Find the top rated birding trails in Pulaski, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_172862_st.jpg)
The surface of the New River Trail should not be described as “crushed stone.” This is factually incorrect. I rode the entire trail from end-to-end and back again over three days in mid-June 2024. The first 20 or so miles from Dora Junction (Pulaski) toward Lone Ash consist mostly of a wide grassy median with a narrow dirt track on either side. This is fine for bicycles in dry weather but those of us who ride recumbent tricycles are forced to ride with at least one wheel on the grass, which makes for a tortuous slow and bumpy ride. Some sections are indeed smooth crushed stone, such as the 5.5 mile spur from Fries Junction to the town of Fries which is the best maintained section of the trail, perhaps because Fries attracts tourists and more cyclists than other parts of the trail. The first part of the 12 miles from Fries Junction up to Galax is very rough and rocky but the trail improves toward the end. Nonetheless most of this section would best be described as coarse gravel, not crushed stone, and the gravel is quite soft in places. Parts of the trail from Foster Falls to Ivanhoe and from Ivanhoe to Fries Junction also have a grass median, but other parts are gravel or crushed stone. The surface for the first few miles on either side of Foster Falls is well maintained but deteriorates the further one rides away from the park headquarters. Cyclists would benefit from a more accurate description of trail surface conditions.
We have been on a lot of rail trails, scenic yes... but not for the average rider...
I have biked and hiked this entire trail. Very scenic and much to see. Can be busy during the weekends.
Fantastic trail on a Fall day. Draper is a must stop.
We rode the New River Trail from the Ivanhoe Jubilee and Horse Show Park to the Byllesby Dam and back. We would have continued, but we were hemmed in by trail closures. There were lovely views of the river and fall foliage. We did find the trail rough in this section with larger pieces of gravel put on the trail, probably firm it up when muddy. It sure could use some regrading and a layer of packed fine gravel. The nuts in sections didn’t help with the twitchy ride. Where the trail had just packed dirt was much smoother. We rode on two inch tires and I wouldn’t want much less than that. We saw the Billy Goat near Bull Dam, which I had read about in a post from May 2022. Is he the mascot of the trail?
i rode from the trailhead in galax to close to ivanhoe. this trail is in fantastic shape. maybe the 7 dollar cost to park pays for the upkeep. I was very impressed and look forward to riding the pulaski section next year. the short spur was closed or i would have done that.
I have rode the creeper trail, high bridge trail and the tobacco heritage trail in south hill.. in va. this trail is in the best condition of all three.
We rode the trail from Foster Falls to Fries and back (44 miles). The ride was tree shaded almost the entire way which was a benefit at the end of July but didn’t afford too many views of the river. The surface at times was rough with partially submerged rocks and stones yet to be crushed. We were both riding hybrid bikes with 35 cc tires. At times I wished for fatter tires. Also, we lacked suspension in the front forks which would have cushioned the ride somewhat. It was especially rough between MM 35-40. All in all a nice ride though I my butt and arms ached unusually from the bouncing
We rode entire trail (all 3 together) out and back for a total of 13.3 miles. All paved. Kind of busy on a weekend day but there were parts that were kind of isolated. Right along the river which was nice. Very little elevation change. Well marked.
Mostly level ride, beautiful artwork, poppy, lily flowers , containers along way. Bathroom at a park. Ride next to Black Dog Salvage too!! Restaurants.
This might be heresy from someone who lives in Abingdon near the Creeper Trail terminus, but this is my favorite rail trail in the area. Yesterday my wife and I rode from Foster Falls south all the way to Fries Junction, and then on to Fries and back. Total was about 45 miles. This trail has beautiful scenery, is well maintained, has a pretty level grade, and doesn't seem to have crowds. The only "challenging" stretch was near the dams, as the incline increased a bit and the trail became a bit rockier, but other than that it was smooth gravel all the way. Don't miss this SW VA gem! I can't wait to go back and do the other half to Pulaski and the final 12 miles to Galax.
My wife and I rode 37 miles south from River's Edge Trail campground, which by the way is a wonderful spot to stay. The natural beauty is soothing to the soul. The trail is a pleasure to ride.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
