Another access point along the New River Trail complex, scenic Foster Falls offers campsites, boat and bike rentals, picnic shelters, and hiking trails. Located at milepost 24.0, the cascading waters glide over river bedrock amidst a background of limestone cliffs. Marshy edges and open meadows compose much of the landscape of this park, with occasional woods, like oaks and walnuts, providing cover for wildlife. Green heron and belted kingfisher can be expected here year-round. Great blue heron may also make an appearance along these waters. The more open areas away from the river lend themselves to eastern kingbird, eastern bluebird, chipping sparrow and American goldfinch. Migrant waterfowl and shorebirds may be found within and along these waters in the spring and summer. Look for wintering ducks on the river, such as bufflehead, common goldeneye and hooded merganser.
If interested in aquatic insects, this is most definitely a good place of study. Damsel and dragonflies, in particular, are here in good numbers during warm months. The diversity of damselflies that patrol the weedy and shrubby embankments includes dusky, powdered, blue-fronted, and variable dancers, fragile and Rambur’s forktails, familiar and big bluets and American rubyspot. Numerous dragonflies can be found, with eastern pondhawk, blue dasher, widow skimmer, and spectacular patrolling displays of black-shouldered spinyleg and royal river cruiser.
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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