Facility Overview

The New River Trail car parking lot (officially recognized by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as the Dora Junction Trailhead / Dora Access) serves as the prominent northern gateway to the acclaimed 57-mile New River Trail State Park. Situated at 60 Xaloy Way in Pulaski, Virginia, this spacious open-air surface lot is purpose-built to welcome outdoor enthusiasts, regional cyclists, and trail riders. Because it is completely open-air without height overhead restrictors or parking garage ceilings, the facility provides wide-open, unobstructed vertical clearance. This makes it an ideal staging ground not only for compact passenger cars, crossovers, and full-size SUVs, but also for lifted pickup trucks, high-roof camper vans, recreation vehicles (RVs), and long vehicle-trailer combinations. Dedicated parking zones accommodating multi-horse trailers and bike-hauler rigs are integrated into the perimeter layout, ensuring seamless maneuverability without tight cornering hazards.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned at the historic northern terminus of the rail-trail corridor, this parking area connects directly to both scenic natural landscapes and the cultural charm of downtown Pulaski:

• New River Trail State Park: Steps from your vehicle, visitors have direct access to over 57 miles of crushed-limestone rail-trail running through scenic gorges, historic bridges, and riverways toward Foster Falls, Galax, and Fries.
• Downtown Pulaski & Pulaski Historic Commercial District: Located just 1.5 miles west (a quick 4-minute drive or an easy ride down the paved Dora Trail connector), offering local diners, coffee shops, antique emporiums, and the historic Pulaski Railway Station.
• Historic Calfee Park: Approximately 2 miles away (a 5-minute drive), this historic ballpark is home to the Pulaski River Turtles collegiate baseball club and hosts community summer games.
• Pulaski Theatre: Situated 1.6 miles away in the heart of town, presenting live music performances, classic films, and theatrical productions.
• Claytor Lake State Park: Located about 10 miles northeast, featuring extensive boating, swimming, and freshwater fishing on the New River reservoir.
• Historic Draper Village & Draper Mercantile: Roughly 5 miles south along the trail or Route 658, featuring local dining, craft shopping, and bike amenities.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Reaching the Dora Junction parking lot is remarkably straightforward for regional and long-distance travelers. From Interstate 81, motorists take Exit 94 onto State Route 99 West (Count Pulaski Memorial Highway / East Main Street) for roughly two miles, making a simple right turn directly onto Xaloy Way where the entrance kiosk and lot are immediately visible on the right. Ingress and egress are smooth, with wide two-way turnarounds designed to prevent congestion when multi-axle trailers enter or exit. Local public transportation is provided through Pulaski Area Transit (PAT), which operates on-demand and fixed-route deviated bus service throughout the Town of Pulaski and surrounding county corridors, facilitating connections back to town center for trail-to-transit commuters.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Level gravel and hard-packed surface accommodating cars, trucks, and large utility rigs.
• Equestrian & Trailer Stalls: Designated pull-through and deep-stall spaces specifically engineered for horse trailers and vehicle-borne cycling carriers.
• Sanitary Restrooms: On-site public restroom facilities located adjacent to the primary trail entrance kiosk.
• Trailhead Kiosk & Interpretive Signage: Informational boards with detailed route topography, mile markers, flora identification, and park regulations.
• Picnic Grounds: Shaded outdoor picnic tables and rest benches suitable for pre-ride staging or post-hike dining.
• Self-Pay & Digital Payment Station: Equipped with an official Virginia State Parks self-pay iron box (cash/check envelope deposit) alongside modern QR-code mobile payment instructions.
• ADA Accessibility: Level, designated accessible parking spaces situated near trail ingress and facilities.

Ideal For

• Long-Distance Cyclists & Bikepackers: Providing a secure, spacious basecamp to embark on day tours or overnight bikepacking excursions across Southwest Virginia.
• Equestrian Trail Riders: Ample maneuvering room and legal horse trailer parking with quick access to equestrian-friendly trail segments.
• Hikers, Trail Runners & Walkers: Local and visiting pedestrians looking for an accessible, flat, and scenic route along Peak Creek and surrounding woodlands.
• History & Nature Buffs: Outdoor travelers exploring the historic rail infrastructure and unique biodiversity of the New River Valley.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• State Park Daily Parking Fee: Virginia State Parks require a daily parking fee (standard rate of $7 per vehicle). Be prepared with exact cash or personal check for the self-pay envelope, or scan the posted QR code via your smartphone to pay by credit card. An annual Virginia State Parks passport is also honored.
• Daylight Hours Enforcement: The facility is open daily from dawn until dusk. Overnight parking without an authorized park permit or linked backcountry camping registration is strictly prohibited.
• Arrive Early on Weekends: Spring and autumn peak foliage weekends draw significant equestrian and cycling groups; arrive before 9:30 AM to secure prime trailer berths or shaded staging spots.
• GPS Guidance: Program your navigation directly to "60 Xaloy Way, Pulaski, VA" or "Dora Junction Trailhead" to avoid routing errors through surrounding industrial facilities.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out all equestrian waste from trailer stalls and use on-site trash bins to keep this pristine public trail pristine for the community.