Attractions and Places To See around Allisonia - Top 5

Allisonia is rich in industrial history. You can see the remains of its past as a mining town, including the visible structures of the Allisonia Depot and the Old Foreman's House along the New River Trail. The Old Baptist Church, built in 1891, is another historical landmark. Further along the trail, at Milepost 14.1, you can find the low stone wall remains of an ore washer, a key piece of equipment from the mining era. Additionally, the Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex features informational signage about the area's mining past.

The New River Trail State Park is the central natural feature, offering riverine landscapes. Bertha Cave, located at Milepost 19.6 on the New River Trail, is a 100-foot-deep, T-shaped cave formed by erosion and home to various cave-dwelling creatures. The area also provides scenic views of the New River, especially from its many bridges.

Yes, many attractions around Allisonia are family-friendly. The New River Trail State Park is ideal for activities like biking, hiking, and horseback riding, which can be enjoyed by families. Specific highlights like the New River Bridge, Hiwassee River Bridge, and Big Reed Trestle are all categorized as family-friendly and offer accessible points of interest along the trail. The Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex also offers easy to moderate trails suitable for families.

The primary outdoor activity is exploring the New River Trail State Park, which is Virginia's longest linear trail park. It's perfect for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. You can also find dedicated mountain biking and hiking trails at the Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex, which offers over three miles of easy to moderate trails. For cycling enthusiasts, there are several routes available, such as the Foster Falls – New River Bridge loop or the Hiwassee River Bridge – New River Bridge loop. You can find more details on these routes in the Cycling around Allisonia guide.

Several bridges along the New River Trail offer excellent scenic viewpoints. The Hiwassee River Bridge is a 951-foot long trestle bridge that provides beautiful views over the New River. The Big Reed Trestle also offers views of distant mountains and the serene waters of the New River beneath. These spots are great for soaking up the natural beauty of the area.

Yes, the Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex offers over three miles of trails specifically designed for hikers and mountain bikers. These trails are rated easy or moderate and explore a former mining area, featuring colorful rock walls and mountain vistas. It's a great option for a change of pace from the paved New River Trail.

While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the New River Trail State Park is generally enjoyable in spring, summer, and fall for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Fall would offer pleasant temperatures and potentially scenic foliage. Winter activities might be limited depending on weather conditions, but the historical sites remain accessible.

Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance and scenic beauty of the bridges along the New River Trail. The New River Bridge, for instance, is noted for its age and historical role. The Hiwassee River Bridge is loved for its beautiful views, and the Big Reed Trestle is a popular spot to enjoy distant mountains and the river. The blend of history and nature along the trails is a key draw.

Absolutely. Allisonia was a significant mining hub, and its history is evident throughout the area. Along the New River Trail, you can see the Allisonia Depot and Old Foreman's House. The Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex features informational signage detailing the area's past as a mining site for Hoover Color Corporation. You can also find the remains of an ore washer at Milepost 14.1 on the New River Trail.

Yes, Bertha Cave is a notable natural formation near Allisonia. Located at Milepost 19.6 on the New River Trail, this 100-foot-deep, T-shaped cave was formed by erosion. It's home to a colony of bats and other cave-dwelling creatures like cave scuds, salamanders, crickets, and spiders. A bat gate has been installed to help conserve its inhabitants.

The New River Trail State Park is Virginia's longest linear trail park, following a former railway line. It's a multi-use trail ideal for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park integrates natural beauty with historical sites, offering views of the New River and access to various bridges and historical structures like the Allisonia Depot and Old Foreman's House. It's a central feature for outdoor recreation in the Allisonia area.

Yes, Allisonia is part of several cycling routes, primarily utilizing the New River Trail. Examples include the Foster Falls – New River Bridge loop, which can be a moderate to difficult ride depending on the starting point, and the Hiwassee River Bridge – New River Bridge loop. These routes offer opportunities for longer rides through scenic landscapes. More details can be found in the Cycling around Allisonia guide.