Bike at New River Trail State Park

Southwest Virginia’s New River Trail is one of America’s premier rail-trails; the U.S. Department of the Interior designated it an official National Recreation Trail in 2002. The trail is also a linear state park running along the New River through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, and Pulaski Counties. In 1986, the Norfolk Southern Railway donated the railroad corridor, which originally served the once-­expanding iron industry, to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Along the way, you’ll see many railroading highlights, including cavernous tunnels, steep dams, and trestle bridges, as well as the historical Shot Tower, built in 1807. The Galax and Pulaski trailheads have all your post-trail amenities.

The trail is 57.7 miles in length between Galax and Pulaski. For this ride, we'll only do the about 17 miles on Saturday (6/28) from Galax to Fries and 8 miles on Sunday (6/29) from Pulaski to Hiwassee River Bridge. This will be an out-and-back ride. So, the total distance for both days is 50 miles. You can do one or both rides.

The trail surface is crushed stone. A hybrid bike is recommended. I plan to tent camp at Old Cranks RV Park, (276)728-6798, 407 S. Railroad Ave, Galax. $20/night. It's only a mile from the trailhead.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were riding alone. With your RSVP, you agree with this disclaimer.

Weather forecast: TBD

Notes:

1. This is a no drop ride. Pace is 8-12 mph. At each crossing on the trail, we will stop and consolidate the group on the other side of the trail.
2. Reference guide: https://www.traillink.com/trail/new-river-trail-state-park/
3. Suggested trip equipment: helmet, headlamp, warm/wet-weather gear, repair kit/spare tube/pump, cash, cell phone, ID/car keys, sunglasses, snack/drink, cable lock, and water shoes/sandals. Leave change of clothes and water (for rinsing) in your vehicle.
4. You'll need a headlamp or lights on your bike because we'll be going through one tunnel.
5. $7 parking fee at trailheads.
6. A final itinerary or cancellation notice will be posted 3-5 days before the ride.

Tentative Itinerary: All events are optional and subject to change. Times are approximate.
Friday (6/27):
4:00 pm - setup tent site at Old Cranks RV Park.
6:00 pm - Dinner at Creek Bottom Brewing Co, 307 N. Meadow St, Galax. See https://www.cbbrews.com/lil-bottom/menus/.
7:00 pm - 10 pm - Live music at Creek Bottom Brewing. Performers TBD.
Saturday (6/28):
9:30 am- meet at New River Trail State Park, Galax access for start of ride and group introduction.
10:00 am - ride north to Fries for about 17 miles.
12:00 pm - lunch at the Windy River Cafe in Fries.
1:00pm - ride back to Galax with optional stops at places on the river and Chestnut Creek where we can go into the water and splash around.
6:00 pm - Concert and dinner at the Blue Ridge Music Center, 700 Foothills Rd, Galax. See https://www.blueridgemusiccenter.org/. It is about 10 miles away on MP213 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We can buy the tickets at the gate. Food available at the venue. Bring folding chair or blanket and jacket. Meet at the amphitheater gate at the top of the hill overlooking the stage.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - live concert. Performers TBD.
Sun (6/29):
9:30 am - meet at Dora Junction trailhead (37°02'43.5"N 80°44'58.2"W) in Pulaski.
10:00 am - ride south to Hiwassee River Bridge and back for @ 16 miles.
12:00 pm - lunch at Compadres Mexican Restaurant, 1106 E. Main St, Pulaski.
1:00 pm - travel home. Safe travels.