North Carolina State Parks

New River

PO Box 48, Jefferson, NC 28640 · (336) 982-2587 · E-mail

Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and bucolic farmlands surround what is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America — the New River. Its waters are slow and placid. Its banks are fertile and covered with wildflowers. Dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976, this gentle river is the centerpiece of New River State Park.

The New River area still maintains an old-fashioned charm. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, dotted with small farms, churches and country stores. The river itself is tranquil, offering good bass fishing, trout streams, excellent birding and inspiring mountain scenery. But perhaps the best way to absorb and appreciate the river's peacefulness is from the seat of a canoe as it glides across the slow-moving waters. Three areas with access to this waterway make up more than 1,500 acres of New River State Park and provide spots for camping, canoeing, picnicking and fishing.

Canoeing

Easy paddling and spectacular scenery make the New River a natural canoe trail for inexperienced paddlers. Its shallow, gentle waters and mild rapids are perfect for beginners, families and groups, but even expert paddlers return again and again to experience the river's beauty and tranquility.

Along the course, small tributary streams merge with the river and minor rapids stir the water's surface, adding excitement as canoes are maneuvered downstream. The best months for higher water levels are May and June. August and September are low-flow periods.

Canoeists may leave their vehicles and launch canoes at the Wagoner Road Access Area, located at river mile 26, at the US 221 Access Area, located at river mile 15, or at the Kings Creek Access at river mile 7. All vehicles must register for overnight parking. Canoes may also be launched from several bridges and roadways that cross the river. Parts of the river are suitable for tubing at times. Contact the park office for outfitter tube and canoe rentals.

Below is a listing of estimated river mileage and paddling times between canoe access sites. The time estimates are based on moderate paddling experience.

-NC 163 Bridge to Elk Shoals Methodist Campground: 5.5 miles, 3 hr.
-NC 163 Bridge to SR 1159 Boggs Rd. Bridge: 8.0 miles, 4 hr.
-Boggs Bridge to NC 88 Bridge (Index, NC): 6.0 miles, 3 hr. 30 min.
-NC 88 Bridge to Wagoner Rd. Access: 5.0 miles, 2 hr.
-Wagoner Road Access to US 221 Access: 11.0 miles, 4 hr. 20 min.
-Wagoner Road Access to SR 1595 Gentry Rd. Bridge: 5.5 miles, 2 hr. 20 min.
-SR 1595 Gentry Road to SR 1601 Fulton Reeves Bridge: 3.0 miles, 1 hr.
-Fulton Reeves Bridge to US 221 Bridge: 4.5 miles, 2 hr.
-US 221 Access to Alleghany Access: 15.0 miles, 6 hr. 30 min.
-US 221 Bridge to Kings Creek Rd.: 7.5 miles, 3 hr. 30 min.
-Kings Creek Rd. to Alleghany Co. Access: 5.0 miles, 2 hr. 45 min.
-Alleghany Co. Access to Va./N.C. Rt. 93 Bridge: 4.0 miles, 2 hr.

Camping

New River State Park offers three access areas that total more than 1,800 acres. Each area provides a canoe-in primitive campground with tables and grills. Wagoner Road Access Area offers nine primitive campsites and bathroom facilities with hot-water showers. At Wagoner Access, campers may park and carry their supplies 250 yards to the campsite, or campers may canoe downstream to a take-out ramp at the campground.

At the US 221 Access Area, campers must either walk or canoe to the 15 primitive campsites. Bathroom facilities with hot-water showers are nearby. Alleghany County Access, which has eight canoe campsites, is accessible only by canoe and has pit toilets and a pump for drinking water. Campers must sign in at registration boxes or with a park ranger. A modest fee is charged for camping.

Fishing

Cast your line from the river banks and reel in tonight's dinner. The south and north forks of the river provide some of the best smallmouth and redeye bass fishing in the region. The south fork downstream from the US 221 bridge is stocked with muskellunge. Trout fishing is excellent in the smaller, faster tributaries, most of which are designated general trout waters and are stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout. Anglers need a state fishing license and should obey the regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

Hiking

Explore the diverse riparian habitat found along the New River at any of the state park access areas. Wagoner Road Access features the Fern Nature Trail, a one-mile, self-guided nature trail. To add another mile to your hike, connect to the Running Cedar Trail. For a spectacular view of the river, hike the one-mile Hickory Trail at US 221 Access Area. The most diverse habitats of the park can be found along the Farm House Loop Trail at Alleghany Access Area. Walk through open fields, rhododendron thickets and oak/hickory woodlands for a beautiful view of the cliffs across the river.

Picnicking and community building

Each of the park's access areas includes a picnic area. Wagoner Road Access Area has a 10-table covered shelter with grills and a fireplace. The shelter is available for group gatherings and may be reserved. A grove of apple trees provides a canopy for 13 tables and two grills. Two smaller picnic areas offer tables along the river bank and next to an old homestead. Restrooms and drinking water are located nearby at the park office and the campground shower-house.

The US 221 Access Area, located at river mile 15, has a small picnic area downstream from the campground. Bathrooms are located between the campground and the picnic area. The area's community building, designed for group gatherings, has a large meeting room, kitchen facilities and restrooms. Contact the park office for reservations and a fee schedule.

Three picnic tables are provided in an open meadow at the Alleghany County Access Area, located at river mile 1 near the Virginia border. This area can be reached only by canoe. A pit toilet and a pump for drinking water are also provided.

Special events

To hold a special event in the park, such as a wedding, a canoe race or an event that does not fall within normal park activities, event organizers must receive a special activity permit.

For more information visit: North Carolina State Parks - New River State Park