New River Bike Trail #1 - Thurs, 5/20/10

We've tried to ride the New River Rails-to-Trails' 51-mile bike path in years past, but were rained out twice. Today was THE day, cool and sunny and gorgeous. Smartie carried our bikes to Foster Falls from our campground, and we pedaled from that point north to Allisonia - 12 miles down an incline and 12 miles back up. We only quit there because we're going to ride again tomorrow. The water looks like chocolate milk and is peppered with rapids.

Smartie with bikes!

New River near Foster Falls.

  Jimmy on the stunning bike trail.

Isn't it beautiful?

What kind of (large) tree has blossoms like these?

 

Above and below, Jimmy examines the barred entrance to a cave.

Trestle bridge over Big Reed Island Creek.

Almost ran over the snake!

It made it across safely.

 Abandoned, old house off the trail.

Nice to see flowers -- Iris next to the trail. 

Long bridge over the bike trail.

One of the many interesting sights we saw today.

This section of rail-trail follows the river, and it's bordered with great mounds of lightly-scented wild climbing roses mixed with colorful perennials, shade trees and lush greenery. We marveled at the sheer rock face that loomed over our heads most of the way. In places we were reminded of the Virginia Creeper Trail & the Greenbrier WV River Trail ... all three trails are outstanding rides.