New River Trail State Park is a 57.7-mile (92.9 km) rail trail and state park located entirely in southwest Virginia, extending from the trail's northeastern terminus in Pulaski to its southern terminus in Galax, with a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) spur from Fries Junction on the main trail to Fries. Designated a National Recreation Trail, the linear park follows 39 miles (63 km) of the New River, which is one of the five oldest rivers in the world.
Official Visitor Map of Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (NHT) in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
Features & Stories of the Travel Guide for Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
New River Trail SP
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_River_Trail_State_Park
New River Trail State Park is a 57.7-mile (92.9 km) rail trail and state park located entirely in southwest Virginia, extending from the trail's northeastern terminus in Pulaski to its southern terminus in Galax, with a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) spur from Fries Junction on the main trail to Fries. Designated a National Recreation Trail, the linear park follows 39 miles (63 km) of the New River, which is one of the five oldest rivers in the world.
WELCOME TO NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK.
To make your visit safe and more pleasant, we ask that
you observe the following:
Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Park in
designated areas only. Please note there is a parking fee
charged year-round at all Virginia State Parks. Self-pay
parking information is available at the contact station.
PRESERVE – Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or
mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is
allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the
Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals.
ALCOHOL - State law permits alcohol use only in private
areas (inside your cabin or camping unit) or in areas
designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
PETS - Pets are permitted in enclosed areas or on a leash
no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets
must be attended at all times.
DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT - Drones, other unmanned
aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and
aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks
pursuant to 4VAC5-30-400.
LITTER - Please help us keep the park clean by placing litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and
recycle centers or carrying out your trash. The releasing
of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be
deflated and disposed of as trash.
FIRE - Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to
grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must
be attended at all times and extinguished when left.
Firewood is generally available for purchase at the park.
Campers and guests may collect only downed and dead
firewood. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans on
open fires.
POLLUTION - Help reduce pollution. Please use trash cans
or dumpsters where available.
SWIMMING - There are no designated swimming areas in
the park. Swimming or wading may be hazardous due to
swift currents, sudden drop offs and unseen obstructions.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY
Camping:
Check-in 4 p.m.
Check-out 1 p.m.
In many cases, campers may be accommodated prior to
the official check-in. Please remember that only those 18
or older may register. The registrant is responsible for all
occupants of the campsite. Feel free to arrive early and
enjoy park amenities prior to check-in.
EASY - From .5 to 1 mile; grades are short, typically
fewer than 100 feet and less than 10 percent of
the trail length; easily accomplished by all users,
including the elderly and those with physical or
mental disabilities, with little risk of injury or fatigue.
CAMPING - Camping is allowed only in designated
campgrounds and only after following the proper checkin procedure described in the Reservation and Fees Guide
available at the park office.
DIFFICULT
The maximum overnight stay per park is 14 days in any
30-day period.
PARKING - Only two motor vehicles are permitted on a
campsite without incurring additional fees. Those with
additional vehicles must pay a parking fee for each day
the vehicle is in the park. Primitive, canoe-in and hike-in
sites may have specific parking restrictions. All vehicles
must be parked in designated areas. Lock valuables
in your trunk and keep your vehicle locked when
unattended.
- From 1 to 5 miles; steepness and grade
lengths vary; at least 60 percent of the length is fairly
flat; healthy people can accomplish the trail with
little risk of injury or fatigue.
- Trail length is greater than 5 miles;
more than 70 percent of the trail is on a grade;
experienced hikers only or groups of three to five
people recommended; there is a risk of overexertion
or injury to those not conditioned.
New River Trail
State Park
TRAIL
GUIDE
VIRGINIA STATE PARKS ARE A TONIC
FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.
Museums, visitor centers and
nearby historic sites make state
parks cultural treasures.
The recreational opportunities in
state parks are endless and easy to
see – from swimming and boating
to horseshoes and hiking, there’s
always something to do in a
Virginia State Park.
GROUP EVENTS - A special use permit is required for all
group events that involve amplified sound, catering,
equipment rentals and vendor deliveries.
PARK ACCESSIBILITY - We strive to make each park as
barrier-free as possible. Universally accessible facilities
are available throughout Virginia State Parks.
GUESTS - Your guests are our guests. For everyone’s safety
EMERGENCY - Emergency phone numbers are posted at
QUIET HOURS - Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
INFORMATION - For more information on Virginia State
Parks or to make a cabin or campsite reservation, call
800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
The use of generators is prohibited at all times.
DIFFICULTY SCALE
MODERATE
Campsite occupancy is a maximum of six people or the
number of people in a single household. Two camping
units are allowed per campsite. All camping units and
equipment must be placed within the perimeter of the
designated campsite without infringing on adj
Visit Thee Draper Village, located in the center of
town and a favorite local hangout for over 125 years.
Reimagined for today’s visitors while offering a
nostalgic small town feel, the Village boasts a knockyour-socks-off brunch at the Merc restaurant, a coffee
roastery and a unique marketplace showcasing local
artisans, gifts, gourmet products and more. Keep your
taste buds happy with a trip to the Harvest Table,
a family-friendly, farm-to-table restaurant with live
music, outdoor dining and a regional menu inspired
by Appalachian heritage.
DANCE
Tap your toes along The Crooked Road’s Heritage
Music Trail, with more than 300 miles of scenic terrain
and an endless array of musical experiences. From
living legends to new artists, and hidden gems to jam
sessions, no visit is complete without pausing to take
in the sounds that echo in our valleys. Visit Galax in
the summer for the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention,
the world’s largest and oldest of its kind. Or join
the flat-footing, fast-fiddling fun any time at the
Floyd Country Store, where authentic Appalachian
traditions come to life on the dance floor!
BLUE RIDGE
HIGHLANDS
The Floyd Country Store—Floyd
150
J O S H U A T. M O O R E
Home of the Birthplace of Country Music, the BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS region echoes with the passion of history’s most dominant
country music pioneers. Annual festivals, historic venues and nightly jamborees celebrate Virginia’s global influence, creating a
rich musical soundtrack for all travelers – whether meandering along winding roads, or venturing out onto scenic rivers and trails.
F L O Y D C O U N T RY S T O R E ( F L O Y D ) : B R I A N C A M P / V I R G I N I A C R E E P E R T R A I L ( WA S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y ) : S A M D E A N
JAM
Join the award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in
celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! This three-day
event provides an electrifying music experience for festivallovers, digging deep into the roots of Appalachian music
with incredible performances from widely acclaimed artists.
Also mark your calendar to visit Floyd in July for the fiveday FloydFest, one of the most unique music festivals in the
state. With nine stages featuring worldwide artists, as well
as camping, activities, a children’s universe and more, this
experience will be one for your festival scrapbook!
IMMERSE
Known as the “Gateway to Southwest Virginia,” the
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace
showcases our state’s traditional music and regional
craft. Home to ‘Round the Mountain, Southwest Virginia’s
artisan network, discover eclectic and extensive collections
from some of the region’s most talented artisans, whose
creations include all types of media that you’ll want to
take home. Plus, from bluegrass to gospel and old-time to
modern-day fusions, musical heritage comes to life at the
headquarters of The Crooked Road.
Virginia Creeper Trail—Washington County
RIDE
Head to Abingdon at Mile 0 to enter the beloved
34.3-mile Virginia Creeper Trail, named after the
steam engine that once crept up the rails into the
Iron Mountains. Traverse from Damascus to Whitetop,
exploring fields and pastures full of wildlife while
learning about the railroad’s significant role in
Southwest Virginia’s history and economy. You can
also intersect with the Appalachian Trail at several
points on your journey, and there are plenty of
opportunities to take a break for a hard-earned meal
or sweet treat as well.
VIRGINIA .ORG
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BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
SAVOR
Bristol Rhythm and Roots—Bristol
BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
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Welcome Center
at Bristol VG
Narrows
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52
Saltville
Abingdon
Wytheville
Marion
Appalachian Trail
304-535-6278; nps.gov/
appa. A public footpath that
follows more than 2,100 miles
of Appalachian Mountain
ridgelines.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Mileposts 162.9 to 192.5,
828-298-0398; nps.gov/blri.
“America’s Favorite Scenic
Drive.”bj
Blue Ridge Travel Association
2680 Grayson Pkwy.,
276-773-0450;
virginiablueridge.org. Visit
the Blue Ridge Mountains of
Southwestern Virginia and
enjoy outdoor recreation,
museums, live theatre,
themed parks and zoos,
wineries and much more! Free
guides. b
The Creeper Trail
vacreepertrail.com. Open
year-round to hiking,
mountain biking and horse
back riding.
The Crooked Road: Virginia’s
Heritage Music Trail
One Heartwood Cir.,
276-492-2409; myswva.
org/
Environmental
Education
Virginia State Parks are premier
environmental education sites.
Schools, scouts, groups and individuals
are encouraged to come learn more
about their world. Backyard Classroom
programs, incorporating Virginia’s
Standards of Learning, promote
lifelong learning. They also help
young people enjoy, appreciate and
understand the outdoors.
Programs & Festivals
Master new outdoor cooking recipes.
Pan for gold or tour a cave. Learn or
improve outdoor skills. Enjoy a rangerled hike, eagle tour or owl prowl.
Workshops and events are as diverse
as the parks.
VIRGINIA
Discounts
Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes
can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming.
The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be
redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays.
STATE PARKS
You can also receive a 25 percent discount on weekend cabins if you
make a reservation on Thursday or Friday, based on availability. Just
ask for the discount on the phone when you make the reservation.
Park Accessibility
Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as
possible. Contact the Customer Service Center or individual parks
for more information before your trip.
Pets
Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in
an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax
per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping.
There’s plenty of history, too. Immerse
yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War
or the Underground Railroad. When
it comes to festivals, you’ll find music,
arts and crafts, local food and beverage,
classic cars and more. Up-to-theminute, comprehensive information is
available at www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Nature & History
All parks have trails, many with signs
explaining the environment. Wander
trails at First Landing through cypress
swamps or hike Caledon’s trails along
ridges and ravines through rare oldgrowth forest. Overlooks at Hungry
Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural
Tunnel offer a glimpse of powerful
geological forces that shaped the land.
See how rivers shaped some parks, such
as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge,
Powhatan and Westmoreland.
www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275)
www.virginiastateparks.gov
Shenandoah River
Seven Bends
Sky Meadows
540-622-6840
540-622-6840
540-592-3556
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540-862-8100
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Natural Bridge
540-291-1326
Smith Mountain Lake
540-297-6066
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540-854-5503
703-730-8205
703-339-2385
540-288-1400
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VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Widewater
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CHESAPEAKE BAY
Belle Isle
Caledon
Machicomoco
Westmoreland
804-462-5030
540-663-3861
804-642-2419
804-493-8821
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COASTAL
Chippokes Plantation
False Cape
First Landing
York River
757-294-3728
757-426-7128
757-412-2300
757-566-3036
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EASTERN SHORE
Photo courtesy Jackie Jamison
Kiptopeke
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Bear Creek Lake
High Bridge Trail
Holliday Lake
James River
Pocahontas
Powhatan
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield
Twin Lakes
(Cedar Crest Conference Center)
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BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
757-331-2267
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804-492-4410
434-315-0457
434-248-6308
434-933-4355
804-796-4255
804-598-7148
804-561-7510
434-392-3435
434-767-2398
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276-579-7092
276-781-7400
276-781-7425
276-699-6778
276-699-6778
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SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
Fairy Stone
Occoneechee
Staunton River Battlefield
Staunton River
276-930-2424
434-374-2210
434-454-4312
434-572-4623
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276-254-5487
276-940-2674
276-940-2696
276-523-1322
276-445-3065
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HEART OF APPALACHIA
Breaks Interstate
Clinch River
Natural Tunnel
(Cove Ridge Conference Center)
Southwest Virginia Museum
Wilderness Road
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B Biking
CT Car-top Boat Launch
E Equestrian
FP Fishing Pier
H Hiking
P Pool Swimming
T Electric Motors Only
U Universally Accessible
UD Under Development
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Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable
for reunions, weddings and special events.
Some parks even have equestrian campsites.
B/E/H/U
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Claytor Lake
Grayson Highlands
Hungry Mother
(Hemlock Haven Conference Center)
New River Trail
Shot Tower
With lodges, cabins, yurts and campsites, the
fun doesn’t end at sundown. Many cabins are
available year-round, and most campgrounds
ar
Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville
Small Towns,
Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make
these small towns in Virginia worth exploring.
Character
WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM
T
KYLE LAFERRIERE
10
he phrase “small town” evokes
nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to
love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly
and stocked with locally-owned businesses.
These are communities where you can get off
the crowded highway, park the car and walk,
ride a bike or even kayak through downtown.
Small, family-run businesses offer one-of-
a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art
to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer
locally-grown produce and seafood spring
through fall.
With almost 200 incorporated towns,
dozens more villages and hamlets, plus
nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street
Communities, the hard part is deciding which
Virginia towns to visit.
VIRGINIA .ORG
11
Here are some of
our favorites,
d ending
starting in southwest Virginia, an
metown
with a shameless plug for our ho
on the Eastern Shore.
High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville
Harrisonburg
Big Stone Gap
12
Farmville
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN /
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE
June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap
Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap
JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX
Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history
comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome
Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor
drama, performed Thursday through
Saturday nights, late June through August.
Before you go, be sure to read the Big
Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or
watch the Hollywood film by the same name
starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Upon arrival, you can visit places featured
in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the
Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as
the outdoor drama.
Fine, well-preserved period homes house
The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest
Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House.
Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique
and curio shops round out this small town
gem.
Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State
Singing Convention, June
This formerly industrial town has been reinvented
for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers.
The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco
barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying
paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer
four-mile Farmville Blueway.
The railroad that once carried coal now carries
hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long
High Bridge Trail State Park.
Repurposed tobacco packing houses and
lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house
Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture
and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up
local beer, live music, games for the kids and a
pet-friendly beer garden.
Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and
the soon-to-open second location of James River
Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination
for craft beverage lovers.
Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May
Set amidst the vast playground of the
idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg
has been called “one of the best mountain
bike towns in America” by National
Geographic.
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and
artisans have blended the past with the
present to create a lively melting pot that
is distinctive to this college town.
Named Virginia’s first Culinary
District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural
diversity serves up fare from around the
world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food.
Bar.Food features “global comfort food,”
while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café.
The arts scene is equally diverse,
epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market,
a community of small businesses under
one roof in an historic building.
Named for James Madison, fourth
president and the “Father of the
Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel
Madison and James Madison University
(JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend
a youthful vitality to this historic town.
Fun Festival: Harrisonburg
International Festival, September
VIRGINIA .ORG
13
Within Virginia’s
larger cities,
find pockets of
uniqueness that
make you feel
like you’re in a
small town!
ROANOKE’S HISTORIC
GRANDIN VILLAGE
This walkable urban village is
eclectic and family-friendly at
the same time. Spend Saturday
morning at the Community
Market, dine on an outdoor
patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in
a first-run or classic film at the
1930s Grandin Theatre.
RICHMOND’S
SCOTT’S ADDITION
One of the hottest, newly
revitalized neighborhoods in
the state capital. Warehouses
converted to breweries, cideries
and distilleries, bold street
murals, a cinema and a retro
bowling alley make this a
happening night scene.
Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake
Country at Virginia’s only lakeside
town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as
Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens
of fishing tournaments yearl