Touring - New River Trail in VA - 32c tires on packed gravel?

I'm planning a trip on the New River Trail and understand the surface is packed gravel. I have 700 x 32c tires on my Trek 520 and am wondering if they will work OK on packed gravel. I don't want to buy new tires, if they won't be needed.

Most like can, but how comfortably depends on how fine the gravel and how well packed. I rode the Mickelson Trail in SD on 38s with no problem at all, but it is crushed limestone and well maintained. Could have done it on 28s.

Your 32s should be fine on the New River Trail and you could probably get away with 28s. The gravel is very fine and well packed.

You will do fine with the tires. Look out for the horseback riders on the trail, a lot of them aren't too fond of bike riders.

Thanks for the responses. Guess I'm more worried about the horse s**t than the horses!!!

regarding horses on trails ...
just start talking, to the horse or its rider, as soon as you see the horse. Give them plenty of room. Their riders will appreciate that no end. Even the most "dead" of horses will spook if startled and that's what will set their riders off against you. BTW, horses can see behind themselves!

A few more suggestions ... Bring a light if your route takes you through any of the tunnels. There's a long tunnel on the Galax spur that is almost pitch black near the middle. Wear a helmet. A woman cyclist was killed on the NRT last year from a rock that fell off a bluff along the trail and landed on her head. Watch out for bears! We saw one while riding on the Galax spur. Bring a camera. The NRT is incredibly scenic.

You will be fine with your 32 tires. NRT is a nice ride. If you are going south to north and want to camp end the end of your day check out nearby Claytor Lake State Park. It is about 10 miles up the road from the northern end of NRT and offers a nice campground with SHOWERS.

198059 From my 2 day one night trip last summer. Enjoy!

The 32's will be fine. There are some realy fantastic riverside camp sites along the trail, especialy along the Fries spur. If you are riding at dusk be on the lookout for deer crossing the trail.