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    New River Trail State Park

    4.6 (12 reviews)

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    Krishna Bhavithavya K.

    We went in the south direction from here. The first mile was little rough with lot of pot holes and stuff but after that it's smooth. It's gravel road. There is a one restroom along the path. This path was next to the flowing river. Parking is $7 for a day and there is a boat ramp just one mile down this park. Overall it's a good path for biking.

    View from biking trail
    Erika M.

    This a beautiful and well maintained park! It's a pretty big park that was built on the bones of an old railroad. They've transitioned the the railroad itself into a really cool path for walking, biking, and horses. The trailed is closed to any motorized vehicles, which makes it feel serene and quiet. 39 miles of the park parallel the New River and offers stunning views. The trail in the portion of the park that we visited was flat and would have been easy for most accessibility. And if you're feeling more adventurous, you can hike down the bank to the river. It's a beautiful spot to hike down for a picnic or a little fishing. Certainly looking forward to returning to explore more of the park on our bikes.

    View of lake
    Crystal H.

    Lovely and lengthy trail. Bathrooms are marked but are actually a little hard to find and were locked (we went on a Monday). Parked at the paid parking right near Allisonia and went North. Visited Pulaski, there's not a ton to do there and a few kids hanging around the old depot, but we found a bite and got back on the trail. The bridges were the highlight of our trip... there are definitely some more boring spots but overall it's a pretty ride.

    Biking on New River Trail
    Jane I.

    I highly recommend visiting the New River Trail State Park! It is a beautiful park perfect for biking! If you go, and want to camp, be sure to reserve spot # 9 at the Millrace Campground. I feel it is the best camping spot. You are just feet from the river here and have a spectacular view. The camp ground brochure speaks about a "small hike" to get there, but it's nothing! Just steps away. They even provide carts to help you haul your stuff from the parking lot to the campground. The only thing this campsite is missing are showers. If this park had showers it would be perfect. You can set up camp and then get shuttled to Pulaski and bike about half way down or 20-25 miles back to the campground, then camp overnight and get up in the morning and bile the final miles down into the town of Galax. It is a wonderful get away spot! Enjoy it!

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    2 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Beautiful park with well maintained trails. This is our 10th visit in the last 8 years. We will be back.

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    13 years ago

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    Ask the Community - New River Trail State Park

    Review Highlights - New River Trail State Park

    They've transitioned the the railroad itself into a really cool path for walking, biking, and horses.

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    Shot Tower State Park - Shot Tower from the parking lot

    Shot Tower State Park

    3.0(5 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    If you're just looking to check out the shot tower, this is a quick in and out. There is an honor…read morebox for parking, so be sure to respect that. The tower stands 75 feet tall and includes a 75-foot vertical shaft beneath which is what's needed to achieve a perfect 150 foot drop. Completed in 1807 by English immigrant Thomas Jackson, who brought with him the secret of the "drop shot" method where one melts lead and drops it from a height through sieves to form perfectly round pellets for use in firearms. Production ceased in 1839. There are markers that give the story. It's interesting and once you've seen that, there is a full park for walking and enjoying nature. [Review 525 of 2025 - 1465 in Virginia - 24086 overall]

    My 28th Va State Park. My 3 star review is selfish. Here's why. I don't bike. It hurts my bottom…read more I've tried it. Then, my tire goes flat. What a giant pain. So, I don't bike, and that what this place is for. Sure you can hike it, but it's a 57 mile path. Similar to tje va Creeper trail at 34 miles and the W & OD trail that's 45 miles. Also, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic trail at 900 miles!!! Plus the C & O Canal trail at and amazing 184.5 miles!!! I truly wish I could bike it but I could never hike it. So.. no go for me here. *also note The New River Va State Park is similar. So much so, they don't allow a Trail Guide check in here. Your Trail Guide check in at The New River State Park counts for for New River and Shot tower. There are numerous entrances. This one is at Austinville.

    Photos
    Shot Tower State Park - Caption explaining the history of Shot Tower State Park, Max Meadows

    Caption explaining the history of Shot Tower State Park, Max Meadows

    Shot Tower State Park - Jackson Ferry and Shot Tower historical marker

    Jackson Ferry and Shot Tower historical marker

    Shot Tower State Park - History of the tower

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    History of the tower

    Claytor Lake State Park - Claytor Lake Medium Cabin's New Floors

    Claytor Lake State Park

    4.3(32 reviews)
    17.6 mi

    This park is one of those ones that feels like a private to public site; the majestic house at the…read morelakefront has been turned into a visitor center. The visitor center has a room or two of exhibitions on hydrology and wildlife but is not anything big. I came seeking a New Year's hike and expecting some scenery while being unsure if the amount of trails available would be enough. I managed to spend a solid two hours circumnavigating the place. In summer, swimming and boating are more likely the activities du jour, and it appears to be an excellent place for such activities. While the park looks close to the highway on the map, it feels like being at a park and there isn't any road noise. Like most VA state parks, they do charge for parking (waived for New Year's Day).

    Don't let all my NJ posts fool you. I was born and raised in southwest Virginia and most of my…read morefamily still lives there. Although I am forever grateful that my parents moved us out of the area when we were younger - especially when I get a peek at the local electoral maps - my heart remains in the mountains. Can't say my brains remain here though because it took until today to realize Claytor Lake was 1) a state park and 2) gorgeous and amazing. All these years I just thought it was nowhere special that my cousins would go fishing. And to think I road trip all the way to NH and Maine every year and could have just driven 7 miles from my grandmother's for an equally rewarding experience. I had cabin fever today at my granny's and caught the local Outdoors magazine write up about Claytor Lake. There's camping?? Swimming?? Trails?? I watched a few videos on YouTube then got in the car to see for myself. Need to know: -There's a booth at the entrance - closed after 4pm. $7 parking fee for most paid by the honor system with cash or check or by card through the QR code during after hours. There are 4 campgrounds - I only saw Campground D open and it was overwhelmingly being used by those with RVs, teardrops, and campers. These are NOT wooded lots, rather gravel pull-ins and you'll likely be very close to your neighbor. A lil too close for me but I can see it not being a huge deal since everyone had campers to sleep in. I took a drive through this campground to see if I would feel comfortable and I didn't see any displays that would make me think I wouldn't (you picking up what I'm putting down?) Trails and paved paths galore. I saw one trail today but didn't get to explore much. Apparently the only shoes I packed for this trip were Crocs. Paved paths snake through the park and are accessible for those with mobility devices. The "lake" was created by damming the river. The water is clear by the shore. We love clean river water! Tons of shelters, grills, benches. There is something for everyone! Not sure if shelters are first come first serve or if you need to book them in high season - check the website. There's a gift shop but it was closed. I was bummed because you know I love stickers! I am counting down the days until I can return in the warmer weather. I would not be opposed to camping here or swimming once they reopen the beach for the season. I also look forward to exploring the trails. Fantastic solo outing. What a gem in my little country corner of the world.

    Photos
    Claytor Lake State Park - Claytor Lake Medium Cabin Living Room

    Claytor Lake Medium Cabin Living Room

    Claytor Lake State Park - Claytor Lake Medium Cabin Kitchen and Dining Area

    Claytor Lake Medium Cabin Kitchen and Dining Area

    Claytor Lake State Park - Hmmmm. On my picnic table? Oh man!

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    Hmmmm. On my picnic table? Oh man!

    New River Trail State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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