New River Trail State Park
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Trail length
57 miles
Setting
Along 39 miles of the New River
Activities
Hiking, biking, horseback riding
Park hours
Daily, dawn to dusk; check current trail access
New River Trail State Park turns an abandoned railroad corridor into a long, gently graded route beside the New River. The 57-mile linear park passes through four counties and the city of Galax; along the way, visitors encounter river views, tunnels, bridges and trestles. You can choose a short out-and-back walk or ride, or plan a longer journey between access points. [1]
The trail is open to hikers, cyclists and horseback riders, and the Foster Falls area offers boating access and seasonal visitor services. Park conditions and open trail sections can change, so check the current park map before setting out. Visitors with mobility needs can also review the park’s accessibility information, including details about all-terrain wheelchairs. [2]
Plan a trip to New River Trail State Park
Why visit New River Trail State Park?
This is a park for experiencing the landscape at trail pace: the route follows the river, crosses historic railroad structures and offers multiple places to begin or turn back. Its gentle grade makes it suitable for a range of hiking and riding plans, while its long distance allows experienced visitors to link sections into a bigger outing. [3]
The park’s appeal is both scenic and historic. Railroad infrastructure remains part of the experience, while the Shot Tower and Foster Falls area offer glimpses into the region’s industrial past. For a different perspective, visitors can plan a paddle on the New River or explore a dedicated mountain-biking area. [4]
Start here
There is no single trailhead that represents the whole park. Choose an access point based on the distance you want to cover and what you hope to see, then use the current park trail guide to check parking, facilities and open sections. The park’s main information and office address is 116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows; the park lists other trail entrances and directions on its official page. [5]
For a first visit, the Foster Falls area is a practical starting point for trail access and river activities. If you are planning to ride a longer section, bring a route plan and arrange your return transport in advance; the trail is linear rather than a loop. Check the park’s current map for closures and for the latest details about facilities and access.
What to see and do
Walk or ride the rail trail
Explore a short stretch or plan a longer journey on the 57-mile multi-use route. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are among the park’s principal activities.
Look for railroad landmarks
The route includes tunnels, bridges and trestles that reflect its former use as a railroad corridor. Consult the current trail guide to plan a route past these features.
Visit the Shot Tower
The historic Shot Tower is one of the park’s distinctive cultural landmarks. Check the park’s current information for access and visitor details before making it a destination.
Explore Foster Falls
The Foster Falls area is a hub for trail access and river recreation. The park lists boat launches and seasonal canoe and bike rentals; confirm current availability before traveling.
Try the Hoover Mountain Biking Area
For a more technical ride than the rail trail, look into the Hoover Mountain Biking Area and check the current park map for trail layout and conditions.
Follow the Ivanhoe Birding Trail
This 2.5-mile birding route is an additional option for visitors interested in wildlife. Check the park’s latest guidance for the approach and access arrangements.
History and significance
New River Trail State Park was created along an abandoned railroad right-of-way donated to Virginia by Norfolk Southern Corporation in December 1986. The park opened in May 1987 with four miles of trail and grew to encompass the full 57-mile corridor. Reusing the railroad bed helped establish Virginia’s first linear state park. [6][7]
The Shot Tower is a reminder of earlier industry in the region, while the trail’s bridges and trestles preserve visible traces of its railroad origin. The park’s corridor now connects river scenery and communities across Southwest Virginia, offering a recreational route shaped by the region’s transportation and industrial history. [8]
Planning a visit
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, but visitors should use the current map to identify open portions of the trail. Virginia State Parks provides a trail guide and a georeferenced map option; download the map before the trip if you want to use GPS mapping where cellular service may be limited. [9][10]
The park’s official page lists access points, directions, camping and recreation information. Hours, trail conditions, facilities, rental availability and fees can change; confirm details with Virginia State Parks before your visit. Bring water and plan your distance around your chosen access point, especially when traveling a one-way section.
The park identifies accessible trail and trail-side picnic areas, accessible restroom facilities at several locations, and all-terrain wheelchairs. Review the park’s accessibility details and contact the park directly to confirm what is available for your planned route. [11]
Nearby attractions
Blue Ridge Mountains
Explore the mountain landscapes and outdoor destinations of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.
Southwest Virginia
Use the regional guide to discover more places, communities and experiences across the southwest.
Virginia Rail Trails
Find other rail-trail routes for walking and cycling around the Commonwealth.
Virginia State Parks
Plan a wider trip among Virginia’s state parks and outdoor recreation areas.
References
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park: General information and accessibility, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ Exploring the new additions to New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks Blog, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park: Location and access points, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ Miles of Scenery Along the River and Mountains, Virginia State Parks Blog, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 2012-08-03. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ History of Virginia State Parks, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ Exploring the new additions to New River Trail State Park, Virginia State Parks Blog, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park: Current park information, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ Park maps for trails for hiking, biking, walking and horses, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
- ↑ New River Trail State Park: Accessibility, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-20.