Rails-to-Trails Biking

A rails-to-trails trail is exactly what it sounds like: The land is a former railroad line where the rails are removed and the large ballast stones are pulverized to create a uniform surface. With few inclines and no sharp turns, the wide, level and generally flat crushed limestone surface makes the trail easy to enjoy. These parks are wonderful for outdoor family time.

Four state parks offer biking on rails-to-trails conversions. Each also provides a look at Virginia’s history.

New River Trail State Park is the oldest rails-to-trails state park in Virginia. The 57 miles of trail parallel the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and pass through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. The Hoover Mountain Biking Area is also popular with those seeking challenging mountain biking adventure.

High Bridge Trail State Park is 31 miles long and ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The park’s centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River. It is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the longest in the United States. The park has numerous biking and hiking spur trails as well.

Wilderness Road State Park has 9 miles of easy and moderate hiking and biking trails. The park offers a glimpse of Virginia’s frontier in 1775.

The short 1.2-mile trail at Staunton River Battlefield crosses the river on an old metal bridge and allows you to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought and died there during the Civil War.

Parks with rails-to-trails biking trails

• High Bridge Trail
• New River Trail
• Staunton River Battlefield
• Wilderness Road

Know before you go

• Maintain your bike.
  Inspect your equipment before you ride. Check tires for proper air pressure. Be sure Brakes are in working order. Lubricate and check the chain for broken links or rust. Carry a trail pump and spare inner tube that fits your tires in case you have a flat. You don’t want a 3- mile walk carrying a broken bike.
• Ride with others.
  Ride with a friend in case something happens. Ride with better riders to become better yourself. Learn from watching others as they ride.
• Stay loose.
  Relax. Your best suspension is your arms and legs to absorb the ups and downs. Let the bike do the work.
• Choose the right gear.
  Bad gear choices make rides harder than they need to be. Gear too low and you’ll spin out. Gear too high and it may be hard to get the power you need when you need it. Change gears to maintain the same pedaling RPMs.
• Learn to track stand.Learning to balance while you’re stopped without putting a foot down will improve your ability to balance while maneuvering technical features. Practice this important skill.

Related biking pages

All Biking | Mountain Biking | Biking, Multiuse Trails

Recent blogs about Biking, Rails to Trails

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