Bike Meet-up: “Silverbell Ride” - Hiwassee to Draper

This is a fantastic time of year to take-in the beautiful spring ephemeral wildflowers of Southwest Virginia. Silverbell will be blooming beautifully along the hillsides. 

Gravel tires work best on New River Trail crushed stone trail surface. This program is entirely weather dependent. It will be cancelled due to inclement weather or unsuitable trail conditions, so please check the events page listing for cancellations. Please note there is a $7 parking fee charged year-round at all New River Trail State Park access points.

Group Ride: Rides will be at a group pace. Riders may turn around at any point depending on fitness, preferred distance, and riding comfort. You must provide your own bike. 

Etiquette: Be sure to leave no trace, ride within your limits, and anticipate other trail users. Stay right, pass left. Be aware of surroundings, especially on multi-use trails where you will encounter hikers, runners, and horseback riders. Pedestrians and equestrians have the right of way. Communicate your presence when approaching from behind. 

Maintain Your Bike: Inspect your equipment before you ride. Check your tires for proper air pressure. Be sure your brakes are in working order. Lubricate and check the chain for broken links or rust. Carry a flat repair kit (tube, pump, tire levers) and a multi-tool.

Bring Appropriate Gear: Make sure you’re dressing for the weather. Bring appropriate layers. Bring snacks, fuel, and plenty of water. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Location: The ranger-led bike meet-up will meet at the Hiwassee Access parking area. Be ready to ride at 5:30 p.m.

2025 Rides:
3/20 – “Dutchman’s Breeches Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Trestle, 13.6 miles RT, 5-7 p.m., First Day of Spring – First Ride! (2 hours)
3/27 – “Dutchman’s Breeches Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
4/3 – “Redbud Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Trestle, 13.6 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
4/10 – “Redbud Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
4/17 – “Redbud Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
4/24 – “Silverbell Ride”: Hiwassee to Draper, 8.6 miles RT, 5:30-7 p.m. (1.5 hours)
5/1 – “Silverbell Ride”: Hiwassee to Draper, 8.6 miles RT, 5:30-7 p.m. (1.5 hours)
5/8 – Galax to Chestnut Falls, 9.6 miles RT, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (1 hour)
5/15 - "Ride the Rails": Foster Falls to Austinville, 10.4 miles RT, 10-11:30 a.m. (1.5 hours)
5/22 – Foster Falls to Barren Springs, 12.6 mi RT, 5:30-7 p.m. (1.5 hours)
6/12 – "Last of Spring Ride" Foster Falls to Ivanhoe, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
6/19 – "Summer Ride" Foster Falls to Austinville, 10.4 miles RT, 5-6:30 p.m. (1.5 hours)
6/26 – "Bike and Brunch": Draper to Hiwassee, 8.6 miles RT, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (1.5 hours)
7/3 – "Red Bike and Blue Ride": Foster Falls to Austinville, 10.4 miles RT, 10-11:30 a.m. (1.5 hours)
7/17 – “Berry Fun Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (2 hours)
7/31 – “Ride the Rails”: Foster Falls to Austinville, 10.4 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (1.5 hours)
8/7 – Galax to Chestnut Falls, 9.6 miles RT, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (1 hour)
8/14 – “Bike and Brunch”: Draper to Hiwassee, 8.6 miles RT, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (1.5 hours)
8/21 – Galax to Chestnut Falls, 9.6 miles RT, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (1 hour)
8/28 – Foster Falls to Barren Springs, 12.6 miles RT, 5:30-7 p.m. (1.5 hours)
9/4 – Dannelly Park to Gambetta Tunnel, 15.6 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
9/11 – Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Trestle, 13.6 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
9/18 – Dannelly Park to Gambetta Tunnel, 15.6 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
9/25 – Foster Falls to Austinville, 10.4 miles RT, 5-6:30 p.m. (1.5 hours)
10/2 – Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
10/9 – Galax to Chestnut Falls, 9.6 miles RT, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (1 hour)
10/16 – Foster Falls to Barren Springs, 12.6 mi RT, 5:30-7 p.m. (1.5 hours)
10/23 – Dannelly Park to Gambetta Tunnel, 15.6 RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
10/30 – Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)

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