New River Valley Trail Guide
Explore the NRV’s best trails for hiking, biking, great views, and outdoor adventure! TRAIL LOCATIONS IN THE NEW RIVER VALLEY
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Weather: The New River Valley enjoys a Weather: The New River Valley enjoys a temperate temperate climate with wonderful hiking weather climate with wonderful hiking weather from spring from spring through fall. The forests are in full through fall. The forests are in full bloom by early bloom by early May (average temperatures, °F- May (average temperatures, °F- high 71, low 47), high 71, low 47), and fall foliage is usually at andpeak fall color foliage in ismid usually to late at peakOctober color (high in mid 65, to latelow October39). Average (high 65,highs low peak39). Average in the mid highs 80’s peak in inJuly theand mid August. 80’s in July and August. elcome to Virginia’s New River Valley e’re glad you’re here to e p lore the opportunities for outdoor recreation in our region. The NRV lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with large areas of the region in the eorge ashington 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, golfing, hiking, biking, and much more. The New River Valley has hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and horse-riding trails scattered around the region. This guide provides information about some of the most popular 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 guide provides information about 15 regional trails, including length, elevation, difficulty, key features, nearby amenities, and directions on how to get there, including coordinates of the trailheads. The trails are listed in alphabetical order. The map on the left shows the location of the trails in the region. More detailed maps can be found at the end of the guide. Need more information lease see the websites listed on the back cover of this guide.
ENJOY YOUR NEW RIVER VALLEY ADVENTURE! Angel’s Rest
ANGELS REST OVERLOOK This stretch of the Appalachian Trail climbs Pearis Mountain to a rocky overlook with great views of Pearisburg and the surrounding mountains, including the rocky cliffs of the New River Palisades as the river winds through the valley below. Angels Rest is ‘breathtaking’- not only for these scenic vistas, but ( hoto: Alisa H. Moody) also for the strenuous, steep hike that is required to get to the top! DIRECTIONS: Follow 460W for ~30 miles (past Blacksburg, Newport, and Pembroke), Take 2nd Pearisburg exit after crossing New River (Pearisburg/Rt. 100S). Take 2nd right onto Johnston Avenue (Beside the Dairy Queen), Take the next right onto Rt. 634 (Morris Avenue). Follow 0.6 miles to where the Appalachian Trail crosses Rt. 634. There is limited roadside parking near the trail crossing.
LOCATION: iles ounty TRAIL LENGTH: miles round trip ELEVATION: , , feet DIFFICULTY: ifficult PARKING: treet parking NEARBY TOWNS: earisburg GPS . , . WHILE YOU’RE THERE: heck out the earisburg armers arket. aturdays am pm Bisset Park ISSET ARK is Radford’s largest park, located on 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 elds, picnic shelters, and two playgrounds. ade shing opportuni es also abound with the park s access to the New River. Tangent u i ers operates a satellite store out of Bisset Park, where canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes can be rented for use on the river. DIRECTIONS: From 1, take xit 10 (Route 1 ) towards Radford niversity. ust past the niversity turn left onto Main Street (Route 11). on nue past the downtown district. Take a right on New River Drive (sign for Bisset Park on corner). Turn left on Berkley illiams Dr. This road runs the length of Bisset Park, with mul ple parking lots along the right side of the road.
T ity of Radford T T Multiple trails from 1 to 3 miles round-trip T 1,700 feet T Easy Multiple lots T W Radford 37.139655, -80.56897 W T troll around the Radford niversity campus. Bottom Creek
OTTO CREEK GORGE is a powerful mountain stream that is part of the headwaters of the Roanoke River. Bo om reek forms a stair-step series of broad-basin waterfalls known as The e les, and boasts a 200 foot high waterfall. Flanking Bo om reek are forests of mixed hardwoods (tulip poplar, maple, oak, hickory) and upland meadows. Bo om reek orge also contains virgin hemlocks and hundreds of wild owers. Directions: From hris ansburg, take Route 11/460 northeast. n Shawsville, turn right on Allegheny Springs Road (Route 63 ). After seven miles, Route 63 turns left stay straight on Allegheny Springs Rd, now Route 6 3. At the stop sign in Simpsons, turn left on Route 610. At the next stop sign, turn left on Route 221. Follow Route 221 for six miles through opper ill, then turn left on Route 644. After 1.1 miles, the road forks. Stay to the right on Route 66 . on nue on Route 66 D N T turn on Bo om reek Road. At the intersec on, bear right on Route 66 . After you cross a small bridge, look for the Preserve sign on your left. Turn at the sign and go up driveway to park.
T Montgomery ounty T T 5 miles T ,400- ,600 feet T Moderate ravel lot T W hawsville GPS . , . W T Head back on Route 1 south to visit the Town of Floyd. The Cascades
( hoto: Alisa H. Moody) CASCADES RECREATION AREA This scenic and popular des na on is located in the eorge ashington Na onal Forest along the i le Stony reek alley. A loop trail follows the creek through the forested valley, leading to an overlook with spectacular views of the 0 foot-high ascades waterfall. The trailhead parking area has restroom facili es as well as picnic tables and grills. DIRECTIONS From 1 take exit 11 B for S 460 west. After 26.6 miles turn right on ascade Dr (SR T623) in the town of Pembroke. The entrance is in 3.3 miles.
LOCATION iles ounty TRAIL LENGT 4 miles roundtrip ELEVATION 2,200 2, 00 feet DI IC LT asy to moderate ARKING 3/vehicle NEAR TO NS Pembroke 3 .3 366 , 0. 22 ILE O RE T ERE Float the New River ater Trail, which you can access via the Pembroke boat landing. Claytor Lake
CLA TOR LAKE STATE ARK is a park on the shore of a 4, 00 acre man made lake created by a hydroelectric dam on the New River. The lake is a popular shing and boa ng des na on, and the forested shores of the lake are do ed 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 rentals, bike rentals, and supplies/refreshments for campers. Numerous cabins and campsites are available from late May to September. The picnic shelters, shing pier and playgrounds are available year round. The historic owe ouse offers interac ve exhibits for the aspiring conserva onist, describing the ecology of the lake and the surrounding areas. DIRECTIONS: From 1, take exit 101 ( laytor ake) to State Park Road (Rte. 660). State Park Road ends at the park entrance. There is a 4 entrance fee per vehicle. Addi onal fees for boat launch, camping, etc.
LOCATION Pulaski ounty TRAIL LENGT 1 2 mi. loop trails ELEVATION 1, 00 feet DI IC LT asy ARKING Multiple lots entry fee of 4 per vehicle NEAR TO NS ublin and Pulaski 3 .0 1 6, 0.622 16 ILE O RE T ERE Take in a Pulaski ankees minor league baseball game. Falls Ridge ALLS RIDGE RESERVE boasts a spring fed traver ne waterfall approximately 0 feet in height. Salem Fault runs through the preserve, dividing it into two different rock types Precambrian limestone and shale/sandstone. The difference in soil types generates a diversity of vegeta on, par cularly wild owers and smaller ora. ver 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. arge sinkholes indicate the existence of underlying caverns. DIRECTIONS: n S. Main St. (Rte. 460 B S) in Blacksburg, head east on Route 603 ( lle Rd.) At intersec on, bear right to stay on Route 603 (Den ill Rd.). Turn left on North Fork Rd to stay on Route 603. After 1. miles, turn right onto Falls Ridge Rd. mmediately after crossing the railroad tracks, turn left onto the 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 for the entrance of the preserve.
LOCATION Montgomery ounty TRAIL LENGT 0. to 4 miles ELEVATION 1, 00 2,000 feet DI IC LT asy to moderate ARKING Roadside parking/ small dirt lot NEAR TO NS Blacksburg and hristiansburg : 3 .1 3343, 0.321664 ILE O RE T ERE isit the hristiansburg Farmer s Market. (Thursdays 3pm pm) Gatewood Park GATE OOD ARK contains over 400 acres of mountain forests around the atewood Reservoir, nestled in the mountains near the Town of Pulaski and surrounded by the Jefferson Na onal Forest. The park has a network of several hiking and biking trails through the forest and along the shore. atewood offers a variety of recrea onal ac vi es for the whole family, including shing, boat rentals, and picnic areas. The park is open April ctober for camping and boat/e uipment rentals.
DIRECTIONS: From 1 exit 4 take Route north into the Town of Pulaski (Rt. will become Third Street). Turn left at Randolph Avenue, then right on est Main Street. After 3 blocks, turn right on Maga ine Street, then left on Mt. livet Road ( 10). Travel 2.3 miles to hard surface road on right, atewood Parkway follow 6 miles to the parking lot and park store.
LOCATION Pulaski ounty TRAIL LENGT 0. to 1. mi loop ELEVATION 2,200 2,300 feet DI IC LT asy ARKING mul ple parking lots NEAR TO NS Pulaski : 3 .0444 6, 0. 6 2 2 ILE O RE T ERE heck out the model train village at the Ratcliffe Transportation Museum in downtown Pulaski. Huckleberry Trail
T E CKLE ERR TRAIL is a popular trail that runs from downtown Blacksburg to downtown hris ansburg, passing through town neighborhoods, farmland and forests. Numerous side trails along the route connect to parks and to other trail systems, including the oal Mining eritage Park, the Jefferson Na onal Forest, and the campus of irginia Tech. The paved trail is great for walking, ogging, cycling, rollerblading, and dog walking. n a pre y day, you will see numerous local residents using the
( hoto: Random Found Objects) uckleberry for all of the above! ACCESS: The uckleberry Trail has numerous trailheads the North end of the trail in downtown Blacksburg is located at 200 Miller St. S , 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 alley mall, at the intersec on of 460 Business and Rte. 114. The trailhead is in the northwest corner of the parking lot, behind the mall.
LOCATION Montgomery o. TRAIL LENGT . miles ELEVATION 2,000 2,100 feet DI IC LT asy ARKING Multiple locations NEAR TO NS Blacksburg, hristiansburg 3 .166 20, 0.42 104 or 3 .22 00 , 0.4132 6 ILE O RE T ERE: ead to the ahn orticulture arden on the irginia Tech campus. Mill Creek
ILL CREEK ALLS A trail that boasts a 1/2 mile long series of spectacular falls known as Falls of Mill reek is a true hidden treasure. ocals and visitors en oy shing in Mill reek, a special regula on trout stream, mountain biking on the various trails, and hiking to the series of falls year round. The adventures to be discovered are limitless. ikes along Mill reek run through rhododendron thickets and spectacular rock forma ons. Several trails break off from the main creek side trail, climbing into the surrounding mountain forests. DIRECTIONS: asiest access to the falls is through the Town of Narrows. Take Route 100 to A 6 2 to the intersec on of A 10. Follow gravel road through gate to parking area. Trail begins by following Mill reek up to shelter and following markers. Stay close to the creek the whole way.
LOCATION iles ounty TRAIL LENGT Approximately 4 mile round trip ELEVATION 2,000 2, 00 feet DI IC LT asy to moderate ARKING roadside and small gravel lot NEAR TO NS Narrows : 3 .316 , 0. 3 60 ILE O RE T ERE ead into downtown Narrows to a restaurant or shop. New River Trail NE RIVER TRAIL STATE ARK is a mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic New River for 3 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 primi ve camping sites dot the trail. Pulaski ounty hosts 1 miles of the New River Trail, including the trailhead at Dora Junc on. The DORA TRAIL connects the Town of Pulaski with the New River Trail. The 2.4 mile trail begins at the istoric Train Sta on (free parking) and heads east through town parks and across Peak reek to Dora Junc on.
ACCESS: Pulaski Train Sta on (Dora Trail) From 1 exit B, take S 11 North 4 miles parking lot at 20 S. ashington St., on the right (free). Dora Junc on From 1 exit 4, Route west toward Pulaski. After 2 miles, turn right on aloy Drive then left into parking lot entrance (fee re uired). raper From 1 exit 2, take Rte. 6 east to Draper. Stay right on Rte 6 ( reenbriar Rd.). eft on Rte. 6 1 (Brown Rd.), right into lot (fee re uired).
LOCATION Pulaski ounty TRAIL LENGT 1 miles ELEVATION 1, 00 2,100 feet DI IC LT asy to moderate ARKING lots at access points 4 parking fee NEAR TO NS Pulaski 3 .04 6 , 0. 6 , 3 .0463 4, 0. 01 , 3 .00024 , 0. 414 ILE O RE T ERE isit T E ARKET LACE farmer s market in the Town of Pulaski. (Tuesdays 4pm pm) Pandapas Pond
ANDA AS OND DA SE AREA is a pastoral, acre pond located ust outside the town of Blacksburg. t sits on the astern on nental Divide and is surrounded by a forest of hardwoods and rhododendron. isitors will en oy 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 dragon ies, turtles, songbirds, and waterfowl. orses and bicycles are not permi ed on the trail around the pond however they may use the 1 mile Poverty reek Trail sys- tem that can be accessed from the upper parking lot. DIRECTIONS: From Blacksburg, A Follow S 460 est for 3 miles. Turn left across from SR 621 ( raig reek Road) into Pandapas Pond Day se Area. orse and bike parking is located near the entrance. on nue to the lower park- ing area to access Pandapas Pond for hiking and shing.
LOCATION Montgomery ounty TRAIL LENGT Mul ple trails from 1 to miles round trip ELEVATION 2,000 2, 00 feet DI IC LT asy to di cult ARKING Two parking lots- upper lot allows horse trailers NEAR TO NS Blacksburg 3 . 2 32 2, 0.46 ILE O RE T ERE Stop by the Blacksburg Farmer s Market. (Saturdays am 2pm, ednesdays 2pm 6pm) Randolph Park
(Photo Random Found b ects) RANDOL ARK is an acre park and recrea on area near ublin, that includes a wide array of sports elds 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 nspira on Trail , a wheelchair accessible trail that allows everyone to experience what the park has to offer. DIRECTIONS: From 1, take exit toward Dublin (Route 100 N). Take rst left onto Alexander Road. Take rst right into Randolph Park access road. Trails are to the left, near the parking lot by the water park.
LOCATION Pulaski ounty TRAIL LENGT Multiple trails from 0. to 1 mile roundtrip ELEVATION 2,100 2,200 feet DI IC LT asy to moderate ARKING multiple lots NEAR TO NS ublin : 3 .0 2, 0.6 0 ILE O RE T ERE heck out the olvo truck display at the Pulaski isitors enter near 1 exit . Riverview Park
RIVERVIE ARK is a small park on the bank of the New River on the west end of Radford. The park is less well known than Bisset Park and therefore uieter, crea ng an opportunity to spot o ers, muskrats and a variety of birds along the shore. The park includes soccer elds, a basketball court, a playground, a picnic shelter, and a boat launch. Riverview is a great loca on to en oy the New River ‘water trail.’ The park has easy access to the river to ‘put in’ canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, etc., and oat down the river to udley’s anding in Bisset Park. The gentle owing waters of the New River will take about a half day for this family friendly, beginners oat trip. DIRECTIONS: From 1 take exit 10 toward Radford (Rte. 232). After 1. miles, turn left on owan St. owan St. ends at the park, parking lots to the left and right.
LOCATION ity of Radford TRAIL LENGT 0. mile ELEVATION 1, 00 feet DI IC LT asy ARKING Multiple lots NEAR TO NS Radford 3 .10 101, 0. 1 2 ILE O RE T ERE: Paddle or float your way down the New River to Bisset Park. War Spur Trail
(Photo Alisa . Moody) AR S R LOO is an easy trail through the Mountain ake ilderness that treats hikers to a wide variety of plant life and an outstanding view. Most hikers travel the loop counter clockwise, following the Salt Pond Mountain ridge to the overlook. The overlook offers views of the Mountain ake ilderness, Johns reek Mountain, and the valley below. n the return hike to the trailhead, you will walk through a rhododendron thicket and pass a number of large spruce, oak, and hemlock. DIRECTIONS: From S 460 west, turn right on Mountain ake Road (SR 00). Travel 3. miles past Mountain ake otel. ar Spur Trailhead and parking area is on the right.
LOCATION iles ounty TRAIL LENGT 1. mile loop trail ELEVATION 3, 00 3, 00 feet DI IC LT asy to moderate ARKING roadside and small gravel lot NEAR TO NS Pembroke 3 .3 0 32, 0. 0 030 ILE O RE T ERE isit Mountain ake odge, where Dirty Dancing was filmed. Wildwood Park
ILD OOD ARK is a 0 acre wooded valley in the heart of Radford. The park contains a stream, marshy areas, meadows, and limestone cliffs with tufa forma ons. A bikeway runs through the valley and there are several hiking trails. The O CAT TRAIL is a cross-country loop trail opening in summer 201 , connecting Wildwood Park with the Radford Rec enter. The Radford igh School ross ountry team will use the trail for training and compe on, but it is open to the public as well. DIRECTIONSDIRECTIONS:: From 1, - , taketake xit it10 0 (Route (Route 1 ) towards towards Radford Radford niversity. JustJust pastpast the the niversity niversity turn turn left left onto onto MainMain Street (Route 11). on nue on nue pastpast thethe downtowndowntown district.district. At thethe tra ctra c lightlight at at the the unc on unc on of of rove rove Avenue Avenue and and Main Street,Street, turnturn leftleft ust ust pastpast this this light light into into ildwood ildwood Park. ToTo accessaccess thethe BobcatBobcat Trail, Trail, turn turn left left onon rd3 3rd Ave. Ave. in in the downtown district. Turn left on awrence St., then the downtownnd district. Turn left on awrence St., then right on on 2 2nd Ave. Ave. Belle Belle eth eth lementary lementary and andthe Rec the Rec enter will be on the right. Trail is in the rear. enter will be on the right. Trail is in the rear.
LOCATION ity of Radford TRAIL LENGT 2 miles ELEVATION 1, 00 2,000 feet DI IC LT Moderate ARKING Multiple locations NEAR TO NS Radford 3 .13 6 , 0. 66 4 ILE O RE T ERE o to Main Street in Radford for the shops and restaurants. Maps of trail locations and routes The following pages show maps of the trail route, as well as the driving route from the main roads ( n- terstate 1 and S Routes 11 and 460) to the trail- head parking areas. The trails for Radford ity are shown below. The following page shows the trails in iles ounty (Angel s Rest, ascades, Mill reek, ar Spur), followed by Montgomery ounty (Bot- tom reek, Falls Ridge, uckleberry Trail, Pandapas Pond), and Pulaski ounty ( laytor ake, atewood Reservoir, New River Trail, and Randolph Park). For more informa on on these trails, please visit the websites listed on the back cover.
isse i er ie n i oo r s
Bisset Park
R C T or i r i s riving route from main road to trail parking
Trail/path routes sc e s n e s es
G Trail/path routes C road to trail parking rivingroute from main r i s T i es o n i ree r r r i s i e Trail/path routes parking C main road to trail rivingroute from o n r i s T on o er o o ree or e n s on on o er o n r i s riving route from main road to trail parking
Trail/path routes c e err r i e oo r or e
Trail/path routes parking C main road to trail rivingroute from T o n r i s s i e i er r i n o r n Dor r i
NOTES & OBSERVATIONS For more trails, and other regional information:
nforma on on regional a rac ons and food, lodging, gas, etc., at www.explorenewrivervalley.com
nforma on for each locality at their websites i es: h p //gilescounty.org/ on o er : h p //www.visitmontva.com/ s i: h p //www.pulaskichamber.info or : h p //www.visitradford.com
Thanks to the Virginia Tourism Corporation for their support in the development of this trail guide