New River Trail State Park is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad bed. For 39 miles, it runs alongside the scenic and historically significant New River. The two figures describe different things: 57 miles is the length of the park, while 39 miles is the stretch that runs along the river. The former railroad bed gives the park its linear shape; the river forms a second axis, defined by both scenery and history. This brings nature and human use together in a tangible way.
Nature and Trails
New River Trail State Park can be accessed by road, by river, or via the New River Trail. The variety of access options is a consideration in its own right when planning your visit. If you are interested in hiking, the trail is a natural choice; its 57-mile length describes the extent of the park, not a required day hike. The combination of river and former railroad bed also makes the park interesting if you want to explore the history of the landscape alongside spending time outdoors.
Foster Falls Historic District lies entirely within New River Trail State Park. Its development began after iron ore was discovered and an iron furnace was subsequently built in 1881. Unlike the trail’s railroad history, the focus here is on industrial development. The district and the park thus offer two distinct historical perspectives: an abandoned railroad bed on one hand, iron ore and an iron furnace on the other. The park is accessible by road, river, or trail.
Historic Places
Shot Tower connects a specific location on the New River with the history of settlement on the frontier. Thomas Jackson built it around 1807 on a bluff above the river in Wythe County. Its purpose was to manufacture shot for settlers’ firearms. The approximate date and stated function give the structure a clear historical context: it speaks both to early technological use and to supplying the settlers of the time.
Another historic landmark is Fort Chiswell Mansion. Stephen McGavock and Joseph Cloyd McGavock entered into a contract to build the mansion in 1839. The two names and the agreement are central here; the year marks when the contract was made. Together with Shot Tower and Foster Falls Historic District, the mansion offers a glimpse into different chapters of regional history: settlement, building history, and industrial development.
Experiences and Interests
Fort Chiswell Animal Park opened on August 13, 2004. During the safari bus ride, the animals roam freely. This sets the experience apart from walking the trail or visiting sites focused on architecture and industrial history: here, the bus ride and observing the animals take center stage.
To help you choose, you can first decide what you would most like to focus on. New River Trail combines an extensive linear park landscape with river and railroad history. Shot Tower and Fort Chiswell Mansion draw attention to historic buildings and their respective origins. Iron ore and the 1881 iron furnace shape the historical context at Foster Falls Historic District; at the Animal Park, the safari bus ride is the featured visitor experience. These different highlights can help you plan your trip around the topics that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Wytheville.
View the main travel overview: Wythe County.
