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Home ›› Destinations ›› New River Trail State Park ›› Educational Activities

Educational Activities at New River Trail State Park

176 Orphanage Dr.
Foster Falls, VA 24360

Latitude: 36.884589

Longitude: -80.852549

›› Google Map

This park offers guided horse trips, a historical village and a 75 foot tall tower used once to make shot. Visitors who travel through the New River Valley learn about the areas history and the importance of lead mining and iron making.

Educational Activities Amenities At New River Trail State Park

Shot Tower Historical Area

The Shot Tower located around the trails midpoint. The shot tower is 75 feet tall and contains a shaft that extends 75 feet into the riverbank. This structure was built in the 1800s to make shot and today visitors may climb the tower as they learn about the regions history. Close to the tower are some picnic tables and restrooms. The Shot Tower grounds and restroom facilities are accessible. Although climbing the Shot Tower is not an accessible feature, the park does provide a picture showcase that allows those unable to climb the tower the opportunity to see the views at the top of the tower.

Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 699-6778
Fee: Park Fees
Location:36° 52.2000 -80° 52.2033

Foster Falls Historical Area

Visitors to Foster Falls will see many old restored buildings such as barns, sheds, mills, a store, and a former railroad depot that is now a gift shop. There is also a large stone pig iron furnace, which stands as a symbol of the important industry that used to dominate the area. Foster Falls is also the site of campgrounds, picnic areas and a shelter, a playground, a large amphitheater, a boat ramp, and horse, canoe, and bike liveries. Here visitors may rent canoes and kayaks to paddle along the New River, or they may rent mountain bikes to ride up and down the trail.

Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 699-6778
Fee: Park Fees
Location:36° 53.0400 -80° 51.5050

Other Activities At New River Trail State Park: Hiking, Biking, Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Picnicking, Hiking, Biking, Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Picnicking and Canoeing And Kayaking

Click here to return to the destination overview for New River Trail State Park, or check out other great Virginia outdoor destinations that offer access to Educational Activities.

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Recent Comments

"Unfortunately, they have not been announced yet. There have been some delays, but we are looking at early February. "

Posted by Michael Salotti [View]

"Where the winners ever announced? Would love to see the winning photos!"

Posted by Chris Wilson [View]

"The Wildlife Management areas are managed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. What you heard is incorrect. Here is info about the change: Facility Use Permit Effective January 1, 2012, a Facility Use Permit will be required when using any Department-owned Wildlife Management Area or Fishing Lake. Such permit shall not be required for any person holding a valid hunting, fishing or trapping license or a current certificate of boat registration issued by the Department or persons…"

Posted by Nancy Heltman [View]

"I've heard that the WMAs are going to be restricted to hunting licensees only. Have you heard anything about that?"

Posted by Mike Brooks [View]

"I was there too with my sister and one of her friends from work. It was a great day. We walked the trail and the hills were quite intense. But we all finished an it was really fun for the first one. "

Posted by mary pascale [View]

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Educational Activities at New River Trail State Park

176 Orphanage Dr.Foster Falls, VA 24360

Latitude: 36.884589

Longitude: -80.852549

Shot Tower Historical Area

Foster Falls Historical Area

Related Articles

Twin Lakes State Park Hosts Lecture Series for Black History Month

Project WET for Teachers

Join the Friends of Shenandoah River State Park

Sailor’s Creek Hosts American Civil War-era Valentine Workshop

What's Happening

Explore Virginia's Outdoors

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176 Orphanage Dr.
Foster Falls, VA 24360