Radford, Virginia
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Region
New River Valley, Southwest Virginia
Type
Independent city
Setting
Along the New River
Known for
Riverfront parks, Radford University and Glencoe Museum
Radford is a compact city in Southwest Virginia with the New River running through its story and its landscape. The riverfront parks and paths make it easy to build a visit around a walk, a picnic or time on the water, while Radford University brings a lively campus presence. The city also makes a practical base for exploring the wider New River Valley.[1]
For a sense of place beyond the river, visit Glencoe Museum, set in a 19th-century home overlooking the New River, or explore the university’s historic campus. Radford’s beginnings are closely tied to an important river crossing and the road that became the Wilderness Road; later, railroads and industry helped shape the growing city.[2][3]
Plan a trip to Radford
Why visit Radford?
Radford suits travelers who want an unhurried Southwest Virginia stop with outdoor time close at hand. The New River is not just a scenic backdrop: city parks provide places to reach the water, watch for wildlife and follow paths along the bank. Downtown and the university add local character, while Radford’s history is visible in places such as Glencoe and the old river-crossing landscape.
A day here can be simple: stroll the riverfront, pause at a museum, then continue to nearby communities and parks across the New River Valley. For a longer outdoor outing, plan around the broader New River region and the New River Trail State Park—a separate state park whose trail system has access points well beyond Radford.
What to see and do
Spend time beside the river or get out on the water. Radford’s city information lists boat-launch locations and describes river access around Bisset Park; check local guidance and river conditions before setting out.[4]
Bisset Park and the Riverway Trail
Bisset Park combines river access, picnic areas and walking paths. The paved Riverway Trail connects the park with the New River corridor and Wildwood Park; the city describes it as a 3.5-mile bikeway and walkway. Confirm current conditions and facility details with the city before visiting.[5]
Wildwood Park
For a quieter, wooded walk, Wildwood Park has trails, an outdoor classroom and a bird-watching tower. It is linked to Bisset Park by the Riverway Trail, making the two parks a natural combined outing.[6]
Glencoe Museum
Explore Radford and New River Valley history in a Victorian-era home built by Civil War general Gabriel Colvin Wharton. The museum presents regional history alongside changing exhibits and an art gallery. Its hours and exhibits may change, so check before you go.[7]
Walk around the university campus and look for its historic buildings, including Founder's Hall. The institution began as a state normal school for women, opening its first session in 1913; check campus guidance before planning a visit to buildings or collections.[8]
For a longer rail-trail excursion, explore this 57-mile linear state park, which follows an abandoned railroad route and parallels the New River for much of its course. It is a regional outing rather than a trail beginning in central Radford; check the park map for access points, closures and current services.[9]
History and character
Radford’s first permanent settlement within its present boundaries grew around a New River crossing on the route later known as the Wilderness Road. In 1762, William Ingles and Mary Draper Ingles established Ingles’ Ferry, which became a local commercial center. The Virginia and Tennessee Railroad reached the area in 1854, changing its orientation and helping drive growth in settlement and industry.[10]
The name and city took shape during a period of rapid change: Central City was incorporated as a town in 1885, renamed Radford in 1887, and the two communities known as East Radford and West Radford merged politically in 1892 to attain city status. Radford University added an educational anchor in the early 20th century; the institution was founded by the Virginia General Assembly in 1910 and opened its first session in 1913.[11][12]
Today, the river, university and historic neighborhoods give Radford a mix of outdoor and campus-town character. Glencoe, listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places, offers a tangible link to the city’s late-19th-century growth and architecture.[13]
Planning a visit
Radford works well as a half-day or full-day stop, especially for visitors combining a riverfront walk with Glencoe Museum or a campus stroll. If you have more time, use the city as a starting point for exploring the New River Valley, including nearby Blacksburg, Virginia, Christiansburg, Virginia and Pulaski, Virginia.
Outdoor plans depend on river and trail conditions. Check city information before using boat launches or accessing the river, and consult the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for the latest New River Trail map, open sections and facility details. Park hours, museum schedules, rentals and other visitor services can change; confirm directly with the relevant operator before traveling.[14][15]
Nearby places and attractions
Blacksburg, Virginia
A nearby university town and gateway to more New River Valley outings.
Christiansburg, Virginia
A regional hub for shopping, dining and access to the surrounding mountain communities.
Pulaski, Virginia
Explore another New River Valley community and regional outdoor destinations.
Claytor Lake State Park
A state park on Claytor Lake, south of Radford, with opportunities to enjoy the water and surrounding landscape.
New River Trail State Park
A long rail trail through Southwest Virginia, with multiple access points and a mix of river scenery and railroad history.
Southwest Virginia
Use Radford as one stop on a wider journey through the region’s mountain landscapes, small cities and outdoor destinations.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ The New River, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glencoe Museum, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ History, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ The New River, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Bisset Park, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Wildwood Park, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glencoe Museum, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ University History, Radford University. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ History, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ History, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ University History, Radford University. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glencoe, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ The New River, City of Radford. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.