With warm weather upon us, it’s good to get out of the house and get some fresh air and exercise. Around the New River Valley various public parks are available to have an afternoon outing or to simply get away from the office for lunch. From softball fields to hiking trails to a red caboose to explore, there is always something to discover at the many parks the New River Valley has to offer.

In the heart of the New River Valley lies Bisset Park. Along the New River in Radford, the park includes a driving range with putt-putt golf and shelters with grills to host picnics. Plenty of space allows for a backyard football game or just enjoying the scenery Radford has to offer. Along the river enjoy the walking trail with a bird watching overlook.

Also in Radford is Wildwood Park, 50 acres of wooded valley. Including trails to explore, the park is located between Radford University campus and Radford High School. While exploring one would never know the park was in the middle of the city.

Moving on to Christiansburg, the Huckleberry Trail extends from the New River Valley Mall to the edge of the Virginia Tech campus. The trail is hidden from traffic with the exception of a few places that the trail crosses the street. Along the way you’ll find Coal Mining Heritage Park. With picnic tables and antique equipment the park is a great place to take a break from walking the trail and enjoy Christiansburg.

Another place to go in Christiansburg is the Mid County Park. Located near 460’s express lane the park includes the Frog Pond swimming pool. The park also includes walking trails and a playground for the kids.

Moving on to Blacksburg, there are even more to choose from. The Municipal Park, better known as the Caboose Park or the Hand-in-hand playground, is located across from Blacksburg High School. In the area there is an open field for recreation, tennis courts, skate parks, softball fields, and shelters for picnics. There is also the aquatic center, an indoor pool, nearby for swimming. Nellie’s Cave Park is located behind Famous Anthony’s. It is a smaller park but still has great opportunities, with a shelter, playground and softball field, Nellie’s Cave Park is more secluded than the Caboose Park but they both are a great outing. A little further out from Blacksburg is Pandapas Pond. Biking and hiking trails encircle the pond and canoeing or kayaking on the pond is encouraged.

Pulaski boasts the New River Trail, with the option of tubing down the river and plenty of trails to explore. There is also the Randolph and Jackson Parks. In Randolph Park there is a public pool and water park, while Jackson Park has a gazebo for summer concerts.

Floyd County has several recreation parks with open fields and ball fields. In Giles County there are also several attractions to choose from, such as Treasure Island, a golf course, swimming pools, and a clubhouse with shelters and grills.

There are so many options to choose from in the New River Valley it is hard to pick a favorite.

Blacksburg Parks

Municipal Park
Located between Turner Street and Patrick Henry Drive
Includes softball field, playground, nearby indoor pool

Pandapas Pond
Located 3.5 miles north of Blacksburg just off of U.S. 460
Includes walking and biking trail, fishing, and flat-water canoeing

Nellie’s Cave Park
Located at the end of Grissom Lane
Includes playground shelter with electricity, and walking trails

Christiansburg Parks

Mid County Park
Located on Cinnabar Road Christiansburg next to 460’s express lanes
Includes frog pond pool, walking trails, and a playground

Huckleberry Trail
Extending from New River Valley Mall to Virginia Tech Campus
Includes walking trail and little traffic

Floyd County Parks

Recreation Parks
Includes open fields, softball fields

Giles County Parks

Treasure Island
Includes playground, swimming pools, and a clubhouse

Pulaski County Parks

New River Trail
Includes walking trail and the New River

Randolph Park
Located on Alexander Road, Dublin
Includes a water park

Jackson Park
Located on First Street Northwest, Pulaski
Includes a Gazebo for summer concerts

Radford City Parks

Bisset Park
Located along the New River just below downtown Radford
Includes open fields, walking trails, and putt-putt golf

Wildwood Park
Located Radford’s central park
Includes hiking trails and overlooks

Anna Keffer is an intern for the New River Voice who will be spending some quality time outdoors this summer in the NRV.