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New River Trail · Foster Falls Historic Village

Your New River adventure starts at the Inn

Stay in a restored 1887 riverside inn with the New River Trail, Foster Falls Historic Village, river access, bike and paddle rentals, and miles of Appalachian scenery just outside your door. Walk the trail before breakfast, rent an e-bike for the afternoon, paddle the New River, explore the historic Shot Tower, or simply sit by the water and slow down.

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Adventure without the drive

Leave the car parked

From the Inn, guests can walk to the New River Trail, Foster Falls Historic Village, river access, picnic areas, and the seasonal Foster Falls Boat & Bike Livery. Historic trail destinations are only a walk or ride away.

Trail outside the doorRiver access nearbySeasonal bike & paddle rentalsHistoric Foster FallsTen private guest roomsGrab-and-go breakfast

Some facilities here are Inn-owned; the trail, village, boat launches, and livery are operated by Virginia State Parks (DCR); rentals and shuttles are run by the state park and independent outfitters — not the Inn.

From your room to the trail

How close is close?

The best part of Foster Falls is how much you can reach on foot or by bike.

🚶

New River TrailRail-trail at the Inn's doorstep

Steps away · walk

🏛

Foster Falls Historic VillageRestored 1800s iron-furnace village

Immediately nearby · walk

🚴

Foster Falls Boat & Bike LiverySeasonal bike & paddle rentals (state park)

A short walk

🚤

New River access & boat launchesAt Foster Falls

At Foster Falls · walk

🏗

Historic Shot Tower1800s lead-shot tower

~1.2 mi by trail · walk or bike

🛣

Austinville railroad tunnelHistoric trail tunnel

~5 mi by trail · bike

🚲

AllisoniaTrailside community upriver

~11.4 mi by trail · bike (approx.)

🚲

HiwasseeTrailside community upriver

~13.8 mi by trail · bike (approx.)

Trail distances are approximate. Shot Tower distance verified via Virginia State Parks; upriver mileages are approximate. Last verified July 2026.

Choose your getaway

Six ways to spend your stay

However you like to travel, Foster Falls has a version of the perfect weekend.

The New River Trail rail-trail along the New River at Foster Falls

Bike the New River Trail

Ride a shaded, scenic rail-trail along the New River. Rent a traditional bike or e-bike, plan an easy out-and-back ride, or arrange a shuttle-supported trip and ride back toward Foster Falls.

Plan a Trail Ride

Paddle or Float the New River

Rent a canoe, kayak, or river tube and experience the New River from the water. Seasonal rentals, launches, and shuttle-supported trips are available at or near Foster Falls.

Explore River Trips

A historic king guest room at the Inn at Foster Falls

A Romantic Mountain Escape

Pair a quiet historic room with river walks, scenic overlooks, a local winery, small-town dining, and an unhurried evening at the Inn.

Plan a Couples' Getaway

Open grounds and picnic areas at Foster Falls

Family Adventure Weekend

Combine an easy trail ride with picnic areas, playground time, river views, wildlife encounters, and family-friendly attractions within an easy drive.

Plan a Family Stay

Restored 19th-century iron-furnace buildings at Foster Falls Historic Village

History Along the River

Explore Foster Falls Historic Village, the Shot Tower, an old railroad tunnel, historic Wytheville, and the stories of the region's railroad and industrial past.

Explore Local History

Slow Down in Southwest Virginia

Spend the morning on the trail, browse antiques or local shops in the afternoon, and return to the quiet of a historic riverside inn.

Plan a Relaxing Escape

Ready-made itineraries

Your Foster Falls stay, already planned

Tap any plan to see how a one-, two-, or three-night stay comes together.

One Night at Foster Falls · A perfect first taste+

Check in and settle into the Inn.
Walk through the Foster Falls historic area.
Enjoy the river and trail in the evening.
Start the morning with the Inn's grab-and-go breakfast.
Take a morning trail walk or short bicycle ride before checkout.

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Two-Night New River Adventure · The classic weekend+

Friday

Arrive, check in, and explore Foster Falls.
Walk the trail or enjoy the evening beside the river.

Saturday

Have breakfast at the Inn.
Rent a bicycle or e-bike.
Arrange a shuttle-supported ride or choose an out-and-back route.
Return to the Inn.
Enjoy dinner in the surrounding area.

Sunday

Walk or ride toward the Shot Tower (~1.2 miles by trail).
Visit another nearby historic or scenic attraction before heading home.

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Couples' Weekend · Quiet, scenic, unhurried+

Stay in one of the Inn's historic king or queen rooms.
Walk beside the river.
Visit West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery.
Take a scenic drive to Big Walker Lookout.
Enjoy dinner in Wytheville or Fort Chiswell.
Return for a quiet evening at the Inn.

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Family Weekend · Something for everyone+

Visit the playground and picnic areas at Foster Falls.
Rent bikes or take an easy trail walk.
Visit Fort Chiswell Animal Park.
Choose a rainy-day option such as bowling, an arcade, laser tag, a movie, or a museum.
Return to the Inn for a comfortable overnight stay.

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Cyclists & Trail Riders · Stay right on the trail+

Stay directly beside the New River Trail.
Bring a bicycle or arrange a rental at the Foster Falls livery.
Select a short ride, a half-day ride, or a longer shuttle-supported route (shuttles from Galax/Cliffview ~10:00 a.m. and Pulaski/Draper ~11:30 a.m.).
Popular targets: Shot Tower (~1.2 mi), Austinville tunnel (~5 mi), Allisonia (~11.4 mi).
Use the Inn's outdoor bicycle rack — you're welcome to lock your bike to it. (It's an open rack, not a monitored or covered facility.)

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Rainy-Day & Slow-Down Getaway · Weatherproof and easygoing+

Browse downtown Wytheville shops and antiques.
Visit the Thomas J. Boyd Museum or Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum.
Consider the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum or Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre.
Catch a movie at Marquee Cinemas or a bite at Crossroads Social House.
Return to the quiet of the Inn.

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Make the Inn your New River base camp

Ten private rooms, grab-and-go breakfast, easy self check-in, and the New River Trail just outside your door.

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Bikes, boats & shuttles

Plan your ride or paddle

Two ways to get on the trail or the water — the state-park livery right at Foster Falls, plus an independent outfitter in Galax.

Closest · at Foster Falls

Foster Falls Boat & Bike Livery

Operated by Virginia State Parks (DCR) at New River Trail State Park — the closest seasonal rental and shuttle option for Inn guests, a short walk away.

Rentals: bikes, e-bikes, canoes, kayaks, and float tubes · Shuttles: trail & river, by reservation · Season: roughly April–October (weekends spring/fall, daily in summer)

Foster Falls, New River Trail State Park · 116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows, VA 24360

Call the Livery Get Directions View Official Information

View current rental & shuttle details

Bicycles	$6/hr · $20 half-day · $30 full day
E-bikes	$25/hr · $55 half-day · $75 full day
Canoes	$15/hr · $40 half-day · $60 full day
Kayaks	$15/hr · $45 half-day · $60 full day
Float tubes	$6/hr · $20 half-day · $30 full day
Shuttle (your own gear)	Foster Falls ↔ Ivanhoe/Austinville $20 · Foster Falls ↔ Pulaski/Draper/Galax/Cliffview $35
Guided paddle trips	Austinville → Foster Falls $60 (4 mi) · Ivanhoe → Foster Falls $70 (8 mi)
Typical departures	Bike shuttles ~10:00 a.m. (Galax/Cliffview) & ~11:30 a.m. (Pulaski/Draper); paddle/tube ~10:00 & 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Austinville/Ivanhoe)

Rates, schedules, routes, water conditions, and availability may change. Please call the provider before making plans. Rates verified against the Virginia State Parks Boat & Bike information, July 2026. Half day is generally about four hours.

Independent outfitter · Galax

New River Outdoor Adventures

A local outfitter offering bike rentals, canoe/kayak/tube floats, and boat & bike shuttles on the New River and New River Trail — routes involving Galax, Fries, Foster Falls, and Pulaski, by reservation.

5785 Fries Road, Galax, VA 24333 · (276) 237-8823 (276-237-TUBE) · [email protected]

Call New River Outdoor Adventures View Shuttle Options Visit Website Get Directions

New River Outdoor Adventures is an independent local provider. The Inn does not operate its services and does not guarantee routes, availability, pricing, weather, water levels, or river conditions.

River activities are weather- and water-level dependent. Water activities are undertaken at the guest's own risk and should follow all posted park guidance. Contact the park or outfitter for current conditions.

Year-round

Every season feels different at Foster Falls

🌸

Spring

Wildflowers, comfortable trail weather, flowing water, and the return of seasonal bike and paddle rentals.

☀️

Summer

Paddling, tubing, biking, picnics, family outings, and long evenings beside the New River.

🍂

Fall

Brilliant trail color, harvest activities, cool-weather riding, mountain drives, and quiet evenings at the Inn.

❄️

Winter

Peaceful trails, historic atmosphere, writing retreats, uncrowded scenic drives, and a slower kind of escape.

The Inn is open year-round. Some rentals, attractions, and water activities are seasonal — please confirm availability before you travel.

Explore the area

The complete activity guide

Everything above in one place — filter by what you're in the mood for. Details change; call ahead.

No matches for that filter.

Right at Foster Falls — no drive needed

New River Trail State Park (Foster Falls)

At Foster Falls

State park / rail trail

No drive neededBikingOutdoor recreation

A flat, scenic 57-mile rail-trail along the New River right outside the Inn — perfect for an easy walk, jog, or bike ride.

116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows, VA 24360 (Foster Falls park office) · (276) 699-6778

Good to know: Open dawn to dusk daily; $7 daily parking fee per vehicle.

Call the Park Directions Website

Foster Falls Boat & Bike Livery

A short walk

Bike & paddle rentals (state park)

No drive neededBikingPaddlingReservations recommendedSeasonal

Rent a bike, e-bike, kayak, canoe, or float tube and shuttle up-trail for an easy ride or paddle back toward the Inn.

116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows, VA 24360 (New River Trail State Park) · (276) 699-1034

Good to know: Seasonal (weekends Apr; daily in summer; weekends through Oct). See rental & shuttle planning below. Call ahead.

Call the Livery Directions Website

Foster Falls Historic Village & New River overlook

At Foster Falls

Historic site / picnic spot

No drive neededHistoryCouples

Stroll restored 19th-century iron-furnace buildings, take in river views, and picnic where the New River rushes past.

Foster Falls, New River Trail State Park, Max Meadows, VA 24360 · (276) 699-6778

Good to know: Grounds open dawn to dusk; $7 daily parking fee.

Call the Park Directions Website

Fishing & paddling the New River

At Foster Falls

Fishing & paddling

No drive neededPaddlingOutdoor recreationSeasonal

Cast for smallmouth bass or paddle the calm, scenic stretches of the New River, with launches and rentals at Foster Falls.

Foster Falls, New River Trail State Park, Max Meadows, VA 24360 · (276) 699-1034

Good to know: Virginia fishing license required; rentals seasonal. Water activities are at your own risk.

Call the Livery Directions Website

Trail & bike destinations

Historic Shot Tower

~1.2 mi by trail

Historic site (trail destination)

BikingHistoryNo drive needed

A rare 75-foot stone tower once used to make ammunition by dropping molten lead into the New River — an easy trail ride or walk from the Inn.

Shot Tower Historical State Park, 283 Pauley Flatwoods Rd, Austinville, VA 24312 · (276) 699-6778

Good to know: Tower climb seasonal (roughly Apr–Oct, weekends spring/fall, daily summer); parking fee, tower admission free.

Call the Park Directions Website

Austinville railroad tunnel

~5 mi by trail

Historic trail feature

BikingHistory

A cool, historic trail tunnel a comfortable ride upriver — a favorite turnaround point for a half-day out-and-back from Foster Falls.

New River Trail, near Austinville, VA

Good to know: Trail distance approximate. Bring water and a light for the tunnel.

Directions Website

Outdoor & scenic

Big Walker Lookout

~30 min

Scenic overlook / tower

Scenic drivesFamily-friendlySeasonal

Climb the 100-foot tower for sweeping mountain views, walk the short trails, and grab hand-dipped ice cream at the store.

8711 Stoney Fork Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382 · (276) 663-4016

Good to know: Seasonal hours (~10am–5pm); tower fee.

Visit Big Walker Lookout Directions Website

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm

~25 min

Gardens & butterfly house

Family-friendlyScenic drivesReservations recommendedSeasonal

Wander 160 acres of herb and butterfly gardens with a walk-through butterfly house, a children's garden, and easy trails.

1934 Matney Flats Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382 · (276) 621-4511

Good to know: Seasonal & limited days (≈Apr–Oct); remote gravel road; call ahead.

Call the Farm Directions Website

History & culture

Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum

~20 min

Historic house museum

HistoryRainy day

Tour Wytheville's 1823 stone home of its first resident physician, full of period antiques and local history.

205 E Tazewell St, Wytheville, VA 24382 · (276) 223-3330

Good to know: Open weekdays; closed weekends — confirm hours by phone.

Call the Museum Directions Website

Thomas J. Boyd Museum

~20 min

Local history museum

HistoryRainy day

An easy indoor stop on Wythe County history — the first fire truck, mining and military artifacts, and a polio-epidemic exhibit.

295 Tazewell St, Wytheville, VA 24382 · (276) 223-3330

Good to know: Limited hours or by appointment — confirm by phone.

Call the Museum Directions Website

The Rex Theater (Galax)

~45 min

Historic theater / live music

HistoryRainy dayReservations recommended

Old-time and bluegrass in a restored 1940s theater; the Friday-night Blue Ridge Backroads show airs live on local radio.

113 E Grayson St, Galax, VA 24333 · (276) 236-0329

Good to know: Shows mainly Fri/Sat nights — check schedule & tickets ahead.

Call the Theater Directions Website

Family-friendly & rainy-day

Downtown Wytheville shops & antiques

~18 min

Shopping district

Rainy dayFamily-friendly

Browse a walkable historic downtown full of antique shops, boutiques, bookstores, and coffee — an easy, weatherproof afternoon.

Main Street, Downtown Wytheville, VA 24382

Good to know: Shop hours vary; most closed Sundays.

Directions Website

Day trips

Hungry Mother State Park

~45 min

State park / lake

Family-friendlyScenic drivesDay trips

A mountain lake with a swimming beach, paddle and hydro-bike rentals, fishing, and the rewarding Molly's Knob hike.

2854 Park Blvd, Marion, VA 24354 · (276) 781-7400

Good to know: Swimming beach Memorial Day–Labor Day; parking fee; fishing license required.

Call the Park Directions Website

Claytor Lake State Park

~35 min

State park / lake

Family-friendlyScenic drivesDay trips

A 4,500-acre lake for boating, swimming, and fishing, with rentals at the marina and the historic Howe House to explore.

6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084 · (540) 643-2500

Good to know: Swimming Memorial Day–Labor Day; parking fee; fishing license required.

Call the Park Directions Website

Blue Ridge Music Center

~55 min

Music museum (Blue Ridge Parkway)

Scenic drivesHistoryDay tripsSeasonal

On the Blue Ridge Parkway — a mountain-music museum, free midday jam sessions, and outdoor concerts.

700 Foothills Rd, Galax, VA 24333 (Parkway milepost 213) · (276) 236-5309

Good to know: Museum open May–October; concert schedule varies — check the calendar.

Call the Center Directions Website

Hours, prices, availability, trail conditions, river conditions, and seasonal schedules may change. We recommend checking the provider's website or calling before making plans. Information last verified July 2026.

On the water

Upper & lower river access at Foster Falls

Foster Falls has developed river-access areas with boat launches, parking, and picnic space.

The Foster Falls area of New River Trail State Park includes New River boat launches, parking, picnic areas, and a playground, with fishing and paddling access on the river. Facilities are operated by Virginia State Parks. For current amenities, accessibility, launch conditions, and the $7 daily parking fee, check the park website or call the park at (276) 699-6778.

River conditions can change quickly. Water activities are undertaken at the guest's own risk and should follow all posted park guidance. Please do not attempt to walk across the falls or enter deep or fast water. Contact the park or outfitter for current conditions.

After the trail

Dining & planning your stay

Planning dinner after your trail or river day? Explore nearby restaurants → for local dining, takeout, coffee, and family spots a short drive from the Inn.

Need a quick snack, drink, or light item before heading out? Visit the self-serve Inn Market in the breakfast area. (It's a small self-serve market — not a restaurant, grocery store, or source of full meals.)

Essential services — pharmacies, urgent care, groceries, and fuel — are available in nearby Wytheville and Fort Chiswell, an easy drive away. Ask us and we'll point you to the closest option for what you need.

Rest easy

After the adventure, come back to the Inn

A comfortable historic guest room at the Inn at Foster Falls

Trade the trail for a quiet, historic setting. Every stay includes:

A private guest room
A private bathroom
Easy self check-in
A quiet historic setting on the New River
Grab-and-go breakfast the following morning

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Can guests walk to the New River Trail from the Inn?+

Yes. The New River Trail is right at the Inn's doorstep — you can step out and walk or ride the rail-trail without driving.

Can I rent a bike or e-bike at Foster Falls?+

Yes, seasonally. The state park's Foster Falls Boat & Bike Livery, a short walk from the Inn, rents traditional bikes and e-bikes (roughly April through October). Call the livery at (276) 699-1034 to confirm current availability and reserve.

Are canoe, kayak, and tube rentals available?+

Yes, seasonally, at the Foster Falls Boat & Bike Livery, with launches at Foster Falls. Rentals and water conditions are seasonal and weather-dependent — call (276) 699-1034 before you plan.

Are shuttle services available for the New River Trail?+

Yes. The Foster Falls livery offers trail and river shuttles by reservation, and independent outfitters such as New River Outdoor Adventures in Galax also run shuttles. Routes, times, and pricing are set by the provider and can change — confirm directly.

Do I need reservations for rentals or shuttles?+

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for e-bikes, shuttles, and busy summer weekends. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted but not guaranteed. Call ahead to be sure.

What can we do without driving?+

Plenty. Walk or bike the New River Trail, explore Foster Falls Historic Village, reach the New River and boat launches, picnic, fish, or ride to the Shot Tower (~1.2 miles by trail) — all from the Inn's doorstep.

Are there activities for children?+

Yes — easy trail walks and rides, picnic and playground areas at Foster Falls, and family-friendly stops like Big Walker Lookout, Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, and nearby parks within an easy drive.

What can we do on a rainy day?+

Explore downtown Wytheville's shops and antiques, the Thomas J. Boyd or Rock House museums, a movie at Marquee Cinemas, or a dinner-theater evening — all an easy drive from the Inn.

Are activities available year-round?+

The Inn is open year-round, and the trail and historic village can be enjoyed in every season. Some rentals, shuttles, water activities, and attractions are seasonal — please confirm availability before you travel.

Where can we eat after a day on the trail?+

There are good local spots a short drive away. See our Restaurants page for nearby dining, or ask us for recommendations.

Can I bring and lock my own bicycle at the Inn?+

Yes. The Inn has an outdoor bicycle rack, and you're welcome to lock your bike to it. It's an open rack — not a covered, monitored, or secured facility — so please use your own lock and judgment.

How far is the Shot Tower from the Inn?+

About 1.2 miles by the New River Trail — a short, scenic ride or walk. It's a separate state-park historic site; the tower is open to climb seasonally.

How do I check room availability?+

Tap any Check Availability or Book Now button and you'll go straight to our secure online booking, where you can pick dates, see live availability and rates, and reserve in a few steps.

Questions about planning your stay? Call the Inn at (276) 293-9540 or email [email protected].

Ready when you are

I could spend a whole weekend here.

The Inn is perfectly located, you know what there is to do, and you can check available rooms right now.

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