Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 24, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov
New River Trail State Park opens Kids in Parks TRACK Trail in Fries
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: New River Trail TRACK Trail Ribbon Cutting)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: New River Trail TRACK Trail)
MAX MEADOWS, Va. — Families visiting New River Trail State Park have a new way to explore the outdoors with the opening of a Kids in Parks TRACK Trail in Fries. The self-guided adventure trail is designed to help young visitors connect with nature while making hiking fun and educational.
The TRACK Trail program was developed by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks initiative. It encourages children and their families to complete activities along the trail and log their adventures online to earn fun prizes that will enhance their next outdoor experience.
The Fries TRACK Trail is 1.4 miles one way and follows a scenic stretch of the New River, offering interactive experiences that highlight local plants, animals, history and natural features. It’s free to walk; however, the park’s standard parking fees apply.
New River Trail State Park’s TRACK Trail joins more than 300 others nationwide, helping kids log miles, earn rewards and develop a lifelong love for the outdoors. This project was made possible through the generous financial support of the Friends of New River Trail State Park, invaluable contributions from the GW and Gail Catron Family and help from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.
For more information about New River Trail State Park, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/new-river-trail. To learn more about the Kids in Parks TRACK Trail program, visit www.kidsinparks.com.
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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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