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!

After doing the Virginia Creeper, this was next on my list. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was very impressed. The campground at Foster Falls was a perfect place to stay, with the visitor center and camp store nearby, and the cliffs of the New River rising up to proved a stunning backdrop. Trail itself was well maintained, with good signage, ample rest spots and toilets. Shot Tower makes for a very interesting stop along the way. Looking back at the pictures reminded me of what a nice ride this was.

We set out on our gravel bikes from Abington and rode to Whitetop and back. We are avid road cyclists and I’ve got to admit that the stretch from Damascus to Whitetop was no joke. It was a slow, steady grind to Whitetop. We should have brought more fluid. Each of us brought two bottles and we burned through those quickly. We were able to stop for Gatorade and cold water on the way back at the Bike Exchange in Damascus. There was nothing open in Whitetop on the day we rode.

We rode near Gales and Fries and fossil Falls and the trail was great. Don’t know where The other reviewer rode.

Basically a gravel road, torn up by horses and tractor tires. Wont be back.

Parked at the Rec center and biked to the Gateway parking area - 11 miles one way. On the return, we took the trail headed into Blacksburg for a short distance - first trail I’ve seen with roundabouts. Yes, it is hilly - but it adds the opportunity for some good downhill coasting ! The mileage markers are interesting/inconsistent between sections. There are cement ones, road sign types, and sometimes it wasn’t super obvious which way the trail went. Trail Link kept us on the trail!

We rode from Damascus up to Whitetop snd back down again. The trip up is strenuous and well worth the effort. There are bike shops in town that will take you up so you can ride down as well which will be the beat best for some folks. The pristine natural forest, bridges and streams have a beauty that can’t be seen off trail. The ride is so pleasant and the day was amazing. The trail isn’t super wide and it is in great shape. There is some loose gravel here and there so you want to use caution and good sense.