New River Trail from Fries, VA

Years ago we biked the New River Trail with Amy and Ryan so it was fun to do it again - this time it was so much cooler and less work!  We camped in Fries at the south end of one of the two forks just two blocks from the trail.  

On Mon., May 10, we biked to Chestnut Creek Falls and back, which was almost to Galax, 24 miles total.

One of the longest bridges - at the Fries Junction

Snack time along the New River almost back to Fries

There are benches along the way at scenic spots to enjoy the view and the seat change was nice.

Buck Dam

Site 15 at Fries New River Trail RV Park - it was so big and private. We would happily camp there again.  Even though we had no cell service with AT & T, they had great wifi.

taken from the porch swing on our site

typical scenery on the New River Trail

On Tues., May 11, we biked from Fries 21 miles to Foster Falls and then back, for a day's record of 42 mi. The next day it rained in the morning, so we were happy to have a day off the bike seats.

There are two tunnels on the trail.  This one was the shortest.

at Foster Falls - never did see the falls!

the historic lead mine village at Foster Falls

There were so many beautiful wildflowers along the trail.

On Thurs., May 13, we drove the motorhome about 45 minutes to Foster Falls so we could bike from there north to Draper for a total of about 34 miles. 

Hiawassee Bridge which we boated under many times when we lived in VA

We ate lunch at the Draper Mercantile right on the trail - a nice treat. 

This bend in the New River we remember well from boating days when we camped at Claytor Lake State Park.  We went aground one summer day in this area!

We didn't cover the entire 57 miles, but had seen it before so didn't feel we had to go to the ends again.  It's not as scenic north of Draper to the north terminus near Pulaski.