The final portion of the New River Trail brings a mix of natural beauty, engineering achievements and stories of workers, mill towns and mountain communities. 

With tunnels, dams and long-gone mining operations, this section of the trail invites you to imagine a time when the New River powered factories, moved goods and connected remote communities. 

Mile 28: Mine Vent Shaft  

A reminder of the underground mining operations that once extended deep beneath the surface. 

Mile 29: Austinville Lead Mines

Lead was first discovered in the area in 1756 by Col. John Chiswell, and the Austinville Lead Mines officially opened in 1760. The mines, one of the oldest operations in North America, were the driving force behind the region’s economy until closing in 1981. 

Miles 31.6-32.8: Rock Crusher & Ivanhoe  

Allis Chalmers rock crusher 

An enormous 1901 Allis Chalmers rock crusher, weighing 40,000 pounds, still stands here today, even though it was never actually put into service. 

A little more than a mile up the trail, you’ll find Ivanhoe, which is where the National Carbide Company built the first carbide plant in the U.S. in 1917. 

Mile 34.8: Buck & Byllesby dams  

Byllesby Dam 

Constructed in the early 1900s, these hydroelectric dams powered communities that sprang up around them. Only one employee home remains today, but these sites were once vibrant, self-contained villages. 

Mile 38.6: Grayson Sulfur Springs  

The former springs 

Before being flooded by the Byllesby Dam in 1913, a popular health resort operated in this area. Travelers came seeking cures in the local spring waters and to enjoy the beauty of the mountains.  

Galax Branch Line 

Mile 40.6: Grayson Tunnel 

Grayson Tunnel 

Known as the Gambetta Tunnel by locals, this is a 195-foot, gently curving tunnel that’s rich in railroad character. 

Mile 45.1: Chestnut Yard Turntable 

Where the switching facility once stood 

Here, you’ll find remnants of a once-important railroad switching facility. 

Mile 46.3: Chestnut Creek Falls 

Chestnut Creek Falls 

This man-made waterfall used to power a local grist mill that served the area. 

Mile 49.5: Cliffview 

The mansion overlooking the community here was built in 1902 by State Senator  
Thomas Felts as a gift to his wife. Felts was also part owner of the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency. 

Fries Branch Line 

Mile 40.1: Train wreck site 

On October 31, 1928, a devastating rail crash occurred near Fries Junction, when a freight train plowed into a reversing passenger train. The collision claimed three lives and injured nine others. 

Mile 45: Washington Mills Houses 

The Historic Washington Inn, which was used to house mill employees 

The houses seen here were once used by Washington Mills’ employees. The mill is located 0.3 miles up the trail. 

Mile 45.3: Washington Mills  

Founded in 1900 by Col. Francis Henry Fries, Washington Mills, later known as Fries Textile Company, fueled the town. 

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From early lead mines to bustling mill towns to the quiet beauty of river overlooks, this section of the trail ties together everything that makes the New River region so culturally and historically significant. 

As you wrap up your New River Trail adventure, consider extending your trip by staying overnight in one of the park’s three primitive campgrounds located at Galax, Foster Falls and Fries or at the Historic Inn at Foster Falls. The 10-room inn has been beautifully renovated and is located just steps away from the New River Trail in Foster Falls. 

To learn more and start planning your next visit, please go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail. 

Read part 1 and part 2 of this series to discover more along the New River Trail.