Fries TRACK Trail kiosk 

New River Trail State Park has opened a Kids in Parks TRACK Trail in Fries, with support from the Friends of New River Trail and the GW and Gail Catron Family. This is the first of many TRACK Trail installations planned throughout the 57-mile linear park.  

The TRACK Trail program was developed by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks initiative. It encourages children and their families to complete activities along the trail and log their adventures online to earn fun prizes that will enhance their next outdoor experience.  

Keep reading to learn more about this exciting new addition to New River Trail State Park. 

Exploring the history of Fries 

A portion of the Fries TRACK Trail guide 

The Fries TRACK Trail is 1.4 miles one way and follows a scenic stretch of the New River. Visitors can grab a printed guide from the kiosk at the trailhead to explore the area and learn about local plants, animals and natural features. 

This special guide, developed by park rangers and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, also gives kids and their families a little bit of history about Colonel Fries, for whom the town is named, and his vision.  

After walking the TRACK Trail, visitors can explore the Fries section of the park, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. 

Other topics to enjoy while walking are 

• Nature’s Hide and Seek 
• Flower Power 
• Rivers Through the Ages: Did you know that the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers and is the oldest in North America? 

The New River Trailhead in Fries also provides a beautiful view of the New River and the dam that was built to provide power back when Fries was a booming textile town.  

Kids online 

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation provides online access to the same information found at the kiosk and gives kids a way to register and track their visits to TRACK Trails throughout the state. 

You can learn more and create an account at https://www.kidsinparks.com/location/new-river-trail-state-park-fries.

Planning your visit 

Fries dam

New River Trail State Park is open year-round, which means you can explore the Kids TRACK Trail in Fries when it’s convenient for you. It's located at 323 Firehouse Dr, Fries, VA 24330

You can learn more about New River Trail and its activities at www.virginiastateparks.gov/new-river-trail.