Roanoke: New River Trail (Hiwassee to Shot Tower)
This 15.9-mile hike or bike trip follows an abandoned railroad along the banks of the New River, which local geologists claim is the second oldest river in the world.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 25.7
Waypoints
NRT001
Location: 36.961784362793, -80.7171020507812
From trailhead, go N on old RR bed for a quick glance at Hiwassee trestle bridge; retrace steps, continue S along New River
NRT002
Location: 36.936882019043, -80.7398986816406
After passing through burg of Allsonia, cross Julie Simpson Rd. and continue on gentle RR grade; spur RR lines lead to abandoned ore mines
NRT003
Location: 36.9333152770996, -80.749885559082
Cross bridge over Reed Island Creek; island sits to the S; old ore washer on hillside ahead
NRT004
Location: 36.9324340820312, -80.7886199951172
Rest stop: Note how the New River flows N, one of the few rivers in the Southeast to run that direction
NRT005
Location: 36.9186668395996, -80.8060684204102
VA 100 crosses overhead; @ milepost 17.4 is the Barren Springs Furnace, built in 1853
NRT006
Location: 36.9221000671387, -80.8213806152344
Rest stop @ Lone Ash
NRT007
Location: 36.9196510314941, -80.8276824951172
Keep straight @ Lone Ash Rd.; ahead, mouth of Bertha Cave drops 100 feet
NRT008
Location: 36.904483795166, -80.82861328125
Trail passes near Calfee Cemetery
NRT009
Location: 36.8975982666016, -80.8443145751953
Cross Baker Island Rd.
NRT010
Location: 36.8840675354004, -80.856315612793
Nice campground @ bottom of hill near Foster Falls Depot
NRT011
Location: 36.8707008361816, -80.86865234375
Bridge crosses over US 52
NRT012
Location: 36.8704986572266, -80.8700180053711
End @ Shot Tower Historical State Park, where ammo for settlers was made; RR trail continues 25+ miles to Galax