Running · Pulaski to Galax, Virginia
New River Trail
A 57-mile linear state park along the New River with tunnels, trestles, and near-zero grade.
- Distance
- 57 mi
- Elevation gain
- 400 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Typical time
- Not yet verified
About this route
New River Trail State Park runs 57 miles between Pulaski, Galax, and Fries, following an old rail corridor beside the New River for much of its length.
The surface is level crushed stone with two tunnels and several long trestles. Because grade is negligible and access points are frequent, it is one of the friendliest long routes in Virginia for beginners, families, and anyone building distance.
Why this difficulty rating: Essentially flat rail grade on firm crushed stone.
Highlights
- 57 miles beside the New River
- Two tunnels and long trestles
- Frequent access points
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Point to point
- Surfaces
- Crushed stone, Gravel
- Setting
- River, Forest
- Amenities
- Parking, Restrooms, Water, Shade, Camping
- Parking
- Not yet verified
- Restrooms
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Fees
- Some access points charge a parking fee.
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Not yet verified
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- Level firm surface for most of its length; check specific access points with the park.
- Stroller friendly
- Yes
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Seasonal notes
- Not yet verified
- Weather exposure
- Not yet verified
- Cell service
- Not yet verified
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Dark tunnels — bring a light
- Shared use with horses and bikes
- Flooding after heavy rain
Related routes
Running
Virginia Creeper Trail
Damascus · Southwest Virginia
A 34-mile rail-trail from Whitetop to Abingdon, famous for its long gentle downhill and trestles.
- Distance
- 34.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 200 ft
- Route type
- Point to point
- Difficulty
- Easy
Surface: Crushed stone, Gravel
- Dozens of wooden trestles
- 17-mile gentle descent
Running
High Bridge Trail
Farmville · Southside & the Piedmont
A 31-mile crushed-stone rail-trail crossing the Appomattox River on a bridge 125 feet above the valley.
- Distance
- 31 mi
- Elevation gain
- 500 ft
- Route type
- Point to point
- Difficulty
- Easy
Surface: Crushed stone
- High Bridge river crossing
- 31 continuous miles
Hiking
Grayson Highlands & Mount Rogers Routes
Mouth of Wilson · Southwest Virginia
Open balds, rock outcrops, and free-roaming ponies below Virginia's highest peak.
- Distance
- 9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,600 ft
- Route type
- Loop
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Surface: Rocky, Dirt
- Wild ponies
- Virginia's highest peak