New River State Park
Designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976, the New River is one of the most popular waterways in North Carolina's mountains. New River State Park affords residents of Ashe County and its visitors a convenient opportunity to enjoy the New River's waters as they carve their way through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some popular activities within the state park include camping (both primitive and with RV hookups), hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. There is even a public swimming beach at Elk Shoals if you would rather relax in the sun on a warm afternoon. There are two options for accessing the New River within the state park: one along US Highway 221 and the other at Wagoner Road.
Multiple outdoor outfitters are also available in the area to help with watercraft rentals and shuttles - supporting single day excursions or multiday adventures. For those who wish to reserve a picnic shelter, please visit NCParks.gov or call 877-722-6762.
Pack up your fishing rods and camping gear for the weekend, or simply pack a picnic to appreciate a relaxing afternoon at New River State Park. You are sure to enjoy your time spent along the New River's scenic waters.
More on the New River - Ashe County
The New River's northern headwaters are on the upper slopes of Elk Knob in Watauga County, while the South Fork of the New River begins around Thunder Hill Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock. The North and South Forks of the New River join just downstream from Weavers Ford in Ashe County - a notable confluence before the waters continue their serpentine northward journey. The New River makes its way north into Virginia and West Virginia where it eventually joins the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River. Just upstream from the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers, the New River cuts its way through the West Virginia mountains to form the New River Gorge. This rugged stretch of water attracts white water rafting and kayaking enthusiasts as the water tumbles through remote mountain terrain. The New River also passes 876 feet beneath the Gorge Bridge - one of the highest arc bridges in the world.
The New River, ironically named, is the second oldest river in the world - only predated by the Nile River in Africa. Some scientists believe the New River’s waters to outdate the Appalachian Mountains themselves, potentially having carved through the region's geography before the mountains uplifted from the earth's crust. Today, many across Appalachia enjoy the New River's waters for recreation or depend on the river as a source of life.
Here at Ashe High Country Realty, we believe the New River is one of Ashe County's many hidden gems. There are many riverfront properties for sale with a pristine view of the New River or one of its many tributaries.
Come spend a day in the mountains of northwestern North Carolina to see for yourself!
