Scenic Trails & River Views at New River Trail State Park

New River Trail State Park, located near Max Meadows in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands region, offers an extraordinary outdoor experience. Stretching over 57 miles, this trail follows an old railroad bed alongside the New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America. This linear park is unique for its well-preserved combination of natural beauty, historical railroad remnants, and abundant wildlife. Visitors appreciate the smooth, mostly flat path that winds through lush forests, crosses multiple trestles, and provides stunning views of the river flowing below. The trail’s gentle grades make it accessible for all ages and skill levels, whether on foot, horseback, or bicycle.

Key features include several historic railroad bridges and tunnels, offering both scenic and engineering interest. The New River itself is a fascinating geological feature, carving through the hills and supporting diverse flora and fauna such as white-tailed deer, beavers, and a variety of birds. Along the trail are picnic areas, restrooms, and campgrounds that invite longer visits. The park draws visitors who value peace and quiet amid natural surroundings enhanced by the slow passage of time captured in the remnant railway.

Originally established as a state park in 1986, this stretch of trail preserves both natural and cultural heritage by linking rural communities and providing a recreational corridor rarely found in the region. Its unique blend of history, wildlife, and accessibility makes New River Trail State Park an outstanding outdoor destination for families, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.

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Adventure Guide To New River Trail State Park

1. Foster Falls

• Special Features: Picturesque waterfalls and a peaceful picnic area beside the New River.
• Key Features: Offers kayaking, fishing access, and a campground with calm river frontage.
• Local Insights: Once a center for iron and coal industries in the 1800s, the area now highlights natural beauty over industrial past.
• Visitor Tips: Visit in late spring or early fall for pleasant weather. Bring hiking boots and picnic supplies. Foster Falls lies about 1 hour southwest of Roanoke.

2. Cliffview Campground

• Special Features: Quiet camping within walking distance to the trail and river.
• Key Features: Equipped with restrooms, picnic tables, and access to water activities and trailheads.
• Local Insights: Popular for family bike trips and horseback riding, known for well-maintained facilities.
• Visitor Tips: Ideal for summer camping. Pack tents, cooking gear, and insect repellent. Located about 45 minutes north of Wytheville.

3. Galax Trailhead

• Special Features: Main access point for biking and hiking the longest continuous section of the trail.
• Key Features: Close to the town of Galax, which has a rich tradition of old-time fiddle music and local culture.
• Local Insights: Start early for cooler temperatures and quieter paths. Many visitors combine trail use with visits to local shops and eateries.
• Visitor Tips: Bring water, trail snacks, and a map. Galax lies 30 minutes from Hillsville off US-58.

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General Visitor Tips:

• Best time to visit: Spring through fall, avoiding mid-summer heat and winter freezes.
• What to bring: Water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes or bike gear, snacks, and insect repellent.
• Getting there: From Roanoke, it’s roughly a 1-hour drive west on I-81 and local highways to reach the Max Meadows area and trail access points.

New River Trail State Park combines gentle terrain, natural beauty, and cultural history to offer lasting memories for outdoor enthusiasts.