New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. The park's Foster Falls area offerscanoe and bike rentals boat launches gift shops and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites areavailable in designated areas. The park's Hoover Mountain Biking Areais also popular with those seeking extra adventure. There are access points to the trail at Allisonia, Chestnut Yard, Cliffview, Dannelly Park near Galax, Draper, Dora Junction near Pulaski, Foster Falls, Fries, Galax, Gambetta, Hiwassee and Ivanhoe. Horse trailer parking is available at Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex.

Two tunnels 135 feet and 193 feet long

Three major bridges Hiwassee - 951 feet Ivanhoe - 670 feet Fries Junction - 1,089 feet

Nearly 30 smaller bridges and trestles

A historic shot tower used more than 200 years ago to make ammunition

Potable water is available only at Galax, Cliffview Campground Dannelly Park and Foster Falls as well as at the horse trailer lots at Ivanhoe, Draper and Dora Junction.

Five non-flush toilets are available along the trail.

In December 1986, Norfolk Southern Corporation donated a 57-mile tract of abandoned railroad right-of-way to the Commonwealth of Virginia to establish a new state park. Because railroad tracks had previously been on the strip of land, the cinder roadbed needed minimal grading. With the help and support of volunteer groups and chambers of commerce in the region, the park opened in May 1987 with four miles of trail. Since then, approximately 57 miles of the park have been open to the public.

New River Trail State Park has three primitive campgrounds Cliffview, Millrace and Double Shoals. There's no vehicular access to the campsites and no showers or bathhouses.

Cliffview Campground Carroll County near Galax is a trailside campground with primitive tent camping only. It overlooks Chestnut Creek. Access is from the Dannelly Fitness Complex parking lot and across a footbridge no direct vehicle access. Twelve primitive campsites are available. Note This campground is 24 miles from the Millrace Campground.

Millrace Campground Wythe County at Foster Falls. This campground overlooks the New River. There is no vehicular access to the campground. There is a short hike to the sites from the parking lot. There are 21 primitive tent camping sites. Note This campground is 24 miles from Cliffview Campground.

Double Shoals Campground is an honor system campground. There's a self-pay system onsite for first-come, first-served use. Two primitive sites only. Campers must bring their own water. It is part of the New River Canoe Trail and is accessible only by river or trail via paddling or hiking. The Town of Fries is the closest access. Location is mile marker P-40 on the Fries branch of New River Trail State Park. Land neighboring Double Shoals is privately owned and landowners do not accommodate parking.