New River State Trail in VA

**Silverpalm2x** · 05-17-2016, 08:49

has anyone ever hammocked along the New River State trail in VA? I am hoping to get some sites at the campgrounds in the middle and was wondering if anyone had any advice as to good sites to book for the weekend of June 3-5 for a Bike over night?

need a site for two hammocks. Appreciate your help!

**Stubby** · 05-17-2016, 09:53

I just completed that trail weekend before last. As far as I could see, Millrace is all hammock friendly. We stayed at site 6. It was perfect. Right on the river, 50yrds from the bathrooms, and there is 3 trees to string two hammocks between. Fire wood storage is a bit of a haul, so snag a cart when you go. I'll transfer/post my photos of the site in a little bit.

**Stubby** · 05-17-2016, 10:00

My bad, I did not take any pics of the campsite. Sorry.https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/me...p-site-map.jpg

Here is picture of the info map that is at the campground. I used it to figure out where each site was for making my reservation. Don't forget to check in, and get your packet when you arrive. Have fun.

**Silverpalm2x** · 05-17-2016, 10:25

do they have showers? or just pit toilets and running water?

think 700x 28 road tires or swap to 700X 30 cyclocross tires will work?

**Stubby** · 05-17-2016, 15:06

Either tires are fine. The surface is pretty good. I had big ol' 2.25" fluffies. Those were nice for the occasional stone. There is just pit toilets, and running water near them. We got all our water from the river via filters, cuz we're too lazy to walk the 50 yrds. The river is super cold. It was nice for drinking, and any sore joints...too cold for tender bits, though. Views are amazing from camp, and there is an eagle's nest up the mountain on the other side of the river. Are y'all heading downstream, or up?

**Wraith6761** · 05-17-2016, 16:31

Only part I've been to was the area of Foster Falls and the Shot Tower...the sites closest to the river would work for hammocks at Foster Falls (I think it was site 7?), but a lot of the ones further away don't have any useable trees.

**Silverpalm2x** · 05-17-2016, 17:50

Originally Posted by Stubby

Either tires are fine. The surface is pretty good. I had big ol' 2.25" fluffies. Those were nice for the occasional stone. There is just pit toilets, and running water near them. We got all our water from the river via filters, cuz we're too lazy to walk the 50 yrds. The river is super cold. It was nice for drinking, and any sore joints...too cold for tender bits, though. Views are amazing from camp, and there is an eagle's nest up the mountain on the other side of the river. Are y'all heading downstream, or up?

which way is downstream vs up? i think we are going to ride from ...

well crap just checked availability and there is no availability until the end of AUGUST! dang that stinks

**Stubby** · 05-18-2016, 09:18

That river flows south to north. Bummer dude, I've seen some videos of the New River Trail with folks stealth camping it. If that's an option for you.

**Silverpalm2x** · 05-18-2016, 14:39

yeah I am not sure I am at that point and the buddy I am riding with definitely not. his first "tour"
we have rebooted our plan and will the VA creeper trail up and down one day. then see about riding some of the NRT the next day if time permits.

not quite touring but not quite car camping either but a good taste and even more important a night or two in the woods in a hammock after a good day on the bike.

**Heelbilly** · 05-18-2016, 17:37

The Creeper Trail and AT intersect on the Whitetop side with several campsites available. I've bike packed and camped there several times. You can park in Damascus, ride to Whitetop Station then camp on the return.