Outdoors

OUTDOORS IN THE NRV

The Blue Ridge Mountains are majestic, the New River flows steady, and there is always a place to find your escape in Virginia’s New River Valley. Rich in natural resources, activities, and breathtaking views, the outdoors in the NRV provides a constant source of entertainment for adrenaline junkies and leisure-seekers alike.

Major outdoor attractions such as the New River, the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Claytor Lake State Park, and Pandapas Pond are woven into the fabric of each community in the region. Whether you want to spend your time relaxing on the water, hiking up a mountain, or biking on roads or trails, Virginia’s New River Valley has something to unique to offer you.

NRV Outdoors: Find Your Escape

Virginia’s New River Valley: A Natural Fit

MAJOR OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS

89+ MILES OF
THE NEW RIVER

50+ MILES OF
THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

40+ MILES OF
THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

NEW RIVER

Kayak, tube or fish on the 89+ miles of the New River running through Virginia’s New River Valley.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL

Hike the 50+ miles of the Appalachian Trail passing through Virginia’s New River Valley, which is mostly located in Giles County.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

BIke or drive the 40+ miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” in Floyd County.

CLAYTOR LAKE

Claytor Lake State Park is a 4,500-acre lake ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, camping, boating and more.

JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST

The NRV is home to 103,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest. Cascade Falls, Dismal Falls, and Pandapas Pond are all major attractions located in the forest.

CASCADE FALLS

Cascade Falls is a very manageable hike with a striking pay off. This four-mile loop leads to a beautiful, 69-foot waterfall that sees about 150,000 visitors every year.

BISSET PARK

As Radford’s premier waterfront park, Bisset Park has it all. This beautiful park has courts, fields, and shelters for games and gatherings of any kind.

PANDAPAS POND

Mountain bike, hike, or fish at Pandapas Pond, an 8-acre pond located just outside Blacksburg. The 17-mile Poverty Creek Trail system can be easily accessed from Pandapas.

BUFFALO MOUNTAIN

As the highest peak in Floyd County, Buffalo Mountain is one of the most popular hiking spots in the area.

NEW RIVER TRAIL

Explore New River Trail State Park on bike or foot. The trail travels 57 miles on abandoned railway beds running next to the New River

BALD KNOB

Bald Knob Trail offers one of the best views in the NRV. Hike or run up to the top of the 0.5 mile trail and watch the sunset!

HUCKLEBERRY TRAIL

The Huckleberry Trail is an 11+ mile hiking, biking, and walking trail that connects Blacksburg and Christiansburg with the National Forest Trail Network.

EXPERIENCE THE OUTDOORS IN THE NRV

Hiking & Trail Running:

Bald Knob
Rocky Knob
Angel’s Rest
Jefferson National Forest
Buffalo Mountain

Biking & Cycling:

Pandapas Pond
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Biking Skills Park
Huckleberry Trail
New River Trail

Water Activities:

New River
Claytor Lake State Park
Bisset Park
McCoy Falls
Dismal Falls

Outdoor Races:

NRV REGIONAL COMMISSION GUIDES TO THE OUTDOORS

OUTDOORS CULTURE IN THE NRV

There are a variety of outdoors groups in Virginia’s New River Valley. Learn more about some of the organizations experiencing, celebrating, and preserving the outdoors in the NRV here: