In December 1986, Norfolk Southern Corporation donated a 57-mile tract of abandoned railroad right-of-way to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the establishment of a new state park.  Because railroad tracks had previously been on the strip of land, the cinder roadbed needed very little grading.  With the help and support of volunteer groups and chambers of commerce in the region, the park was able to open in May 1987 with four miles of trail. Since then approximately 57 miles of the park are open to the public.

     The 57-mile rail trail is Virginia's only linear state park.  Endpoints are Pulaski and Galax with a spur to Fries.  The surface is cinder and hard packed stone.  The trail parallels the New River from milepost 8 to Fries Junction where the spur to Fries continues on the River.  The trail to Galax parallels Chestnut Creek.  The park meanders through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, and Pulaski counties in southwestern Virginia. 

     Older than its name might suggest, the New River is the great grandfather of rivers.  It flows

south to north, as very few rivers in North America do.  It has the distinction of being the world's section oldest river.  The trail crosses more than 30 bridges and trestles and goes through tunnels nearly 200 feet long.  The longest bridge in the park, located at Fries Junction, is more than 1,000 feet long and offers dramatic views of the ancient river which courses more than 40 feet below.   

      The park is a multi-use trail ideal for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, as well as camping, canoeing and fishing.  New River Trail is Virginia's Millenium Legacy Trail -- recognized for connecting communities and providing links between people, land, history and culture.  Scenery unique to Southwest Virginia is visible along the way.  Interesting sites include the Short Tower State Historical Park, which was used more than 200 years ago to make ammunition.  The area's rich history of an era long past, with the departure of the railroad, lives on whole-heartedly in the towns and communities that line the trail.