2 Days on the New River Trail in Virginia August 15 – 16, 2026
• Learn new mushroom identification skills while exploring Appalachia by bike. Have a cool down in the New River, camp under the stars, and see fireflies.
• We will base out of a central camp, exploring upriver on Saturday and Downriver on Sunday. We will return to camp already set up both days.
• Wild Mushrooms, Camping, and tour guides included.
Cost: $150 USD
Weekend bike rental can be added for $50
Includes: Campsite, Basic Fitting, Helmet, Camp Kitchen, Guided Tour, and Experienced Mushroom Identification Guides.
BrambleBerry BikeWorks of Floyd will be providing a fleet of cool modernized retro mountain bikes in all sizes and fun colors; the perfect ride for traveling along the New River Rail Trail. $50 USD covers rental for the entire weekend.
In the field lessons on mushroom and plant identification, ecology, cooking, and other uses such as herbal medicine. Matthew and Ja each have 20 years experience being wild mushroom and plant nerds, always striving to stay up to date on taxonomy and learning new species interactions.
The Trail: Meandering along the New River on a converted railroad corridor, the path is flat to gently rolling crushed stone. Plenty of swimming holes, lush forests, birds, and mushrooms to enjoy!
We plan to average 18 miles on a different out and back ride each day, so you can easily ride shorter or longer distances.
The Mushrooms:
August is peak season for a staggering array of mushroom diversity in the New River Valley. Exploring across a number of different habitats, we will walk you through key identifying features and culturally important uses. Expect edibles and improved abilities to identify them.
The Bikes:
A fleet of 90’s retro mountain bikes lovingly updated for comfort and safety will be provided by BrambleBerry BikeWorks of Floyd for a modest fee of $50 USD for the entire weekend. Plenty of sizes and colors available to get you the right fit and vibe.
Or bring your own
Bikes and Adaptive cycles of many styles that are equipped with durable off pavement tyres are suitable for the surface.
•38mm tyre width minimum
•E-bikes up to class 2 are allowed
Let’s talk about your ride preparation!
The Campground:
Riverside large group camp with space to spread out! A covered meeting and group kitchen space, an outdoor amphitheater with power for charging, and lighting ( dance parties) also available. For more information about the campsite or to reserve for Friday or Sunday click here.
Beautiful. Simple. Maintained. No Hot Showers.
Per Virgina State parks website:
Millrace Campground (Wythe County at Foster Falls). This campground overlooks the New River. There is no vehicular access to the campground. There is a short hike to the sites from the parking lot.
Stay at the Inn at Foster Falls
$175 per night
Notes:
• Yes, there are Lyme borne ticks in this area of the planet. Please familiarize yourself with them before coming.
Read about Tick / Lyme safety here
• If bringing your own ride please come with it properly functioning and recently used.
Bonus points if you tell us what you’re bringing! Then we can better prepare for any mechanical problem.
• Nearby Towns and Cities:
Galax / Pulaski: 20 mi
Floyd: 40 mi
Roanoke: 70 mi
Winston – Salem: 70 mi