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NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK                                                 SHOT TOWER HISTORICAL PARK

540-699-6778                                         www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail.shtml#general_information                 

www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shot-tower.shtml#general_information                                                    

116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows, VA 24360                

DIRECTIONS: Exit 24 off I-77.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A "Rails to Trails" project, the New River Trail State Park meanders through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties in southwestern Virginia and parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and boating on or near the trail. There are many different access points along the trail, with the southern end beginning in Galax going 39 miles to the Town of Pulaski in the New River Valley.

The 18th century Shot Tower, used to form locally mined lead into shot for firearms. The park trail extends along a 55 mile course, following an old railroad bed, providing a walking, horseback and bicycle trail, in part along the scenic New River.

PARKING: 3 wheelchair accessible parking spaces.

TYPES OF PATHS: Packed cinder, asphalt and chip stone. The accessible trail is 1/4 mile long. The others have steep grades requiring assistance for persons in wheelchairs.

PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Located Shot Tower and Cliffview. Doors are 36 in. wide, and open in. Turns must be made to enter. Accessible stalls have 36 in. wide doors opening out and handrails. 19 in. toilet seat height, and 18 in. between commode and wall. Sink height is 29 in. Pipes are wrapped. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions.

SPECIAL SERVICES:

For guests with mobility disabilities, The entire length of the New River Trail is accessible with all trailside picnic/rest areas including accessible tables. Five trailside non-flush restroom facilities are accessible.

Link to details on the accessible trail.

The Shot Tower grounds and restroom facilities are accessible. Although climbing the Shot Tower is not an accessible feature, the park does provide a picture showcase that allows those unable to climb the tower the opportunity to see the views at the top of the tower.

PICNIC AREAS: Located Shot Tower, Cliffview and Foster Falls. Picnic areas have 1 to 10 tables for guests in wheelchairs, 29 in. high. The aisles between the tables are 40 in. The paths to and within the picnic areas are asphalt, packed gravel, grass and cinder-coal from railroad. There are covered shelters.

CAMPING: One accessible site each at Millrace and Cliffview campgrounds, and these campgrounds include accessible non-flush restroom facilities. These are primitive campgrounds with no vehicular access to the campsites and no showers or bathhouses.

Cliffview Campground is in Carroll County near Galax and overlooks Chestnut Creek. Access is from the Dannelly Fitness Complex parking lot and across a footbridge. Cliffview site, CV001, is universally accessible and is reserved last if not required for a camper with a disability. This is a trailside campground with primitive tent camping only.

Millrace Campground in Wythe County at Foster Falls overlooks the New River. There is no vehicular access to the campground. There is a short hike to the sites from the parking lot. One site, MR012, is ADA accessible and is reserved last if not required forcamper with a disability. Sites hves a fire ring, lantern post, picnic table, and non-flush toilet. Drinking water is available.

Call 1-800-933-7275 for reservations.

CONCESSIONS: The Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery rent canoes, kayaks, tubes, bikes and safety equipment, and it offers shuttle service, snacks and drinks. Call (276) 699-1034 for details.

The Foster Falls Horse Livery provides guided horse rides Thursday through Monday from April 1 through Oct. 31. Call 276-699-2460 for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Open dawn - dusk.. Park fees: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees.shtml

Cliffview office, Foster Falls depot, Foster Falls concession building, Foster Falls stables, Foster Falls picnic shelter are all accessible. Two non-flush restroom facilities at the Foster Falls access are accessible and one restroom facility at the Cliffview access is accessible.

 

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