10 Colorful Hikes in the New River Valley
Can you feel the change in the air? The trails beckon with technicolored foliage against bright blue skies of autumn in the New River Valley. Are you in need of hike ideas? Read on for the top 10 hiking recommendations (in no specific order) from the Visit NRV team and then hit the trail! # 1 The New River Trail Hike or bike from the Dora Trail in the Town of Pulaski to The Draper Village along the New River Trail where 32 miles of trail parallels the New River, which is actually INCREDIBLY old! Look for the Ghost Train Art along the way! Stop at The Village Coffee Shoppe, located within The Draper Village, to find infused smoothies and coffees, or shop The Marketplace for local beer and wine. 28
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#2 Gatewood Park is 400 acres of forest; a nature lover’s paradise with miles of wooded hiking and biking trails around a lake shoreline. Camping, paddleboards, kayaking and some great fishing awaits. A short trip down the mountain leads to the Town of Pulaski where you will find Jackson Park Inn, a repurposed warehouse transformed into a stately boutique hotel. Enjoy signature dishes and refreshing beverages at Al's On First located inside Jackson Park Inn. #3 Bisset Park, a 52-acre park bordering the New River (again, one of the oldest rivers in the world) offers stunning sights and sounds. Several multi-purpose trails connect the City of Radford, Radford University and the river. Free parking,
shelters, restrooms, playgrounds and boat launches make this a must-do while in Radford. Stop by Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint on Main Street for a cold draft or a hearty rack of ribs. For a lighter option, Rise & Shine Botanicals is nearby and has delicious smoothies and other wellness goodies. #4 Wildwood Park, a city greenway for recreation and nature study, is in the heart of Radford. A paved trail safely connects Bisset Park to Wildwood Park by travel under Main Street and into a 50-acre wooded valley with a stream, Connelly’s Run, woodland habitat, marshy areas, meadows and limestone cliffs with tufa formations. After the hike, head to Radford Coffee Company for coffee and snacks. Sit in a new pocket park directly across the
Novemb er/Decemb er 2020
