In early October 2021 my wife and I bicycled from Galax to Fries and back on day one and then from Foster Falls to Buck Dam and back on day two. This is a real gem and an easy ride with spectacular views. When riding uphill the grade is very mild and we never strained or had to shift into a very low gear.

The surface is crushed gravel which is smoother in some places than other and there are lots of fallen walnuts scattered on the trail. I rode with 32mm tires and didn't have any trouble, however, I wouldn't want to ride the trail on anything thinner.

We can't wait to return soon and complete those sections we didn't get to the first time.

My wife and I did an out and back from Draper. The trail was perfect. We rode under a broken canopy of trees for miles, crossed several bridges, passed several picnic spots, stopped for pictures, met several nice people, and four very nice persons on horseback who smiled, and graciously let us move past them, in a way that didn’t spook their horses. One caution, on the longer bridge with only side rails there was a large number of wasps, and yellow jackets later in the day when the temperature was going up.

Took a shuttle to White Top Station and biked the length of the VCT back to Abingdon. A wonderful 34 mile ride with a stop in Damascus for lunch. Leaf color starting to pop and so many amazing bridges to cross. This was my second time and will return again and again. Two thumbs way up!!

Starting on the Glade Springs end (the parking lot is a couple miles outside of the town of Glade Springs) and the trail is vaguely maintained - but is somewhat rough. Leaving from the other end (Saltville) and traveling south the trail just sort of ends approximately 2.5 miles from downtown Saltville. There is a small sign pointing to the right (ie...following Highway 91), but no clear indication of where the trail picks up again. It's much nicer just riding around downtown Saltville. The Salt trail has potential, but needs a lot of TLC and development. If you are going to ride it, I would recommend a bike with at least 26" tires and suspension.

I have biked and hiked every mile of this trail from various entry points. It has always been a pleasant ride with very scenic views. This is truly a gem.

We did an out and back from Abingdon to Whitetop and it was an excellent adventure! Two items to take into consideration: 1st ~ There are outfitters who provide a service of taking riders up to Whitetop and they will descend to Damascus. This group will include all different skill levels of cyclists and there are some challenges on that section to include washout ruts, rock gardens {vertical, pointed rocks protruding 2" to 3" out of the ground} and tight corners. If you are still climbing up to Whitetop and they are on the descent ~ you could experience issues. 2nd - Most of the trestles/bridges do not have a smooth transition onto the bridges where some have a 5" to 6" or more drop especially in direction of the descent. With that being said, still a stellar trail, stop in Damascus and explore the local stores right by the Virginia Creeper.

We experienced the New River Trail from Draper to Galax with a tree canopy covering 98% of the trail. The region experienced rain showers with winds the night prior but it was just damp with standing water in low lying areas {Less than a dozen experienced}. The standing water could be easily navigated around but sections of the trails had tree debris plus there were plenty of golfball to softball size rocks randomly along the trail so please keep your eyes on the trail. Water is scarce on the trail so be prepared with hydration and nourishment.

Majority of the trail follows some sort of a water feature such as dammed lakes, rivers, creeks, brooks, streams, rapids etc.

Triking Whitetop to Abingdon 8/9/21: couldn’t do the short backtrack to the state line as the trail is single track and a little overgrown, but rest of trail is accessible to trikes. Shocked at the vanloads of people getting dropped off by outfitters at Whitetop and entire trail was pretty busy for a Monday. Whitetop to Damascus I barely pedaled and aside from a few spots between Damascus and Abingdon where the trail opens up and grass grows between the two tracks, the flats were doable and pleasant.

What an incredible experience. Took the shuttle from Abingdon to White Top and rode one of the more incredible trails I've seen. The upper portion (about 12 miles) is entirely downhill and bit rough in many areas. Just have to pay attention and it is very doable on a hybrid bike. Have lunch at one of the many places in Damascus, about mile 17 and then get ready for a smoother, flatter 17 mile ride to Abingdon. The views are incredible especially the 44 trestles and other assorted scenery. One of the very best rides ever!