Virginia’s extensive railroad history makes for some incredible opportunities for exploring. The scenic New River Trail State Park is a prime example. Located in southwestern Virginia, the park features one of the best rail-trails in the country. The trail is nearly 60 miles in length and can be enjoyed by hikers and bikers alike. Here’s more on this fascinating abandoned railroad hike in Virginia that spans from Fries to Pulaski.
New River Trail State Park is located at 116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows, VA 24360.
Google Maps
The trail itself runs for 57 miles and parallels the abandoned railroad right-of-way.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Decades ago, the Norfolk Southern Railroad played a major role in supplying Virginia’s iron industry. By 1986, the railroad corridor was donated to what would quickly develop into a multi-use trail system.
JR P/flickr
Meandering along this old route reveals several historic railroad attractions, including tunnels and trestle bridges.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Even with high vantage points, the abandoned railroad hike in Virginia itself remains relatively flat and can be enjoyed by hikers of all skill levels.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Look out for informative signs along the way. These markers offer fascinating insight into the trail’s history.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
In addition to its historical significance, the New River Trail is absolutely breathtaking. Relatively isolated, it offers the perfect escape into nature.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
No matter which segment of the trail you tackle, there will be an impressive variety of landscape to enjoy. Photographed below is the picturesque Foster Falls, where visitors can enjoy tubing and other water activities.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
For anyone looking to hike the entire trail, there are primitive campsites along the way.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Whether you’re on foot, bicycle, or just looking for a scenic picnic area, there’s much to be enjoyed and learned from the New River Trail.
Virginia State Parks/flickr For more information about New River Trail State Park as well as information pertaining to different access points, be sure to visit the Virginia State Parks official page.
Have you visited this abandoned railroad hike in Virginia? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences there! If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in learning about Virginia’s Historic Railroad Towns.
Google Maps
Virginia State Parks/flickr
JR P/flickr
For more information about New River Trail State Park as well as information pertaining to different access points, be sure to visit the Virginia State Parks official page.
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Address: New River Trail State Park, Virginia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
abandoned railroad hike in Virginia December 08, 2020 Beth C. What are the best easy trails in Virginia? Virginia has an impressive variety of trails to choose from, ranging from extremely challenging to relatively accessible for all. If you’re looking for easy trails in Virginia, you might start with any of the following: Black Rock Summit Trail in Crozet, Cape Henry Trail in Virginia Beach, York River Backbone Trail in Williamsburg, Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park in Leesburg, Stonyman Trail in Luray, Belle Isle Trail in Richmond, High Bridge Trail in Farmville, Chestnut Ridge Trail in Roanoke, Roaring Run Hoop Hole Trail in Eagle Rock, Loft Mountain Loop via the Appalachian Trail in Grottoes, and the trails of the Chesapeake Arboretum. You can learn more about these 11 easy hikes in Virginia. What are the best trails to hike with kids in Virginia? Are you planning on hiking with kids in Virginia? Then get ready for some fun! Virginia’s trails lend themselves to family fun, exploration, and lots of opportunities for making memories with your loved ones. Some of the best trails to hike with kids in Virginia include the Lewis Spring Falls Loop, Three Lakes Park, Riverbend Park, Northwest River Park, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Johnson Farm and Abbott Lake, Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, and Staunton River State Park. Which trails in Virginia have the best views? Looking for some relatively easy trails with a big payoff? Well, then, you’ve come to the right place! Virginia features beautiful trails that don’t require hours upon hours of hiking for a rewarding experience. The following is a list of easy-but-rewarding hikes you’ll love to take anytime of year: Dodd Park near Henrico, the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve near Martinsville, Raven Cliff near Cripple Creek, Windsor Castle Park near Smithfield, Leesylvania State Park near Dumfries, Pocosin Mission near Standardsville, Fenwick Mines Walk near New Castle, Fallingwater Cascades near Bedford, and Beartree Lake Trail near Konnarock.
The OIYS Visitor Center
abandoned railroad hike in Virginia
December 08, 2020
Beth C.
What are the best easy trails in Virginia? Virginia has an impressive variety of trails to choose from, ranging from extremely challenging to relatively accessible for all. If you’re looking for easy trails in Virginia, you might start with any of the following: Black Rock Summit Trail in Crozet, Cape Henry Trail in Virginia Beach, York River Backbone Trail in Williamsburg, Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park in Leesburg, Stonyman Trail in Luray, Belle Isle Trail in Richmond, High Bridge Trail in Farmville, Chestnut Ridge Trail in Roanoke, Roaring Run Hoop Hole Trail in Eagle Rock, Loft Mountain Loop via the Appalachian Trail in Grottoes, and the trails of the Chesapeake Arboretum. You can learn more about these 11 easy hikes in Virginia. What are the best trails to hike with kids in Virginia? Are you planning on hiking with kids in Virginia? Then get ready for some fun! Virginia’s trails lend themselves to family fun, exploration, and lots of opportunities for making memories with your loved ones. Some of the best trails to hike with kids in Virginia include the Lewis Spring Falls Loop, Three Lakes Park, Riverbend Park, Northwest River Park, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Johnson Farm and Abbott Lake, Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, and Staunton River State Park. Which trails in Virginia have the best views? Looking for some relatively easy trails with a big payoff? Well, then, you’ve come to the right place! Virginia features beautiful trails that don’t require hours upon hours of hiking for a rewarding experience. The following is a list of easy-but-rewarding hikes you’ll love to take anytime of year: Dodd Park near Henrico, the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve near Martinsville, Raven Cliff near Cripple Creek, Windsor Castle Park near Smithfield, Leesylvania State Park near Dumfries, Pocosin Mission near Standardsville, Fenwick Mines Walk near New Castle, Fallingwater Cascades near Bedford, and Beartree Lake Trail near Konnarock.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Virginia has an impressive variety of trails to choose from, ranging from extremely challenging to relatively accessible for all. If you’re looking for easy trails in Virginia, you might start with any of the following: Black Rock Summit Trail in Crozet, Cape Henry Trail in Virginia Beach, York River Backbone Trail in Williamsburg, Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park in Leesburg, Stonyman Trail in Luray, Belle Isle Trail in Richmond, High Bridge Trail in Farmville, Chestnut Ridge Trail in Roanoke, Roaring Run Hoop Hole Trail in Eagle Rock, Loft Mountain Loop via the Appalachian Trail in Grottoes, and the trails of the Chesapeake Arboretum. You can learn more about these 11 easy hikes in Virginia.
What are the best trails to hike with kids in Virginia?
Are you planning on hiking with kids in Virginia? Then get ready for some fun! Virginia’s trails lend themselves to family fun, exploration, and lots of opportunities for making memories with your loved ones. Some of the best trails to hike with kids in Virginia include the Lewis Spring Falls Loop, Three Lakes Park, Riverbend Park, Northwest River Park, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Johnson Farm and Abbott Lake, Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, and Staunton River State Park.
Which trails in Virginia have the best views?
Looking for some relatively easy trails with a big payoff? Well, then, you’ve come to the right place! Virginia features beautiful trails that don’t require hours upon hours of hiking for a rewarding experience. The following is a list of easy-but-rewarding hikes you’ll love to take anytime of year: Dodd Park near Henrico, the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve near Martinsville, Raven Cliff near Cripple Creek, Windsor Castle Park near Smithfield, Leesylvania State Park near Dumfries, Pocosin Mission near Standardsville, Fenwick Mines Walk near New Castle, Fallingwater Cascades near Bedford, and Beartree Lake Trail near Konnarock.
