This trip is a two-night campout with biking in the New River Trail State Park,Virginia’s longest linear state park.The park winds 57 miles through the counties of Carroll, Grayson, Pulaski and Wythe, the towns of Fries and Pulaski, and the City of Galax.
The park is a multi-use trail ideal for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, as well as camping, canoeing and fishing. New River Trail is Virginia’s Millenium Legacy Trail – recognized for connecting communities and providing links between people, land, history and culture.
As its name suggests,New River Trail parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles, 12 miles of the trail follow Chestnut Creek, 1.5 miles fronts Claytor Lake and the remaining length traverses rolling pasture land.
Cliffview Campground (Carroll County near Galax) is a trailside
campground with primitive tent camping only. It overlooks
Chestnut Creek. Access is from the Dannelly Fitness Complex
parking lot and across a footbridge (no direct vehicle access).
Ten primitive campsites are available.
All sites are timbered and marked. Each site has a fire ring,
lantern post, picnic table, access to the New River Trail and non-flush
toilet. Drinking water is available.
Campers must leave their confirmation letter on their car's dashboard for overnight parking.
| Saturday | 8:30 am | Depart, Chapel of the Cross |
| noon | Biking in New River State Park, Virginia | |
| 4 pm. | Set up camp at Cliffview Campground |
|
| Sunday |
9 am - 4 pm |
Biking in New River State Park |
| Sunday | 1 pm | Depart from Cliffview Campground |
| 4:00 pm | Arrive, Chapel of the Cross |
Recommended for bike trips:
Not every Scout/Bike needs an air pump, but each group of bikers should have a pump with them on the trail. There is an air pump at the Performance Bike Shop in Carrboro last week for about $12 dollars ( on sale 40% off).
Each bike should have at least one spare inner tube that fits that bike and a flat tire repair kit.
A multi-tool is a great idea for each bike. Check out this link with one for less than $13 http://www.amazon.com/Bell-Ultra-Tool-Multi-Function-Bike-Tool/dp/B000AAYBVO/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3/102-8940618-0270554 .
An under seat pouch can carry the repair kit, spare tube, and multi-tool.
The Helmet is a must for this Boy Scout Activity. Please make sure it fits properly.
Consider getting a tune-up for the bike. Check with a bike shop about
getting your bike in top running order. Brakes should be working
properly, not mushy or worn-out. The gears should be shifting properly,
not slipping or jumping sprockets. Oil and lube: chain and gears should
be oiled to reduce wear.
Taking care of your equipment will go a long way in making our outing a Safe & Enjoyable Adventure.