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New River Trail
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New River Trail State Park
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This 57-mile rail trail is Virginia's only linear state park. Endpoints are
Pulaski and Galax with a spur to Fries. The surface is cinder and hard packed
stone.
The trail parallels the New River from milepost 8 to Fries Junction where the
spur to Fries continues on the River. The trail to Galax parallels Chestnut
Creek.
Interesting sites along the way include the Shot Tower State Historical Park,
two tunnels, two bridges over the New River and a small waterfall on Chestnut
Creek.
Although we enjoy all the trail, we have two favorite places to ride. One is
from Allisonia to Pulaski, which is a 22 mile round trip. A store at Draper
sells fresh made sandwiches and hot dogs, along with other snacks for people
like me who want to skip the task of packing a lunch for a day on the trail.
Our other favorite ride is to park at Fries and ride to Galax, a round trip of
about 35 miles. The New River-Side Store on Fries Road near the low water bridge
is open under new management (fall 2003) and serves sandwiches and homemade
snacks that are hard to pass up. It's a very good place to stop for lunch. At
the Galax trail head there is a new bike shop (summer 2003). They "Do Shuttles!"
for groups and by reservation only. Check them out at New River Riders Bike
Shoppe
There are two very nice campgrounds and picnic areas, new in '98. One is near
Cliff View, the other at Foster Falls. The one at Foster Falls is right on the
river. (Foster Falls is near the Shot Tower State Historical Park.) Also, a few
camping sites have been added between Fries and Fries Junction (summer of 2003).
Improvements are being made consistently to this trail. Check out the New River
Trail website.
If you are looking for a great place to rent a mountain cottage for a vacation
in the Fries/Galax area, try this website: Riversong Cabins.
Another option for a vacation rental can be found at: Southwest Virginia Cabin..
This is on the other end of the trail (from Fries/Galax) near Pulaski and
Claytor Lake with easy access to the trail. |
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