New River State Park
New River State Park is a North Carolina state park in Ashe County. Located near the town of Jefferson, it covers over 2,200 acres (6 km²) in the protected New River watershed. The New River is, ironically, one of the oldest rivers in the United States. It is considered by some geologists to be possibly one of the oldest rivers in the world, between 10 million and 360 million years old. This park is just off U.S. Route 221 in northwestern North Carolina. New River State Park is open for year round recreation including canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking and picnicking.
The New River is a nature canoe trail that is ideal for inexperienced paddlers. It is shallow with waters that are largely gentle with a few mild rapids. All canoeists must register at the park offices. There are twelve launches along the course of the New River.
The river is stocked with muskellunge, rainbow and brown trout. Some of the tributaries of the New River are designated trout waters. All anglers must have a North Carolina state fishing license.
There are several miles of trails that are open to hiking at New River State Park. A large picnic area with charcoal grills, thirteen tables and one pavilion is in an old apple orchard. Three primitive camping area can be reached by foot or canoe.
New River State Park is covered by a thriving second growth forest. The old growth forests were harvested for lumber and other wood products. The forests grow in fertile soil that supports a variety of hardwood trees, pine trees, shrubs and wildflowers. New River State Park is home to fourteen threatened and endangered plants that grow in the valley along the New River. Carolina and Carey’s saxifrage, rattlesnake root, spreading avens and purple sedge are protected and the picking of their flowers is prohibited.
Many animals that are commonly found in an eastern woodland environment can be found at New River State Park. White-tailed deer are a common sight. Black bear are seen less often. Mink, river otters, beavers, muskrats and raccoons inhabit the land along the banks of the New River.
Birds of many different species live at New River State Park. Osprey and Red-tailed hawks are birds of prey that can be seen soaring above the park. Wild turkey live in the forested lowlands and Ruffed Grouse live on the mountain slopes. A wide variety of songbirds live throughout the forests. Wood Ducks, Spotted Sandpipers and Belted Kingfishers live along the river banks.
For more information visit the North Carolina Parks website.
