New River Trail car parking lot
Park
3.7 (3)
60 Xaloy Way, Pulaski, VA 24301
WaterfallsVA
Foster Falls
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Foster Falls visit in Virginia with park contacts, parking and seasonal rental information. No designated swimming area is provided by the park.
Water type
Waterfalls
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
$7 per standard vehicle; confirm current rates
Best season
Check river conditions, open trail sections and seasonal rental availability before travel
Nearby towns
Max Meadows
Water body
New River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Max Meadows
Access location not verified
MAX MEADOWS, VA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Foster Falls
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Foster Falls at New River Trail State Park
This is the Foster Falls area of New River Trail State Park near Max Meadows, Virginia, not the Tennessee waterfall of the same name. The historic riverside setting offers a base for walking, cycling and planned paddling trips.
River recreation is not a designated swimming beach
The park states that it has no designated swimming areas. Tubing is listed as a popular activity, and the park has hosted ranger-guided snorkeling, but neither establishes an unrestricted swimming beach. Ask staff about appropriate access and current conditions before planning water activities. This guide has not verified a general swimming entry.
Do not rely on the former description of calm currents or cleaner water in a particular season. River flow and submerged hazards cannot be judged from a scenic photograph. A June 17, 2026 snorkeling program included adult supervision requirements and cancellation for unsafe conditions; that past event is not a current booking or permission to swim anywhere.
Planning your visit
Use 116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, VA 24360 for the Foster Falls park area. The park lists dawn-to-dusk day use and $7 parking per standard vehicle. Check current notices before travel, including the map of open trail sections. The park office is 276-699-6778.
The Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery can be reached at 276-699-1034. Its posted schedule is seasonal: daily service between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Friday through Sunday in the shoulder seasons, and closure from November through March. Confirm hours, equipment and river conditions before depending on a rental.
Beyond the river
Consider a land-based visit to the historic village or reserve overnight accommodation separately. Do not assume a campsite reservation includes showers, electricity or unrestricted river access. Confirm the facilities and arrival requirements for the specific campsite or lodging you book.
Getting There
Use 116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, VA 24360, and the official park directions. The former town geocode is not a river-entry location.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use the official Foster Falls park address and check current trail closures. General swimming entry is unverified. Scheduled ranger activities have their own conditions.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Truck Parking Club
Parking lot
5 (1)
4025 Block Plant Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301
Pulaski Bike Park
Park
4.3 (19)
1990 E Main St, Pulaski, VA 24301
New River Trail State Park
Hiking area
4.8 (2102)
116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows, VA 24360
This 57-mile-long park with a trail for hiking, biking & horseback riding, plus fishing & camping.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
New River Trail (north end) trailhead
Park
5 (1)
61 Xaloy Way, Pulaski, VA 24301
Draper Mountain Trail System
Hiking area
4.9 (8)
3535 Valley Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301
Gatewood Park Campground
Campground
4.5 (111)
Campground Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Gatewood Park
Campground
4.4 (241)
RR 710, Pulaski, VA 24301
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Falls
Is there a designated swimming area at Foster Falls?
No. The park lists tubing and has offered scheduled ranger activities, but it does not provide a designated swimming area. Confirm appropriate access and current conditions with staff.
What is the parking fee?
The park currently lists $7 per standard vehicle. Check its official page for changes and payment options.
Are there accessible restrooms?
The operator lists two accessible non-flush restrooms at the Foster Falls access. This does not establish an accessible river entry.
Does Millrace Campground have showers?
No. This is primitive walk-in camping, without vehicle access to individual campsites, showers or bathhouses. Confirm the specific site details when reserving.
Highlights
Historic Foster Falls village
New River Trail access
Seasonal boat and bicycle rentals
Unique Features
Historic Foster Falls village
New River Trail access
Primitive Millrace camping
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- No designated swimming area
- Confirm river conditions and appropriate access with park staff
- Do not assume calm currents, safe wading or seasonal water quality
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Foster Falls was once a hub of late-19th-century industry, with an iron furnace, gristmill, and sawmill. Its transformation into a recreational area reflects the resilience of the local community and its commitment to preserving history.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Capture striking river views at sunrise or sunset, historical landmarks like the train depot and iron furnace, and vibrant fall foliage in autumn.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, including packing out trash, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated trails to protect the area’s natural and historical features.
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Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check river conditions, open trail sections and seasonal rental availability before travel.
Difficulty Level
Trail and river access vary. No accessible swimming entry verified.
Fee
$7 per standard vehicle; confirm current rates
Facilities
The operator lists two accessible non-flush restrooms at Foster Falls, accessible depot and picnic shelter, and drinking water at Foster Falls. Verify current availability. Accessible land facilities do not establish accessible river entry.
Activities
Walking, cycling, seasonal paddling and tubing subject to conditions
Phone
276-699-6778
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Millrace Campground at Foster Falls has primitive walk-in camping; no vehicle access to campsites and no showers or bathhouses. Reserve the specific campground.
Nearby Attractions
- New River Trail State Park - State Park
- Wytheville - Town
- Pulaski - Town
- Shot Tower Historical State Park - Historic Site
- Claytor Lake State Park - State Park
- Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - National Recreation Area
- Big Walker Lookout - Historic Site
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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