National Kids' Trail Program Comes to Fries
On a recent Saturday in Fries, the weather wasn't cooperating. A dedication for a new trail program for kids was scheduled and things looked a little doubtful that the event could happen. But a determined team from the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Friends of New River Trail erected tents and arranged chairs for a crowd they hoped would come.
And then the sun broke through the clouds, the rain stopped, and the New River glided by as majestic as ever. A crowd of around 60 also rolled in to celebrate an occasion which puts Fries on the map with scores of other state and national park trails across North America.
Track Trails is a signature program for "Kids in Parks", a national effort to inspire youth to unplug and get outdoors. It's a program that partners with organizations like The National Park Service and the US Forest Service. Even our region's very own Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is a partner with Kids in Parks. Now, Fries is among scores of trails around the nation that can boast a Kids in Parks TRACK TRAIL.
Kids in Parks' mission is to provide "...a national network of trails that engage kids and families in activities that get them outdoors and connected to nature. Each of the program’s Track Trails provide visitors with engaging, self-guided activities designed to turn their visit into a fun and exciting adventure."
Trail activities called Tracktivities encourage kids to engage with nature and fitness as they explore the wilderness. Tracktivities are printed in brochures provided at trail head kiosks or can be downloaded onto a cell phone.
Opening the dedication in Fries, current president of Friends of New River Trail (FNRT), Kate Friedl described the work that volunteers do providing maintenance assistance and creating opportunities that support trail users. She offered background on the mission of the FNRT and mentioned efforts by local, founding organizers including Patty Elton, Bill Neuhoff, Caitie Reed and a former Director of Virginia State Parks system, Joe Elton.
Among the many contributions made by FNRT is the recent addition of bike repair stations. FNRT also played a key role in the installation of this new kids' Track Trail in Fries.
Instrumental to funding this project was the Gail and GW Catron family. Friedl recognized the Catron's ongoing support for creating outdoor opportunities across the region and for making this Track Trail a reality in Fries.
Director of Blue Ridge Parkway's Kids in Parks division, Adam Roades, spoke about the program's goals. He said, "We want to get kids and families out and active in all these amazing places that we have and building connections with their community, their parks, and their families."
Roades described how each Track Trail around the country is tailored to the unique ecology and history in every location. In Fries, youth can learn about river habitats, local history, and nature stewardship. Families register kids online and receive an online nature journal to record their trail progress. Opportunities to claim educational resources further encourages youth participation.
Sam Sweeney, manager of the New River Trail State Park, took the opportunity to offer a little history of how the park came into being. In 1985, when Norfolk and Western train companies said they were going to take up the railway lines, members of communities along the rails came forward with ideas to use the rail-bed for horseback riding, biking, and water recreation. By December 1986, the State of Virginia agreed to back the rails-to-trails concept.
Sweeney elaborated on the important partnership between the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Kids in Parks, volunteer groups like the FNRT and donations from families like the Catrons – it takes all these groups coming together to make this rails-to-trails experience robust and supportive. It's a partnership that makes Track Trails possible.
Living right here in Southwest Virginia, area residents may not realize all the activity that goes on behind the scenes to make the New River Trail State Park a destination for visitors across the nation. In 2025 alone, under Sweeney's leadership, the New River Trail State Park had a landmark season restoring key sections of the trail after Hurricane Helene and adding new programs to enhance visitor experience. Listen to Sweeney describe the accomplishments in 2025:
After the ribbon was cut and applause quieted down, attendees admired the new kiosk. Friends and families lined up for photos marking the occasion. Meanwhile, a family with three little kids parked nearby and spilled onto the grass. Backpacks secured and water bottles in hand, the family approached the crowd where they were introduced to Track Trail activities. Choosing an adventure from the kiosk, the family aimed for the trail with kids leading the charge: Kids in Parks - mission accomplished.
