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Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 20, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

New River Trail State Park continues restoration progress following Hurricane Helene damage

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: New River Trail Closures March 2025)

MAX MEADOWS, Va. – New River Trail State Park is making steady progress in reopening sections of the trail that sustained significant damage during Hurricane Helene.

Park staff, contractors and volunteers have been working diligently to repair the impacted areas, ensuring the popular trail can once again be enjoyed by visitors.

While some sections of the trail remain closed for safety reasons and repairs, several key portions have already reopened to the public:

Fries to Fries Junction
Fries Junction to Galax
Ivanhoe to Big Reed Trestle
Allisonia to Old Route 100
Dora Junction to Pulaski

Work to address flood damage continues along Byllesby and Buck dams; however, park leaders expect these sections of the trail to open by May 1.

Additional surface work will be required along the trail in the future, which will require one-to-two-day temporary closures. Advance notices will be posted on the park’s website.

For more information and updates on trail conditions, visit virginiastateparks.gov/new-river-trail or call 276-699-6778.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

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