple Creek Junction, Foster Falls, and Allisonia. The trail is isolated for much of this journey, so if you are on this stretch, be sure to carry all necessary supplies in case of an emergency or quick bike repair. Along the way, you'll see many railroading highlights, including cavernous tunnels, steep dams, and trestle bridges-including the impressive 950-foot Hiawassee trestle around mile marker 8. The trail finally concludes at Dora Junction, near the town of Pulaski, where you will be able to find all your post-trail amenities.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To the Galax trailhead, take Interstate 77 to the US Hwy. 221/US Hwy. 58 exit (exit 14) toward Hillsville/Galax. The trailhead is located on the right, where Route 58 crosses Chestnut Creek.
To reach the Dora Junction trailhead in Pulaski from Interstate 81, take VA Route 99 west for 2 miles toward Xaloy. Turn right on Xaloy Way and look for the trailhead on the right.
You can also access the trail in Fries: Take Interstate 77 to the US Hwy. 221/US Hwy. 58 exit (exit 14) toward Hillsville/Galax. Turn right at Cliffview Road/VA Route 721 to Fries. Route 721 becomes Fries Road before crossing the New River. As you come into town, turn left on Dalton Road. The trailhead is at the bottom of the hill; the trail signs are impossible to miss. Parking is available near the town park on Riverview Ave.
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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Wonderful Family Trip
By Andy Greenough on July 21, 2010
My family just rode the New River Trail for the first time. We have previous experience on the Creeper and Blackwater Trails. This is now our favorite trail. We stayed in the wonderful Whistle Stop Inn in Allisonia. Just feet from the trail and a great view of the river. The Holt's have done an excellent job of preserving this bit of history. We were able to rescue one rider with a flat tire and gave a tour of the Inn to another family riding through. The area is beautiful and peaceful as well. Everyone that we encountered was quite nice.

We took a short ride across the Hiwassee River Bridge and back our first day. I wish we had ventured on to the town of Draper as well. On our second day, we waited out a hard and steady morning rain by having brunch in the always delicious Cracker Barrel. The Foster Falls shuttle service was very kind in letting us postpone our departure until the afternoon. They shuttled us to Galax where we began our enchanting ride along the Chestnut Creek and New River. We rode the 28 miles to Foster Falls in about 4-1/2 hours. This included numerous stops to take pictures and enjoy the views. Our 10 & 12 year old children were real troopers in completing this longer than our usual ride.

What a well maintained trail. Our helmets off to the Park Service/volunteers for doing such an incredible job! We only saw two pieces of trash the entire trip. Other than a VERY recent beaver downing a small tree across the path, it was clear and recently mowed.

We are already planning a return trip with other friends to tackle the entire trail. I highly recommend this trip to anyone that wants a peaceful escape to enjoy nature.
New River Trail is open
By dzj5r1 on May 28, 2010
I am manager of the New River Trail Cabins in Galax, VA. I have many guests who have ridden to Fries from our Galax entrance. Come and enjoy!
Jennifer
NewRiverTrailCabins.com
NEW RIVER TRAIL SECTION CLOSED
By rickford on November 19, 2009
According to a news release form the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation:
The trail will be closed from mile marker 39.8 (Fries junction) to mile marker 42.3 (Gambetta Road) from now until May 1, 2010 to restore the tunnel on that section.

I spoke with a member of the trail maintainence staff and they actually hope to have the work done faster than that, but they wanted to use a safe estimate of May 1 on the completion date.

Rick Banks
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