The first stretch of the New River Trail sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure through Southwest Virginia’s industrial past.  

If you’re just beginning your trip planning, this section is perfect for understanding how iron, rail and early Appalachian communities shaped the landscape you’ll be traveling through. 

From long-forgotten furnaces to preserved railroad relics, miles 2 through 8 offer a fascinating blend of history, scenery and an ideal place to ease into your trail experience. 

Mile 2: Dora Junction 

Dora Junction picnic tables 

Your journey begins where the railroad’s influence first becomes apparent. Dora Junction is named after the nearby Dora Furnace, which was part of the mineral manufacturing industry that helped usher the railroad into the New River Valley. This early landmark sets the tone for a trail steeped in iron, ore and industrial grit. 

Mile 2.6: Lone Survivor 

The Lone Survivor 

Just up the path from Dora Junction, you’ll spot the only original railroad crossing signal remaining on the trail, a great photo opp.  

Mile 3.8: McAdam Whistle Stop

This area, known as McAdam Crossing, is also home to the Lowman family cemetery. The Lowmans once ran a ferry near Hiwassee, connecting remote households long before modern roads. 

Mile 6.2: Draper 

Section of the trail in Draper 

The Town of Draper offers a perfect first rest stop. Established around 1882, both Draper Mercantile and Bryson’s Grocery still stand as reminders of the community’s early days. The town was named after the prominent Draper family, whose history includes the kidnapping of Mary Draper Ingles and her sister during the Draper Meadows Massacre in the 1700s. 

Miles 8–8.1: Delton Trestle & Clarks Ferry 

The Delton Trestle 

There used to be a mill at the site of the Delton Trestle; however, the mill is underwater now due to rising water levels created by the Claytor Dam.  

The concrete bases you see next to the trail were used to support a water tank used by steam engines. 

Just ahead, Clarks Ferry marks a time when produce, livestock and even moonshine moved across the river by hand-powered ferry. 

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This section of the New River Trail is all about discovery, from the earliest ironworks to the first communities influenced by the railroad. Whether you're a cyclist, hiker or history lover, miles 2 through 8 give you a strong sense of how interconnected the natural and industrial worlds once were along the river. 

Start planning your adventure by mapping out your preferred access point and scheduling a stop in Draper.  

When you’re ready, continue to part 2 of this series to explore the points of interest along miles 10 through 25. And then onto part 3 to explore points of interest along miles 28 through 45.