Hands down, this is my all time favorite trail! Granted I may be partial because I've lived in VA for years. But even without that fact, there's no denying the New River Trail rocks! Home to two impressively long tunnels, three major bridges, as well as 30 smaller bridges and trestles, there is always something to see along this 57 mile trek thru Virginia.
Both times I've gone, I started this trail in Draper VA and rode east towards Pulaski and then west to Foster Falls for lunch, and back to Draper. Parking is easy in the large gravel lot, though there are no restrooms available. If necessary, you can walk across the street to a porta-potty randomly located near the gas station, but... well... it's a little awkward to do so, as it's not really clear who it belongs to or why it's there. The trail is located directly in front of the parking lot and a large kiosk map is available.
Heading west towards Foster Falls, it doesn't take long (about 10 miles) to hit the Hiwassee River Bridge (my all time favorite rail trail bridge!) The Big Reed Trestle bridge is also along this section of the trail.
This portion of the trail parallels the New River and offers a mix of shade and sun. I've done the trail several times during the spring and summer, including last April and again in July - and had no trouble with bugs, ticks or crowds. There are several covered picnic tables scattered about and the town of Allisonia has a rather picturesque rail station, but no restrooms or water.
Foster Falls is about 14 miles away and a wonderful place for lunch, offering indoor restrooms, water fountains, a gift shop and large picnic areas both near the trail and down along the river. The historic Inn at Foster Falls ( built in 1887 and once used as a hotel for railroad passengers and later as an orphanage) is currently being restored into a 10-room Inn with direct access to the New River Trail. The multi-million dollar restoration has taken nearly 2 years and is thought to be about 85% complete at the time of this writing. Once finished, the opportunity to spend the night in Foster Falls will make the New River Trail even more irresistible. (As it stands now there are only 2 Airbnb options on the trail between Draper and Foster Falls and although a friend of mine has stayed in one and claimed it was fine, I'm not sure I'd be that eager to do so.) That said there are campground in Foster Falls, Brush Creek and Dannelly Park, though again, I've only done this trail as an out-and back-day trip.
The total distance from Dora Junction or the Pulaski trailhead to Foster Falls is about 22 miles one way. Although there are no tunnels along this section of the trail, the river and bridges make it a beautiful day trip and Foster Falls is a great spot for lunch. Finishing this trail is definitely on my bucket list, but each time I go, I seem to end up starting in Draper to ride my favorite bridge!
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