Scenic New River Trail entrance in Virginia with wooden signs, crushed limestone path, lush green forest, and clear blue sky
Virginia's Premier Rail Trail

Take a Day Trip to The New River Trail

Explore 57 miles of rail trail through the New River Valley in southwest Virginia, with the Town of Fries as your base camp.

Why visit The New River Trail State Park?

Enjoy the one-of-a-kind beauty of Southwest Virginia as you wind along the New River, across historic trestle bridges and through stone tunnels. You might begin with a short nature walk, plan a half day by bicycle, or use the Town of Fries as the starting point for an overnight fishing or nature photography retreat. This guide is here to help you understand the route, choose an access point, and make the most of your time outdoors. NRT is an independent website created to promote and support visitation to The New River Trail State Park and the surrounding region. *For current park updates and happenings, visit the Official Virginia State Park Website:
New River Trail State Park Official Site

About the Trail

The New River Trail State Park is an easy day trip destination from Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte, NC. The rail-trail winds through the scenic New River Valley for hiking, biking, horseback riding, tubing, fishing, canoeing, camping and more.

Fries, Virginia is one of several access points. For route details and activities, see the trail guide and the things-to-do page.

Length

57 miles

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Surface

Crushed limestone

Best Season

Spring & Fall

Who the Trail is Here for

The trail is available to anyone who longs for an outdoor adventure.

Families
A gentle grade and picnic areas make the trail workable for a range of ages.
Cyclists
A crushed limestone surface with multiple access points for rides of different lengths.
Anglers
The New River is known for smallmouth bass fishing, with access points along the trail.
Day Trips
Fries, Virginia sits at the trailhead and works as a base for a day on the trail.

Where to Start

Read the trail guide for route and access details, or learn about Fries, Virginia at the trailhead.