2013 Map of Austinville

About this map

Ivanhoe and Austinville anchor this reach of the New River in Wythe County, where the landscape is defined by the river's deep, winding bends and a history of industrial activity. The river's path is followed closely by the New River Valley Trail State Park, repurposing the corridor once dominated by the RR. This geography supported distinct riverside communities like Raketown, Byllesby, and Grayson. Away from the main channel, the terrain rises toward Farmers Mountain and Cold Ridge, while smaller settlements such as Sheep Town and Porters Crossroads dot the uplands. The presence of features like Thorn Ferry and Fossil Point indicates the importance of river crossings and the unique geological character of the valley. Local history is preserved in named landmarks like Pierce Mill and the junction at Fries Junction, illustrating the distribution of 19th and 20th-century life along the water's edge.