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.
We are located approximately 20 min from the Wagoner Road entrance to the park.
June 15, 2013
Track Trail Hike at New River State Park
Join a park ranger on this fun hike designed for kids. This is part of a “Kids in Parks” program where participants can go online after the hike to receive awards. Make sure to wear appropriate clothes and shoes for the weather. The hike should last about 1 hour. To find out about other “Track Trails” all around North Carolina, go to www.kidsinparks.comProgram is free and open to the public. Call park office at 336-982-2587 for more information.
Starts at: 2:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center
June 16, 2013
Make Your Own Hiking Stick
Everyone needs a good hiking stick. Come join a park ranger in search of the best hiking stick in the woods! We’ll hike around the Hickory Trail in search of the best sticks we can find. Then we will form each into our own personal hiking stick. Each participant will be able to make and take home their own New River Hiking Stick. Space is limited so call the park office to get your child’s name added to the program. Meet the park ranger at the US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center for this program. Call the park office for more information or directions….336-982-2587.
Starts at: 3:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Area Visitor Center
June 22, 2013
Aquatic Sampling
Join a park ranger at New River State Park?s US Hwy 221 Access, for a hands on search for aquatic insects in the New River. Participants must wear shoes, and come prepared to get wet. Bring some sun screen and a towel.call park office for more information 336-982-2587
Starts at: 1:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy Access Primitive Campground Parking Area
June 23, 2013
Dangerous Plants and Animals
Before you venture out this summer, join a ranger to learn about things outside that aren’t so friendly. We’ll learn about things such as poison ivy, ticks, snakes and more. Meet at the visitor center at 3:00 pm program is open to the public and free of charge. Call park office for more information about this program or any others we offer 336-982-2587.
Starts at: 3:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center
June 23, 2013
Guided Canoe Trip
Meet at the US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. Come and canoe the New River with a park ranger. Learn the history of the river and basic canoe instruction while you enjoy a leisurely trip down the New. Wear clothing and shoes suitable for being in the water. Water temperature is cooler than the air. Space is limited and reservations are required. There is a small fee per person to cover the cost of shuttle service. Call 336 982-2587 to reserve your space.
Starts at: 1:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center
June 29, 2013
Balloon Animals
Come see Ranger Joe as he makes balloon animals and sings songs about some of our most familiar woodland creatures! This program is for small children and sure to be fun. Meet the park ranger at the US 221 Access Visitor Center for this program.
Starts at: 2:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center
June 30, 2013
Riverview Trail Hike
This beautiful trail hike has some wonderful features to see and a great view of the river. Meet at the intersection of Hwy 16 and Hwy 58 in Mouth of Wilson, VA. Wear good hiking shoes and bring along your camera to capture photos of this beautiful part of New River State Park.
Starts at: 10:00 am Meet at: Alleghany Access
