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Outdoors, The Arts & More
There's so much to see in Radford!
You can get out on the New River and float along with the city or set out on one of the trails in our parks and see the flora and fauna.
With two historic shopping districts and a variety of cuisine choices, everyone is sure to find what they like.
Be sure to visit Radford University! You'll find many events and cultural activities that are open to the public and the campus is the perfect backdrop for your Blue Ridge mountain visit photos.
Nearby, you'll find great outdoor adventures at Claytor Lake, the Appalachian Trail, Jefferson National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Let the Radford Visitor's Center plan your itinerary!
View information about all of this in our Resource Directory.
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The New River
Flowing 320 miles through North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, the New River is a true recreation destination for all outdoor lovers. As the only city in Virginia located directly on the river, Radford offers unparalleled access to the water at a number of different sites.
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Round the Mountain Craft Trail
Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network links visitors to local artisans, farms, galleries, craft venues, and other creative points of interest.
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RU Museum of the Earth Sciences
The Museum of the Earth Sciences is open from October through November and from January through April while Radford University is in session. It is closed when Radford University is closed.
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Virginia's Civil War Trail - Battle of New River Bridge
One of the 388 sites included on Virginia's Civil War Trail, Radford's Battle of New River Bridge marker can be found at the far west end of Bisset Park along the New River (off Route 11).
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Wilderness Road
Although it has been known by many different names, such as the Great Road, the Great Philadelphia Road, and the Valley Turnpike, the 500-mile long Wilderness Road saw nearly 300,000 settlers on their way south through Virginia between 1775 to 1810. Traveling on foot or horseback, some settled along the way, while others continued on to the interior of the nation.