176 Orphanage Dr.Foster Falls, VA 24360
Latitude: 36.884589
Longitude: -80.852549
The trail is 57 miles in length, and is accessible at its ends in Galax, Pulaski, and Fries as well as at many points along the trail that offer parking. These include Foster Falls, Shot Tower and Cliffview. The trail is made of fine gravel and earth and is fairly smooth, allowing for an easy trip for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The trail is handicap accessible too. This trail passes through two tunnels, across three large bridges, and across many smaller trestles. If one were to begin at Galax or Fries, they would enjoy a nice gradual downhill until they arrived at lone ash around mile marker 19. After this point they would have a gradual uphill to Draper (mark 6.2) and then a nice downhill to end the journey at Xaloy.
Allisonia to Hiwassee
From Allisonia to Hiwassee is a 2.4 mile, easy, slight uphill gradient with no designated parking areas available at either trailhead. Parking may be found on nearby streets near Allisonia and at several points along the route as it approaches Draper. This section of the trail features the one thousand foot long Hiwassee River Bridge over the New River. This bridge is the second longest bridge on the trail that crosses over the New River.
- Length: 2.4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Austinville to Shot Tower
From Austinville to Shot Tower Historical Park is a 3.6 mile, easy, slight downhill gradient with parking available at the park. The trail runs close to the river along this section which is characterized by the limestone outcroppings along the water’s edge. This section of trail features one of only two tunnels along the route from Pulaski to Galax. Be sure to explore Shot Tower Historical Park while in the area.
- Length: 3.6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Buck Dam to Ivanhoe
From Buck Dam to Ivanhoe is a 3.1 mile, easy, slight downhill gradient with parking available at both trailheads. As you travel this section of the trail you will cross the Wythe County line and begin to notice changes in the area surrounding the trail. A highlight of this section is the two hundred and seventy foot long trestle near Ivanhoe Depot. Throughout this area you will see remains of several industrial sites including several mines, gigantic rock crushers and furnaces for the smelting of iron.
- Length: 3.1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Byllesby Dam to Buck Dam
From Byllesby Dam to Buck Dam is a 2.6 mile, easy, slight downhill gradient with parking available at both trailheads. The trail follows the New River between the dams. This section of the trail features views of Stoot’s Mountain. Like much of the surrounding hills, Sttot’s Mountain was once nearly cleared of all of its timber. Today, the vast forests you see are actually new growth that has occurred in just the past few decades. One can only imagine the old growth forests that once greeted settlers to this region.
- Length: 2.6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Chestnut Yard to Gambetta
From Chestnut Yard to Gambetta is a 3.2 mile, easy, slight downhill gradient with parking available at both trailheads. At Chestnut yard the remains of the railroad’s operations are still visible. As the trail follows Chestnut Creek the valley becomes much narrower. This section features a spectacular two-hundred foot long, curved bridge with beautiful views of the creek and surrounding hills. At Gambetta, take a little time to explore and discover some of the rich heritage of the area.
- Length: 3.2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Cliffview to Chestnut Yard
From Cliffview to Chestnut Yard is a 4 mile, easy, slight downhill gradient with parking available at both trailheads. The trail follows Chestnut Creek with the highlight of this section being Chestnut Falls. There are several smaller bridges along the way as the trail criss-crosses the creek.
- Length: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Draper to Dora Junction
From Draper to Dora Junction near Pulaski, is a 4.2 mile, easy, slight downhill gradient with parking available at both trailheads. This section of trail features the three hundred and fifty foot long McAdam Trestle, the four hundred and seventy foot long Peak Creek Trestle, and the unique Ghost Train sculpture by artist Harry McDaniel.
- Length: 4.2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Foster Falls to Lone Ash
From Foster Falls to Lone Ash is a 5 mile, easy, slight downhill gradient with parking available only at Foster Falls. A brief detour away from the trail offers views of the falls after which the town was named. From the falls to Bertha the trail is somewhat isolated as it winds along the bank of the river. Closer to Lone Ash you will discover several of the highlights of this section of the trail. Near milepost twenty is the grave site of Revolutionary War veteran John Calfee, while just a little ways away is Bertha Cave, a natural wonder that is truly unique and where, at twilight one can often see bats flying from the cave on their nightly forays for food.