Day trip: Choose your adventure at New River Trail State Park in Virginia
Drive two hours straight up I-77 and you find yourself in a beautiful part of the country and in a different state. We found New River Trail State Park online two years ago. The fact that we did any research ahead of time is unlike us. Much to the displeasure of our kids, we like to hop in the car and see where the road leads.
The park is linear – stretching along the river for 57 miles, with hiking trails connecting two of the entrances. There is a north entrance in Max Meadows and a south entrance in Galax. Be sure you know which one you want to visit. GPS is squirrelly in the mountains so plan your route carefully and think about a paper map for a backup. Yes, I am speaking from experience.
We have been to New River Trail State Park twice. Both times, we relaxed by the river, hiked a bit and got caught in a summer storm. I love this park because you can swing in a hammock overlooking a meadow of horses or battle the rapids in a canoe. You choose your level of adventure.
Park manager Sam Sweeney has been at New River Trail State Park for five years. He gave me the run-down of activities at the north entrance at Foster Falls on Orphanage Road:
Float around in a tube
Rent a tube for an hour or two and stay near Foster Falls. Call ahead to make sure water is high enough for tubing. Tube rental is $5-$18.
Rent a canoe or kayak
Take a short or long ride on the river then return on the shuttle. Canoes and single and tandem kayaks are available, $25-$55.
Go horseback riding
Take a one- or two-hour guided tour on horseback, for ages 10 and up. Reservations needed. $20-$35 for tours, $5 pony rides for the kiddies.
Hike or bike 57 miles of trails
Pick a direction and a time to turn back. Bike rental costs range from $5-$18.
Fish for catfish, bass or muskie
Virginia fishing license is required. One may be purchased at The New River General Store or online.
Check out the Discover Center
Free science center. Call ahead for hours.
Visit the Shot Tower
The Shot Tower is located at 176 Orphanage Road. Ranger’s tour and history lesson are worth it. For the more daring, hike from the tower to Foster Falls.
Camp on mainland or Baker’s Island
Need more than a day excursion? Camp on the shores of the river or canoe to a primitive campsite (read — no toilet). Reserve ahead.
Details
Hours – Open dawn to dusk
Admission – $4-$5 per car, cash or credit accepted at Foster Falls. Other park entrances require cash.
Gift Shop – Ice cream, snacks and t-shirts for sale
Amenities – Bathroom, picnic tables and drink machines available.
Name confusion – New River Trail State Park in Virginia should not be confused with New River State Park in North Carolina.
Sweeney’s Top Food Picks
I suggest packing picnic supplies unless you are ready to eat at a rare roadside gas station. You may be able to stop at one of Sweeney’s top picks on the front or back-end of your trip:
West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery, Max Meadows, VA
1776 Log House Restaurant, Wytheville, VA
Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdog, Wytheville, VA
The Draper Mercantile and Trading Company, Draper, VA
The Galax Smokehouse, Galax, VA
Creek Bottom Brewing, Galax, VA
116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, VA 24360
Call 276-699-6778 for reservations, hours and availability.
Photos: Vanessa Infanzon, New River Trail State Park
This story was originally published August 4, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Day trip: Choose your adventure at New River Trail State Park in Virginia."