As we we're nearing the end of our quest to visit all 37 Virginia State Parks in 2016 we saw Thanksgiving weekend was the perfect chance to partake in our second mini-challenge for the year, hitting 4-parks in 4-days.

While many may venture to stores to take advantage of Black Friday deals, we decided to #OptOutside and head to the trails to take advantage of a beautiful autumn day with a leisurely bike ride at parks 34 & 35, New River Trail and Shot Tower State Parks.

Explore the Foster Falls section of New River Trail State Park where you’ll find the discovery center, rentals, and primitive campground along the New River in Virginia

November 25, 2016 New River Trail and Shot Tower State Parks 

We loaded our bikes and took the easy 45 minute drive to the Foster Falls area of New River Trail State Park from our cabin at Claytor Lake State Park. In total, this trail encompasses 57 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the New River from Pulaski to Galax, Virginia.

The hard packed trail makes this park perfect for bike or horseback riding 

This was a converted railroad track, the trail consists of packed gravel, very little elevation change (at least for our stretch), and the occasional bridge, tunnel, and old rail stop.

Rock Tunnels and bridges scattered throughout the trail

give unique glimpses into its railroad history

Foster Falls seems to be the hub of this state park with easy access to the water, boat rentals, a discovery center, and a campground right along the River.

Just over a mile south from Foster Falls lies Shot Tower State Park, our second Virginia State Park for the day also found right along the New River Trail.

Shot Tower is located along the New River Trail and is its own separate Virginia

Shot Tower overlooks the River and was once used to make shot ammunition in the 1800's. It was the perfect place to sit and eat lunch while enjoying the scenery of New River visible from its elevated position.

We continued down the trail with the river on one side and a lush forest with rocky outcrops on the other, through an old train tunnel to Austinville (3.6 mi from Shot Tower). It was here that we decided to turn around and follow the 4.8 miles back to Foster Falls where we left our car.

New River Trail State Park was a beautiful park with so much more to see than we were able to explore in a few short hours. We recommend bringing your bike and a picnic lunch to begin your own story along the New River.

Guest Bloggers Peter Radlowski and Sarah Sumoski planned to tackle all 37 Virginia State Parks in 2016, as the series continues to be published into this New Year we shall see if they did? Come along for the adventure.

Editor's Note: Unique to this park are the guided horseback trips; canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is also popular, and primitive campsites dot the trail.

Trails and the day-use area are open each day from dawn to dusk. Call the park at (276) 699-6778 for livery and gift shop hours. Click here for a list of past blogs highlighting the adventures found at New River Trail State Park, inlcuding the popular New River Trail Challenge that is set in September.