There is no shortage of activities for visitors at New River Trail. The 57-mile linear park follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way, creating a nice gentle slope for walkers, runners, horseback riders and cyclists. If you prefer water-based activity, you’re in luck. The trail parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles.

The park meanders through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties and the city of Galax, creating more than 10 different access points; however, the Foster Falls area serves as a great activity hub no matter your interest.

Picnic table overlooking Foster Falls

Here are five fun ways to explore Foster Falls:

1. Walk or bike to Shot Tower State Park

Located 1 mile from Foster Falls, Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water.

During scheduled tour times, you can ascend the tower and get an up-close look at the structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission to the tower is free; however, the park’s daily parking fee applies.

Shot Tower State Park

2. Book a rental

The Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery rents canoes, kayaks, tubes, bikes and safety equipment and offers shuttle service, snacks and drinks.

The livery is open on weekends from the first Saturday in April through Memorial Day, then open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, and open on weekends again from Labor Day through the last Sunday in October.

For more information about rentals and to confirm livery hours, call the park at 276-699-1034.

Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery

3. Go fishing

The New River supports outstanding populations of just about every major freshwater game fish in the state. You’ll find smallmouth bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, hybrid striped bass, muskellunge, walleye, black crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, yellow perch, redbreast sunfish and bluegill.

State records caught in the New River include muskellunge (45 pounds, 8 ounces), smallmouth bass (8 pounds, 1 ounce) and yellow perch (2 pounds, 7 ounces).

For more information about fishing the New River, including regulations, click here.

Foster Falls is a great place for fly fishing

4. Go birding

The New River Trail is home to more than 127 bird species. Some of the birds that you might see along the trail include great blue heron, kingfisher, great egret, green heron, double-crested cormorant, ruffed grouse and various warblers, sparrows, vireos, tanagers, thrushes and other neotropical songbirds, ducks and geese.

Don't forget to download a free birding app before you go, such as Merlin Bird ID or eBird.

Green Heron on the New River

5. Stay overnight

The Millrace Campground at Foster Falls is a beautiful place to camp as it overlooks the New River. The primitive campground is a short hike from the parking lot and has 21 tent camping sites. Each site has a fire ring, lantern post, picnic table and access to the river. While drinking water is available, there are no showers or bathhouses at the campground. However, campers do have access to a non-flush toilet. To learn more or to make a reservation, call 1-800-933-PARK or go to reservevaparks.com.

Campsite at Millrace Campground

If primitive camping isn’t for you, be sure to check out The Inn at Foster Falls, which is located within New River Trail State Park. The 10-room boutique hotel has stood at the center of Foster Falls since 1887 and has experienced many lifetimes since. It was originally a hotel but was later a school, and lastly a children's home.

The Inn at Foster Falls opened in the spring of 2023 and is managed and operated by New River Retreat, LLC. For more information or to book a room, visit stayinnfosterfalls.com or call New River Retreat at 1-276-595-5905.

The Inn at Foster Falls