Virginia has some incredible rail trails to ride. It all began back in 1976 when Congress passed legislation creating the first Rails-to-trails Grant Program to revitalize non-used or abandoned rail corridors.

Abandoned rail lines are converted into trails for recreational use.

New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way.

"These corridors were being abandoned at an alarming rate — 4000 to 8000 miles per year — and a valuable national resource was being lost. The Rails to Trails Act of 1983 allowed the railroads to “railbank” these corridors by allowing abandoned rail lines to be converted into trails for hiking, biking, equestrian, and transportation purposes." (Source: VaBike.org)

Nationally there are 2,228 rail-trails open for riding with a total of 24,587 miles. With 847 rail-trail projects with a total of 9,054 miles. (Source: Rails-to-rails Conservancy)

We are fortunate that Virginia is home to some amazing rail trails, and two of the best are Virginia State Parks.

1. | High Bridge Trail State Park

High Bridge Trail is 31 miles long and suitable for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. 

 The bridge is the crown jewel of this park and community.

The centerpiece of this 31-mile rail-trail in Farmville is the historic High Bridge built in 1853. It runs 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, and the crown jewel of Farmville.  

One of the last battles of the Civil War occurred here on April 6 and 7, 1865. The war ended two days later at Appomattox.

Access points and parking info here. The park has family-friendly events with nature and history programs throughout the year; see them here.

2. | Virginia Creeper Trail

This popular rail-trail was named after the steam engine that crept up the rails into the Iron Mountains. The rail-trail runs 34 miles from Abingdon to Whitetop Station, carving through farmland, mountain streams, and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area's wooded splendor. A popular option is to rent a bike from one of the outfitters in either Abingdon or Damascus, who shuttle riders to Whitetop Station. From there, it's a 17-mile ride into Damascus, almost all downhill.

It is best known as a biking trail. Still, in reality, the VCT is a multi-use trail with opportunities to bike, walk, run, fish, horseback ride, people watch, cross country ski, and geocache, along with chances to observe native fauna and flora, as well as the fascinating historical and economic role the railroad played in southwest Virginia.

Learn more about the Virginia Creeper Trail.

3. | Tobacco Heritage Trail

A southern Virginia trail in Brunswick and Lunenberg counties and the towns of Victoria, La Crosse, Lawrenceville, Brodnax, South Boston, South Hill, Chase City and Boydton. Enjoy a ride through woods and along the edges of tobacco farms that have been passed from one generation to the next.

4. | Guest River Gorge Trail

Six beautiful miles parallel the scenic Guest River and offer a remote escape in Southwest Virginia that eventually ends at the Guest River's confluence with the Clinch River.  

5. | New River Trail State Park

Ride two tunnels, three major bridges, and nearly 30 smaller bridges and trestles.

The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles.

A 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes 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 park's Foster Falls area offers guided horseback trips, canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites dot the trail.

• Two tunnels: 135 feet and 193 feet long
• Three major bridges: Hiwassee - 951 feet; Ivanhoe - 670 feet; Fries Junction - 1,089 feet
• Nearly 30 smaller bridges and trestles
• A historic shot tower used more than 200 years ago to make ammunition

Learn more about this fascinating trail and New River Trail State Park, horseback trail rides, livery rentals of bikes, canoes, kayak, tubes and shuttle service, or call 276-699-1034 for details.

The Foster Falls section of this park hosts the annual New River Challenge Triathlon, plus more great events, festivals, programs, and workshops.

6. | Washington & Old Dominion Trail

This fun 45-mile trail is built on the former line of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad traversing Northern Virginia's scenic countryside from Shirlington to Purcellville. The park also includes an adjacent bridle path for horseback riding, which runs 33 miles from Vienna in Fairfax County to Purcellville. 

7. | James River Heritage Trail

It is a nine-mile trail in and around Lynchburg. Get a good mix of urban and country all in one place. From lush natural areas to the historic downtown Lynchburg Riverwalk, you'll enjoy gorgeous views of the James River.

8. | Chessie Nature Trail

Following the Maury River from Lexington to Buena Vista, the Chessie Nature Trail lies along an old railroad bed and is maintained by the historic Virginia Military Institute (VMI). This trail is 7 miles one way and rated easy. Pass geological formations, lock and dam ruins, forests, the river, and farms.

9. | Huckleberry Trail

Just eight miles long and is located between Blacksburg and Christiansburg, with more miles being added. 

On September 15, 1904, the first passenger train rolled into Blacksburg. It was soon nicknamed “Huckleberry Crossing” because when the train would stall, passengers could step off the train and pass the time picking the abundance of huckleberries along the route. The name stuck, and “Huckleberry Crossing” was soon painted on the depot. 

On July 25, 1958, the Huckleberry made its last steam run and operated on power until August 9, 1958. In the summer of 1966, the Blacksburg depot was closed.

More Information

More than 160 miles of the Virginia State Parks system's 670 miles of trails are reserved for hiking, and hiking is allowed on more than 397 miles of multi-use trails. Explore the trails at Virginia State Parks. 
To see even more trails across the state, visit TrailLink.com. Learn more about National Rail-Trails.

Don't forget Fido; all Virginia State Parks are pet-friendly. See our pet policies. 

Learn about overnight accommodations in our more than 300 cabins, lodges, campgrounds and https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/yurts. You can call 800-933-7275 as well.