Find the top rated walking trails in Matoaka, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I took my gravel bike on this trail and won’t do it again. There’s large stones and branches. I had to carry my bike over several downed trees and several big wash outs. A beautiful ride next to the creek for sure. A great place to hike I’d say. Please don’t think of this as a rail to trail flat ride, it is not.
Accessed trail at Booker Falls. Great ride with beautiful views of the New River. Saw several deer and interesting to see the damage from the hurricane.
We biked the gorgeous Meadow River Trail, starting in Nallen. The trail is very remote, scenic, and well-maintained. It’s a long gradual uphill climb, near a road for about 2 1/2 miles, then upriver through completely undeveloped area for another 6+ miles. The trail officially ends after a trestle that crosses the Meadow River at around 9 miles. We went an additional 3 miles on slightly rough, but not difficult, old railroad grade with a variable surface of fine gravel and dirt. We finally had to stop at an old unrepaired railroad trestle and private property signs. The route downhill was lovely and easy. Total trip was 24 miles. Things to note: Parking at the Nallen trailhead was easy and felt safe. There are no bathrooms or water, so plan accordingly. space parking in Nallen was easy and felt safe. There are no bathrooms or water, so plan accordingly. Craft
While in the New River Gorge area, I decided to bik this new trail, and it exceeded my expectations. Great Surface with two river crossings and great river views along the trail. I wish the water level would have been higher with all the rapids.
We biked from Fries to Fries Junction, then down to Galax, and then back to Fries. Beautiful bike ride! We saw several deer, birds and squirrels. The pathways are very level and provide a smooth ride. Hoping we get to explore more of this trail before we leave town. Highly recommend!
NRT is my heart trail, have been on many others in va but this is my favorite and most scenic!!!
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 started at the Trailhead sign in Russellville and headed north. There is an a gravel section suitable for parking near the Trailhead sign. I will point that there were "No Parking" signs here. I believe it meant "No Parking" on the grass area, but it was ambiguous. I went ahead and parked there anyways without issue.
I ran north all the way to the Trailhead sign in Nallen. The path is mostly flat, well maintained, and very suitable for running. I ran a faster "tempo" run without issue.
I ran the Southside Trail starting at the parking lot (across the bridge from Thurmond). I ran out 3.25 miles and came back.
The trail had some water/mud covered sections. These sections weren't long (10-20 yards), but I had to stop and walk around the mud. I had to do this approximately 10 times during my 3.25 miles.
This was closer to trail than rail trail. There were sections with more larger rocks, stumps, roots to be dealt with. Expect to be paying attention to the ground as much as the scenery.
From Nallen 9 miles to the second bridge crossing is wide smooth trail that follows the River with only slight grade.
Very remote area of WV with beautiful mountains and no crowds. You won’t meet very many people on this trail. Good for bicycles or walking. At any age.
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