Bisset Park/Riverway Trail

Elevation: 1748 ft.

The City of Radford is the only municipality located along this stretch of the New River. The city planners of Radford have taken this honor and developed the city accordingly by creating a series of parks highlighting the natural beauty of the area. Bisset Park sits at the center of this development. Stretching along the New River in downtown Radford, the park provides access to acres of fields and woodland in addition to the east bank of the New River and the more usual park facilities.

Wildlife in the park is plentiful with something to see in every season. Bluebirds nest at the edges of the larger fields and can be seen in late summer in family groups perched on buildings, poles, trees and lines throughout the park. These fields also host American Robin, Common Grackle and House Finch. The woody margins and the moister sections along the river host Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Song Sparrow, and Indigo Bunting. The broad New River constantly remains a focus of attention and is always worth a look. Along this river almost anything may appear such as the possible vagrant heron joining the resident Great Blue and Green herons at the end of the summer or a majestic Tundra Swan gracing the river with the resident Canada Geese in the heart of winter. There is also a diverse population of wintering ducks found along this stretch of the New River during the colder months.