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Bisset Park/Riverway Trail

Description

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.

Directions

Physical Address: 49 Berkley Williams Dr, Radford, VA 24141

From Previous Site on the Lower New River Loop of VBWT:

From Wildwood Park, return to US 11 North/East Main Street. Turn right and travel north on US 11 North/East Main Street and, almost immediately, turn left onto New River Drive, then left onto Berkley Williams Drive. Continue downhill into the park.

Location & Directions

View on Google Maps

Site Information

  • Site Contact: (540) 267-3128, Kim.Repass@radfordva.gov
  • Website
  • Access: Free, Daily

Birds Recently Seen at Bisset Park/Riverway Trail (as reported to eBird)

  • Canada Goose
  • Wood Duck
  • Double-crested Cormorant
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Blue Jay
  • American Crow
  • Common Raven
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Tree Swallow
  • Carolina Wren

Seasonal Bird Observations

Facilities

  • Bike Trails
  • Accessible
  • Hiking Trails
  • Parking
  • Picnic
  • Restrooms
  • Kayak/Canoe Launch
  • Canoe/Kayak Rentals