State Parks and National Parks

New River Trail State Park is one of Virginia's most unique parks and follows a relatively new trend in public parks — the linear park or greenway.

New River Trail is a 57-mile long state park that follows an abandoned railway. The park meanders through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties in southwest Virginia and parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles.

Despite its name, the New River is the second-oldest river in the world and one of the few that flow from south to north.

The trail features two tunnels, three major bridges and 30 smaller bridges and trestles. New River park attracts hikers, bikers, equestrians, canoeists, picnickers and anglers. Primitive campsites are also available.

This park also serves as a link to other outdoor recreational areas, including a town park in Fries, Mount Rogers National Recreational Area, four Department of Game and Inland Fisheries boat launches and Shot Tower State Historical Park.

New River Trail is minutes from Claytor Lake State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.