New River Trail State Park

Highlights

A signature Virginia long-mile destination where river scenery, easy grades, and equestrian services make big riding feel unusually elegant.

Riding

In the saddle, expect 57 miles of rail-trail riding with multiple equestrian access points, riverside grades, tunnels, and bridges. This is the place to settle into smooth mileage, enjoy bridges and tunnel drama, and let your horse travel forward without the constant interruption of technical footing. The overall feel is curated in the best sense: scenic enough to be memorable, practical enough to ride well, and varied enough that the day never flattens into repetition.

Rideable terrain

57 miles

Trailer parking

Horse trailer parking is available at multiple access points including Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe, and the Foster Falls arena.

Horse regulations

Horse use is limited to approved routes and equestrian facilities. Stay on open multi-use sections, respect other trail users, and confirm current conditions, tunnel status, water crossings, and service schedules before traveling. As always, it is smart to check the latest park, forest, or operator guidance before hauling in, especially after storms or during peak visitor periods.

Getting here

Use 116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360 as your planning address and expect the coordinate pin to reflect the primary park entrance, trailhead, or equestrian staging point riders actually use. Horse trailer parking is available at multiple access points including Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe, and the Foster Falls arena. Arrival is easiest when you come with a current map, allow a little extra time for check-in or orientation, and plan your loop before you unload.

Planning your visit

Perfect for riders chasing memorable point-to-point mileage, first-time rail-trail confidence, or a longer Southwest Virginia horse holiday with built-in flexibility. Bring water, review the current trail map, and match the route to your horse’s fitness and confidence. For a luxury-style guide, this is the sort of place that earns its keep by combining real riding value with a strong sense of place.

Where to stay

Primitive campsites, access-point amenities, and the Foster Falls area’s guided rides, rentals, and horse arena give this park uncommon range for both bring-your-own-horse riders and mixed groups. On-site horses or guided riding options add flexibility for mixed groups and travelers without their own mount. Horse camping is part of the destination’s real appeal, letting the ride extend naturally into a relaxed overnight or full weekend. That balance of trail quality and travel ease is what makes this stop feel editorially strong as well as genuinely useful.