Upcoming Events
To see the most updated list of events taking place at New River Trail State park, see the link below.
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From Mining to Conservation: Austinville Guided Tour
Where
Program Location: Austinville Access - 231 Store Hill Rd. Austinville, Va 24312
When
June 28, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join us as we discover how Austinville transformed from one of the oldest continuous mining operations into a protected public landscape, as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation! This ranger-led program explores the mining history of Austinville, the contributions of the Lead Mines to the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War, and how this site came to be New River Trail State Park. Learn how modern conservation and stewardship shaped this site, and how those choices matter today.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. The distance will be approximately two miles on flat terrain; the trail surface is crushed stone and a gentle grade. Leashed pets are welcome.
This program is weather dependent. Please check this event listing on the New River Trail website for cancellations.
Our programs are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all. If you require accommodations or assistance to participate, please contact us in advance at 276-699-6778. We are committed to ensuring accessibility for everyone.
About DCR's 100th Anniversary
A century of protecting Virginia’s natural and cultural treasures
On March 17, 1926, the Virginia General Assembly passed landmark legislation establishing the State Commission on Conservation and Development, planting the seeds for what would become today’s Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Now, a century later, we celebrate 100 years of protecting, preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural resources that make Virginia extraordinary. Learn more.
lone ash cave adventures!
Where
Program Location: Foster Falls - 116 Orphanage Dr. Max Meadows, Va. 24360
Main Park Address: New River Trail State Park, 116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360.
When
June 23, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. .
Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special. In this adventure, you will have the opportunity to see unique formations and animals that only exist in caves (and maybe even animals that are found NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH). View the "starlight room" and what makes it sparkle, stalagmites and stalactites, rimstones and flowstones, as well as other unique cave formations.
This is not a walking only cave tour. Participants must be able to bend, stoop, duck, crawl, scoot, crouch, and balance on uneven terrain without handrails. This tour is moderately strenuous and not recommended if you have a heart condition, breathing issues, poor balance, trouble walking, issues climbing stairs, claustrophobia, or have back, knee, hip, ankle, or foot problems.
All participants are required to wear provided helmets, headlamps, gloves, and knee pads (unless you are providing your own). Participants must wear clothes that can get dirty and muddy (moisture-wicking fabrics [not cotton] work best), as well as non-slip closed-toe shoes. Open-toe shoes will not be permitted. Wear long pants and a light jacket. Virginia caves are about 54° year-round; wear appropriate clothing to spend about an hour and fifteen minutes in the cool damp temperatures/environment. Please bring water and snacks in a personal small day pack (that can get dirty). A change of clothes/shoes is recommended for after the adventure.
To protect the resource, visitors are asked not to touch the cave walls or features along the route that aren't part of the designated course. Pets and tobacco products of any kind are not allowed.
Registration is required, and space is limited to 12. Please call 276-699-6778 to register. The cost is $15 per person or $12 per person for groups of four or more. You may pay in advance over the phone or in-person on the day of arrival. There is an age requirement which is strictly enforced for safety reasons. Youth participants must be supervised by an adult, and at least 10 years old.
An advanced caving route is available, but not open to the public. If you are part of a cave grotto, society, or are an intermediate caving group of 4 or more, please reach out to Chief Ranger Julie Thomson (julie.thomson@dcr.virginia.gov) for more information.
Meeting location: The Depot Gift Shop at Foster Falls.
Our programs are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all. If you require accommodations or assistance to participate, or have questions regarding pre-existing medical conditions that could affect your safety, please contact us in advance at 276-699-6778.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: $15/person or $12/person for groups of four or more.
Registration required: Yes.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-699-6778
Email Address: NewRiverTrail@dcr.virginia.gov
art in the park
Where
Program Location: Discovery Center - 116 Orphanage Dr. Max Meadows, Va. 24360
Main Park Address: New River Trail State Park, 116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360.
When
June 27, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Art in the Park programs explore connections between art and the natural world through a different hands-on project each month.
May's program is Nature Painting. Calling all artists! Have you ever made paint from natural materials? Come make your own paints with us and show off your creative abilities.
Our paint making program offers a space for all kinds and levels of artists to come together and learn how art relates to nature and history by making pigments from nature. With the paint we make, we'll show off the colors by painting some of the scenery around Foster Falls.
Meeting location: The Discovery Center in the Historic Village at Foster Falls
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-699-6778
Email Address: NewRiverTrail@dcr.virginia.gov
Upcoming Meetings
Next Friends meeting date:
July 11th, 2026 from 10am-12pm
Where: Discovery Center, Foster Falls
New River Trail Challenge Triathlon
Sept. 19, 2026
Welcome to Virginia's longest and longest-running adventure triathlon.
Track Trails
Fries Track Trail!
Where
New River Trail State Park,
Fries Access- 323 Firehouse Dr. Fries, Va 24330
When
Jan. 1, 2026 12:00 a.m. - Dec. 31, 2026 12:00 a.m.
Go on a hiking adventure with Track Trails! Choose from a variety of our track trails brochures at the kiosk and learn something new about the history of Fries or nature. Don't forget to track your adventure on the website to earn prizes that will help you on your next hike. This is a self-guided opportunity.
