Skip to content
New River Trail State Park, Max Meadows, VA

Photo: Virginia State Parks staff, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

New River Trail State Park

A linear state park on a former railroad corridor that follows the New River in southwest Virginia.

116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360 · Max Meadows, VA

About New River Trail State Park

This long, narrow state park runs along an old railroad bed donated to Virginia in 1986. Its gentle grade suits hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders of all ages. The trail parallels the New River for much of its length and passes through several counties and the city of Galax. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, tubes, and bikes at the Foster Falls area, fish from the riverbanks, and stay at primitive campgrounds or a historic riverside inn. Features include tunnels, trestles, bridges, and a historic shot tower. The Hoover Mountain Biking Area offers more challenging riding.

  • #rail-trail
  • #hiking
  • #biking
  • #horseback riding
  • #fishing

What's around here?

The closest stops to New River Trail State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Claytor Lake State Park

    Check prices

    Lakeside state park in Pulaski County known for fishing, boating, swimming, camping and cabin stays.

    17 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums

    Blue Ridge Music Center

    Check prices

    A music venue, museum, and visitor center on the Blue Ridge Parkway celebrating mountain music traditions.

    22 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing

    Big Walker Lookout

    Check prices

    A 100-foot observation tower and country store perched atop Big Walker Mountain in southwestern Virginia.

    24 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing

    April 16 Memorial

    No admission fee

    A Virginia Tech memorial of 32 engraved Hokie Stones honoring members of the campus community who died in the April 16 tragedy.

    34 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Hungry Mother State Park

    Under $25

    A Virginia state park centered on a 108-acre mountain lake with a sandy beach, cabins, and more than 17 miles of trails.

    38 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Grayson Highlands State Park

    Under $25

    Hike open mountain balds above 5,000 feet near Mount Rogers, where wild ponies graze beside the Appalachian Trail.

    41 mi awayMore like this

Near New River Trail State Park

More of the same kind

Keep exploring