The Regional Commission recently received a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to improve wayfinding and signage along the New River Water Trail. The trail construction accelerated in 2012, beginning with two new boat access facilities in Giles County. Parts of the trail are still being developed throughout the New River Valley (City of Radford, Montgomery County and Pulaski County). The level of recreational use of the river has continued to increase since 2012, as the New is one of the region’s most beloved assets.
The RTP grant funding is in addition to the nearly $4M that is programmed over the next three years to complete 61-miles of trail in the New River Valley; and also explore opportunities to expand the trail into West Virginia and North Carolina. The Appalachian Regional Commission is providing support for the construction of four new boat access facilities (Pulaski County concept shown above) and planning funds to explore further system expansion.
For more information, please contact Elijah Sharp at