What we’re about
ASTA endeavors to provide pathways for outdoor recreation that promote healthy lifestyles and connect enthusiasts to nature. Whether it is walking, peddling, hiking, paddling or horseback riding, Alleghany County is rich with existing resources for all to experience. This Meetup group is for anyone with an interest in enjoying our outdoor resources such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, New River, the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Segments 5 and 6 and three existing parks in the Sparta town limits. We will coordinate group hikes and other trail related events in our local geographic area.
Events will be planned for different degrees of difficulty and length. Our pace will be moderate and tailored to fit the diverse needs of the group. Other events such as trail maintenance, trail days, paddling, peddling and others will also be posted here.
Anyone that is interested can join at no cost. Please just answer a few questions in the request to join and include a photo so we know who you are. All our events will be posted here. Our group is sponsored by the Alleghany Sparta Trail Association, check us out - http://www.spartatrails.org .
If you can't participate in our events, you can contribute in other ways or you can participate by making a donation. Please visit our website. ASTA is all-volunteer lead and is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Bike the New River Trail State Park, VAGambetta Road, Galax, VA
BIKE the New River Trail - Pump up the tires and dust off the bike as we enjoy a leisurely ride on the scenic New River Trail in Virginia.
Ride Details: Come join us as we do a moderate paced leisure BIKE ride along the New River Trail. We will ride around 21-24 miles total, out and back, starting at the trailhead in Gambetta, Virginia. We will ride from Gambetta to Buck Dam, or Ivanhoe.
Difficulty: This will be a moderate ride, pace around 10-12 MPH. Distance will be around 22 miles depending on final route. There are several stops and benches along the trail should you want to snack, rest or take photos. You can also turnaround at any point, just let us know of your intentions.
How to Find Us and Access Note: Park at the Gambetta Access in Virginia. There is limited parking, but parking along the road is fine too. There is a $7.00 daily charge for parking, complete the form at the parking lot, enclose payment and place in the drop box, or purchase a yearly pass. No attendant is on duty.
New River Trail:
New River Trail State ParkWe also use the All Trails app for our hikes and events. The trail and directions may also be accessed on All Trails, it is recommended that you download the app on your phone.
Weather: This event is weather dependent. If the weather forecast turns inclement, we will possibly reschedule the event for a different day and time. If weather is questionable, please check back here to the home page before the event to see if conditions have changed, we will try to update the event status on Meetup as timely as practical and send a message via Meetup to attendees.
Other Info: The trail is an abandoned railroad bed with gravel and cinders and has a uniform grade that follows the river. You should bring water, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and season (example: warm gear in cold weather and rain gear for seasonal rides is always a good idea), a snack if desired (please pack out any trash) and during bug season a good repellant for mosquitos and ticks may be desired. Bike head gear and bike gloves are also recommended for safety.
Terms of Participation: Participation in this event constitutes acceptance of the terms of participation as listed for this group on its homepage. On behalf of yourself and any guest you invite, participation in our events is entirely at your own risk.
