New River Valley Trail Guide
hiking, biking, boating, and outdoor adventures!
Welcome to the We are glad you are here to explore the opportunities for outdoor recreation in our region. The NRV lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with large areas of the region in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The region is home to a scenic stretch of the New River, as well as many state and local parks, and recreation areas. All of this means the New River Valley is perfect for outdoor adventures, including fishing, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and more!
The New River Valley has hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, horse-riding trails and water trails scattered around the region. This guide provides information about some of the most populars trails in the region, from paved bikeways near town that are perfect for a stroll, to strenuous hikes on footpaths in the mountain wilderness. All of these trails include spectacular scenery, including wildlife, waterfalls, rock formations, and breathtaking vistas of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. The map on the right shows the location of the trails in the region. More detailed maps can be found at the end of the guide. Visit the NRV tourism websites listed on the back cover for more information.
New RIver valley
Trail etiquette: Etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right of way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Riders are responsible for controlling their horse at all times. Weather:
The New River Valley enjoys a temperate climate with wonderful hiking weather from spring through fall. The forests are in full bloom by early May, and fall foilage is usually at peak color in mid to late October. Average high temperatures peak in the mid 80’s in July and August.
Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve
Photo: Gene Dalton
Buffalo Mountain:
Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve encircles Buffalo Mountain, a knob within the Smith Mountains whose shape resembles the head of a Buffalo. This steep, but moderately graded one-mile trail rises 3,971 feet above sea level in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is truly one of Virginia’s greatest natural treasures. Unique environmental conditions here make the mountain home to six rare natural communities, 14 rare plant species and three rare invertebrate animals. There are no public facilities/restrooms.
Directions:
At Floyd, go south on US Rt. 221, and follow it about 6 miles. Turn left on 727 (Union School Road) and go about 4.5 miles to Conner Grove Road (VA 799). Turn right onto 799, go about 100 feet and turn left onto Moles Road (VA 727). Go about 1 mile, and turn right to stay on VA 727. Go 1 mile to a 3-way fork. Bear to the right and follow the gravel access road to the summit parking area. LOCATION: Floyd County TRAIL LENGTH: 1 mile ELEVATION: 3,900 ft. DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Strenuous PARKING: Parking lot at the trail head NEARBY TOWNS: Floyd GPS: 36.786995, -80.450714 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Dodd Creek trail
Photo: Jane Cundiff
Dodd creek trail:
This beautiful loop wanders through diverse woodlands and along the high banks of a large bold creek that feeds into the Little River. Over 30 different species of trees, vines and other perennial plants are labeled along the path. Dogs are allowed on leash and there is a covered picnic shelter, restrooms and playground near the trail entrance. This is a community built trail done mostly by Floyd volunteers.
Directions:
From the stoplight in Floyd go north on Rt 8 about one half mile. On the left, across from Family Dollar store, take Park Drive to the back of the recreation park past the ball field. There is an entrance to the trail to the right of the parking lot bordered with a split-rail fence.
LOCATION: Floyd County TRAIL LENGTH: 1.25 miles ELEVATION: 2,250ft. - 2,300ft. DIFFICULTY: Moderate PARKING: Recreation Park NEARBY TOWNS: Floyd GPS: 36.923500, -80.328981 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Less than one mile walk from shops and restaurants in downtown Floyd.
Cycle floyd:
Cycle Floyd is the Floyd Tourism Office’s first outdoor recreation initiative. A Bicyclist’s Map of Floyd County is now available to help visitors locate fun and safe cycling routes to enjoy while in Floyd. The guide features a complete map of the county and town with seven suggested biking routes, indication of paved and unpaved roads throughout the County, information on mountain bike trails, and cycling event information. Cycle Guides are available in print - contact Floyd Visitor Center at 540-745-4407 or info@visitfloydva.com or online at visitfloydva.com/cycle-floyd/.
Cycle Events in Floyd County: Tour de Floyd - An annual scenic metric century ride with nearly half of its 62 miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Proceeds benefit the Floyd Rescue Squad and is held the weekend/Saturday before Memorial weekend in May. More info can be found at TourdeFloyd.org.
Tour de dirt - A celebration of unpaved roads in Floyd. Held every fall at Chantilly Farm, the routes change every year and vary in length.
Rocky knob Rock castle Gorge
Rocky Knob/ROCK CASTLE GORGE:
This trail starts out easy at the entrance to the Rocky Knob campground around milepost 167. Then the trail descends over three miles into the backcountry camping area in the bottom of the gorge. The rest of the trail is a 7.3-mi ascent back out of the gorge on the return trail. You'll see tunnels of rhododendron and other thick mountain foliage, a splashing stream, and high open meadows. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great way to access this wonderful trail.
Directions:
From I-81, take Exit 114 “Floyd” towards Rt. 8 South, continue for 25 miles passing through the town of Floyd. Take the left exit towards the Blue Ridge Parkway, go south (right) on the BRP, after two miles the parking lot will be on the right. LOCATION: Floyd County TRAIL LENGTH: 10.8 miles ELEVATION: 1,700 ft. to 3,572 ft. DIFFICULTY: Strenuous PARKING: Parking lot near Rocky Knob picnic area NEARBY TOWNS: Floyd GPS: 36.831571, -80.344819 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Check out the Rocky Knob Visitor’s Center .
Angel’S REST
Angel's
Rest: This trail stretches the Appalachian Trail and climbs Pearis Mountain to a rocky overlook with great views of Pearisburg and the surrounding mountains, including the rocky cliffs of the New River as the river winds through the valley below. Angel's Rest is ‘breathtaking’ - not only for these scenic vistas, but also for the strenuous, steep hike that is required to get to the top. Directions:
Follow Rt 460 W for ~30 miles from Blacksburg. Take Thomas Dr on your left, just past Newberry Ford. Go straight through intersection and trailhead for Pearis Cemetery will be on your right in ~1 mile. From parking area you must cross back over Narrows Road and you will see AT markers leading through field.
LOCATION: Giles County TRAIL LENGTH: 5.6 miles round trip ELEVATION: 2,000-3,500 feet DIFFICULTY: Difficult PARKING: Trailhead parking gravel lot NEARBY TOWNS: Pearisburg GPS: 37.334504, -80.755119 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Visit Pearis Cemetery (trailhead parking lot) or continue the history tour with a visit to Andrew Johnston House in Pearisburg, open Wed-Sun.
The Cascades
Photo: Alisa Moody
Cascades Recreation Area:
The Cascades is a scenic and popular destination. It is located in the George Washington National Forest along the Little Stony Creek Valley. A loop trail follows the creek through the forested valley, leading to an overlook with spectacular views of the 69 foot-high Cascades Waterfall. The trailhead parking area has restroom facilities as well as picnic tables and grills. In addition, you can hike an additional mile to the Upper Cascades Falls.
Directions:
From I-81 take exit 118B for US-460 West. After 26.6 miles turn right on Cascade Drive (SR-T623) in the town of Pembroke. The entrance is in 3.3 miles.
LOCATION: Giles County TRAIL LENGTH: 4 miles round trip ELEVATION: 2,200-2,900 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate PARKING: $3/vehicle NEARBY TOWNS: Pembroke GPS: 37.353669, -80.599229 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Float the New River Water Trail, which you can access via the Pembroke boat landing.
Mary Ingles Trail
Mary Ingles Trail:
This beautiful, long walking and biking trail starts in the town of Glen Lyn and follows Hwy. 460 going under the bridge and through the Glen Lyn Park along the New River. The trail has a mixed surface of asphalt and gravel and very minor grade changes. Restroom facilities are available in the Town Park along the trail. The Mary Draper Ingles trail that traverses seven miles one way on river right along the New River, has no improved surface, no restrooms, and has moderate grade changes throughout.
Directions:
From Blacksburg, take 460 West for 35 miles. Turn left into Glen Lyn Campground on the left just before the bridge. Parking is also available at the Town Office at 205 Houston Lane in Glen Lyn.
LOCATION: Giles County TRAIL LENGTH: 14 miles out and back ELEVATION: 1,670 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy PARKING: Town Hall or Glen Lyn Campground NEARBY TOWNS: Glen Lyn GPS: 37.373256, -80.8599660 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Visit Kairos Wilderness Resort for a day of UTV riding or come back to enjoy the Muddy ACCE Race in September.
Mill Creek
Photo: Billy Bowling
Mill Creek Falls: Mill Creek Falls boasts a 1/2 mile long series of spectacular falls known as Falls of Mill Creek is a true hidden treasure. Locals and visitors enjoy fishing in Mill Creek, a special regulation trout stream, mountain biking on the various trails, and hiking to the falls year round. Hikes along Mill Creek run through rhododendron thickets and spectacular rock formations. Several trails break off from the main creek-side trail, climbing into the surrounding mountain forests.
Directions: Take Route 100 to VA-652 to the intersection of VA-710. Follow gravel road though gate to parking area. Trail begins by following Mill Creek up to shelter and following markers. Stay close to the creek the whole way.
LOCATION: Giles County TRAIL LENGTH: ~4 miles round trip ELEVATION: 2,000-2,900 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate PARKING: Small gravel lot NEARBY TOWNS: Narrows GPS: 37.316995, -80.793560 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Head to downtown Narrows to a restaurant or shop.
Bottom Creek
Photo: Brett Madden
Bottom creek gorge:
This powerful mountain stream is a part of the headwaters of the Roanoke River. Bottom Creek forms a stair-step series of broad-basin waterfalls known as ‘The Kettles,’ and boasts a 200-foot high waterfall. Flanking Bottom Creek are forests of hardwoods and upland meadows. Bottom Creek Gorge also contains virgin hemlocks and hundreds of wildflowers.
Directions:
From Christiansburg, take Rte. 11/460 Northeast. In Shawsville, turn right on Allegheny Springs Rd (Rte. 637). After seven miles, Rte. 637 turns left - stay straight on Allegheny Springs Rd, now Rte. 653. At the stop sign in Simpsons, turn left on Rte. 610. At the next stop sign, turn left on Rte. 221. Follow Rte. 221 for six miles through Copper Hill, then turn left on Rte. 644. After 1.1 miles, the road forks. Stay to the right on Bottom Creek Rd. At the “Y” intersection, bear right on Rte. 669. After you cross a small bridge, look for the Preserve sign on your left. Turn at the sign and go up driveway to park. LOCATION: Montgomery County TRAIL LENGTH: 5+ miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 2,400 - 2,600 feet DIFFICULTY: Moderate PARKING: Gravel lot NEARBY TOWNS: Shawsville GPS: 37.132246, -80.180467 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Stop by Meadowbrook Museum in Shawsville to learn about the history of Sulpher Springs in this area.
Falls Ridge
Photo: Elizabeth Tsang
Falls ridge preserve:
This preserve boasts a spring-fed travertine waterfall approximately 80 feet in height. The difference in soil types generates a diversity of vegetation, particularly wildflowers and smaller flora. Over thousands of years, the build-up of calcium carbonate steepened the stream’s gradient and slowly created both the waterfall and one of the largest-known exposed travertine deposits. Large sinkholes idicate the existence of underlying caverns.
Directions: On S. Main St. (Rte. 460 BUS) in Blacksburg, head east on Rte. 603 (Ellet Rd). At “Y” intersection, bear right to stay on Rte. 603 (Den Hill Rd). Turn left on North Fork Rd to stay on Rte. 603. After 1.7 miles, turn right onto Falls Ridge Rd. Immediately after crossing the railroad tracks, turn left onto gravel road. The road curves left and crosses a stream. Bear left at the fork and park on the side of the road near the sign of the preserve entrance. LOCATION: Montgomery County TRAIL LENGTH: 0.8 to 4 miles ELEVATION: 1,500 - 2,000 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate PARKING: Gravel lot NEARBY TOWNS: Blacksburg and Christiansburg GPS: 37.193343, -80.321664 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Visit the Blacksburg and Christiansburg Farmer’s markets.
Huckleberry Trail
The huckleberry trail:
This popular trail runs from downtown Blacksburg to downtown Christiansburg, passing through town neighborhoods, farmland and forests. Numerous side trails along the route connect to parks and to other trail systems, including the Coal Mining Heritage Park, the Jefferson National Forest, and the campus of Virginia Tech. The paved trail is great for walking, jogging, biking and dog-walking. On a pretty day, you will find many local residents using the Huckleberry for all of the above.
Access:
The Huckleberry Trail has several trailheads. The north end of the trail in downtown Blacksburg is located at 200 Miller St. SW, near the Library. Park on the street, as Library parking is reserved. Parking at the south end of the trail is available at the New River Valley mall, at the intersection of 460 Business and Rte. 114. The trailhead is in the northwest corner of the parking lot, behind the mall. LOCATION: Montgomery County TRAIL LENGTH: 6 miles ELEVATION: 2,000- 2,100 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy PARKING: Multiple locations NEARBY TOWNS: Blacksburg, Christiansburg GPS: 37.166920, -80.429104 or 37.225008, -80.413276 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Stop by the Roam NRV bike station at the NRV Mall to experience the trail on two wheels!
Pandapas Pond
Pandapas Pond Day Use Area:
This pastoral, 8 acre pond is located just outside the Town of Blacksburg. It sits on the Eastern Continental Divide and is surrounded by a forest of hardwoods and rhododendron. Visitors will enjoy strolling the one-mile, wheelchair accessible trail that encircles the pond. A wooden boardwalk separates the pond from a small wetland area that is abundant with dragonflies, turtles, songbirds and waterfowl. Horses and bicycles are not permitted on the trail around the pond; however they may use the 17-mile ‘Poverty Creek Trail’ system that can be accessed from the upper parking lot.
Directions:
From Blacksburg, follow US 460 West for 3 miles. Turn left across from SR 621 (Craig Creek Rd.) into Pandapas Pond Day Use Area. Horse and bike parking is located near the entrance. Continue to the lower parking area to access Pandapas Pond for hiking and fishing. LOCATION: Montgomery County TRAIL LENGTH: Trails from <1 to 5+ miles ELEVATION: 2,000 - 2,800 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy to difficult PARKING: Two parking lots; upper lot allows horse trailers NEARBY TOWNS: Blacksburg, Eggleston, and Pembroke GPS: 37.283282, -80.468955 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Head back to downtown Blacksburg for refreshments and entertainment.
Claytor lake
Claytor Lake State Park:
Claytor lake is located on the shore of a 4,500 acre man-made lake created by a hydroelectric dam on the New River. The lake is a popular fishing and boating destination, and the forested shores of the lake are dotted with homes and cabins. The park area is located in a peninsula on the northern shore of the lake, and includes a network of hiking trails as well as a full service marina with boat, bike, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. Campsites are available March through December and numberous cabins are available year round. The historic Howe House offers interactive exhibits for the apsiring conservationist, describing the ecology of the lake and surrounding areas.
Directions:
From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Rd. (Rte. 660). State Park Roads ends at the park entrance. Additional fees for boat launch, camping, etc. LOCATION: Pulaski County TRAIL LENGTH: 7.5 miles of trails ELEVATION: 1,900 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy - moderate PARKING: Multiple lots, $5 entry fee for VA Resident, $7 entry fee for non-VA resident NEARBY TOWNS: Dublin and Pulaski GPS: 37.055196, -80.622816 WHILE YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE THERE: Take in a Pulaski Yankees minor league baseball game at the historic Calfee Park in Pulaski.
Gatewood park
Gatewood Park:
Gatewood Park contains over 400 acres of mountain forests around the Gatewood Reservoir, nestled in the mountains near the town of Pulaski. A network of several hiking and biking trails through the forest and along the shore. There are recreational activities for the whole family, including fishing, paddleboard, kayak, and boat rentals, along with a camp sotre with snacks, drinks and ice cream. The park is open April-October for camping and boat/equipment rentals.
Directions:
From I-81 take Exit 94 to take Route 99 North into the Town of Pulaski (Rt. 99 will become 3rd St.). Turn left at Randolph Avenue, then right on West Main St. After 3 blocks, turn right on Magazine St., then left on Mt. Olivet Rd. (710). Travel 2.3 miles to hard surface road on right, Gatewood Parkway - follow 6 miles to the parking lot and park store. LOCATION: Pulaski County TRAIL LENGTH: 0.5 to 1.5 mile loop ELEVATION: 2,200-2,300 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy PARKING: Multiple parking lots NEARBY TOWNS: Pulaski GPS: 37.044496, -80.869272 WHILE YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE THERE: Check out the model train village at the Ratcliffe Transportation museum in downtown Pulaski.
New River Trail
New river trail state park:
This 57-mile linear park follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic New River for 39 miles. The trail’s gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horses. Several places in the park provide bike rentals, boat launches and gift shops. Fishing is popular, and primitive camp sites dot the trail. Pulaski County hosts 18+ miles of the New River Trail, including the trailhead at Dora Junction.
Access:
Pulaski Train Station (Dora Trail) From I-81 Exit 89B, take US 11 North for 4 miles, parking lot at 20 S. Washington St. on the right (free). Dora Junction - From I-81 Exit 94, Route 99 West toward Pulaski. After 2 miles, turn right on Xaloy Dr., then left into parking lot entrance (fee required). Draper - From I-81 Exit 92, take Rte. 658 East to Draper. Stay right on Rte. 658 (Greenbriar Rd.), then left Rte. 651 (Brown Rd.), and turn right into lot (fee required). LOCATION: Pulaski County TRAIL LENGTH: 18 miles ELEVATION: 1,900 - 2,100 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate PARKING: Multiple access points, $4-5 parking fee NEARBY TOWNS: Pulaski GPS: 37.045678, -80.779659, 37.046394, -80.750155, 37.000249, -80.741457 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Visit ‘The Marketplace’ farmer’s market in the Town of Pulaski (Tuesdays 4pm-8pm).
Randolph Park
Randolph Park:
This 87 acre park and recreation area is located near Dublin and includes a wide array of sports fields and courts, sand volleyball, disc golf, and a large playground and seasonal waterpark. Picnic shelters and charcoal grills are located throughout the park. The park contains a network of leisure trails in the forested areas of the park, including the ‘Inspiration Trail’, a wheelchair accessible trail that allows everyone to experience what the park offers.
Directions:
From I-81, take exit 98 toward Dublin (Route 100 N). Take first left onto Alexander Road. Take first right into Randolph Park access road. Trails are to the left, near the parking lot by the water park.
LOCATION: Pulaski County TRAIL LENGTH: Trails, 0.5 to 1+ mile roundtrip ELEVATION: 2,100 - 2,200 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate PARKING: Multiple parking lots NEARBY TOWNS: Dublin GPS: 37.087882, -80.699088 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Check out the Volvo truck display at the Pulaski Visitors Center near I-81 Exit 98.
Bisset Park
Bisset park: This park is located on 57 acres of riverfront land in the central part of the city. The park offers walking and biking trails, playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, soccer and football fields, along with picnic shelters. With the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access to the New River, wade fishing is always a favorite pastime. NewRiverAdventure.org rents tubes and kayaks during the summer weekends and provides shuttle service from Shelter 3.
Directions:
From I-81, take Exit 109 (Route 177) towards Radford University. Just past the University turn left onto Main St. (Route 11). Continue past the commercial district. Take a right on New River Drive (sign for Bisset Park on corner). Turn left onto Berkley Williams Dr. This road runs the length of Bisset Park, with multiple parking lots. LOCATION: City of Radford TRAIL LENGTH: Trails from <1 to 3 miles ELEVATION: 1,700 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy PARKING: Numerous lots NEARBY TOWNS: Radford GPS: 37.139655, -80.568972 WHILE YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE THERE: Stroll around Radford University and check out their planetarium shows, performing arts and restaurants.
Riverview Park
Photo: Matthew Rehak
Riverview park:
Riverview Park is a great location to enjoy the New River Water Trail. This updated boat launch offers great access to the river to put in canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes and do the ‘lazy river float’ to Dudley’s Landing in Bisset Park. The gentle flowing waters of the New River will take about a half day for this family friendly, beginners float trip.
Directions:
From I-81, take Exit 105 toward Radford (Rte. 232). After 1.5 miles, turn left on Cowan St. Cowan St. ends at the park, parking lots to the left and right.
LOCATION: City of Radford TRAIL LENGTH: 0.5 mile ELEVATION: 1,700 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy PARKING: Multiple parking lots NEARBY TOWNS: Radford GPS: 37.109101, -80.591528 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Paddle or float your way down the New River to Bisset Park.
Wildwood park
Photo: Connie Wohlford
WildWood Park:
This 50 acre park is situated in a wooded valley in the heart of Radford. The park contains a stream, marshy areas, meadows, and limestone cliffs with tufa formations. A bikeway runs through the park and there are several hiking trails. The ‘Bobcat Trail’ is a cross-country loop trail that connects the park with the Radford Recreation Center. While you are there, visit the Mary Draper Ingles bronze statue and learn about this frontier heroine at the Radford’s Visitor Center, 600 Unruh Drive.
Directions:
From I-81, take Exit 109 (Route 177) towards Radford University. Just past the University turn left onto Main St. (Route 11). Continue past the downtown commercial district. Access to Bobcat Trail is at the rear of the Radford Recreation Center, 200 George Street. LOCATION: City of Radford TRAIL LENGTH: 2 miles ELEVATION: 1,800 - 2,000 feet DIFFICULTY: Moderate PARKING: Multiple lots NEARBY TOWNS: Radford GPS: 37.137658, -80.566784 WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Visit the Mary Draper Ingles bronze statue, just a short walk or drive away.
Cascades falls
Angelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rest & Mill Creek Trail
RANDOLPH PARK
GATEWODD PARK
Claytor Lake state park
Mary Draper Ingles Trail
NEW RIVER trail STATE PARK
BISSET, RIVERVIEW, WILDWOOD PARKS
Pandapas pond
Huckleberry Trail
fALLS RIDGE PRESERVE
bottom creek gorge
buffalo mountain trail
Dodd creek trail
Rocky knob rock castle gorge
For more trails and other information on each locality visit: Giles County: www.gilescounty.org Floyd County: www.visitfloydva.com Montgomery County: www.gotomontva.com Pulaski County: www.pulaskivatourism.org Radford: www.visitradford.com
U.S. Route 76
US Route 76: The US Route 76 is part of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail began in 1973 and was formally opened in 1976. This Trail begins in Astoria, Oregon and finishes in Yorktown, Virginia. Over 50 miles of the bike route pass through the New River Valley via U.S. Route 76. The route runs through Pulaski County, then through the heart of the City of Radford, along with Montgomery County, including the Towns of Christiansburg and Blacksburg, before heading into Roanoke County. The New River Valley welcomes cyclists and encourages them to shop at local restaurants and stay at local hotels.