Mark E. Hufeisen
Dec 23, 1955 - March 24, 2011
Mark Hufeisen was the Park Manager for New River Trail State Park, a 57-mile long rails- to-trails conversion is southwestern Virginia. He has been involved with the Trail in some form since it’s inception in 1986 when Norfolk Southern donated the abandoned corridor to the state. He has served as manager of the park for eighteen years. During that time, he has brought his imagination, creativity, problem solving and leadership skills to meet every challenge presented by a linear park with 28 bridges, two tunnels, innumerable culverts, dozens of crossings, hundreds of adjacent landowners, and a million visitors a year. Mark Hufeisen took over management of New River Trail State Park when it was still under development. With a small crew and almost no capitol funding, he fostered public support and volunteerism within the park that helped get trestles decked, trailhead amenities constructed, donations of land, materials, and equipment, and built the park basically from scratch. Through these efforts, he converted a community loss--the loss of the railroad-- into a community asset and a major economic generator. Mark has worked with the communities along the trail to ensure they benefit from the potential of the trail to enhance their citizen’s quality of life as well as their economic future. Festivals, art and music events, competitive events, workshops and interpretive programs have woven the whole New River Valley community together with the common thread that is the New River Trail State Park. Sadly, this beloved man passed away in 2011 after a long batle with cancer. The horse arena here at New River Trail State Park bears his name in recognition of his service to the park.
About the Cache
To find the final coordinates, fill in the missing number
N 36° 52.390' W 80° 51.86__'
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New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. The park's Foster Falls area offers canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites are available in designated areas. The park's Hoover Mountain Biking Area is also popular with those seeking extra adventure. There are access points to the trail at Allisonia, Chestnut Yard, Cliffview, Dannelly Park (near Galax), Draper, Dora Junction (near Pulaski), Foster Falls, Fries, Galax, Gambetta, Hiwassee and Ivanhoe. Horse trailer parking is available at Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex.
This cache is located within the boundaries of New River Trail State Park and placed with permission from Park Management. Parking fees apply, day searching only, please CITO and Leave No Trace