New River

New River State Park 358 New River State Park Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 336-982-2587 new.river@ncparks.gov GPS: 36.467680, -81.340350 Activities Education and Events: Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about New River State Park. Contact the park office to arrange a special exploration for your group or class. The visitor center offers hands-on environmental education opportunities, with a teaching auditorium and a laboratory/classroom. Educational materials about New River State Park have been developed for grades 6-8 and are correlated to North Carolina’s competency-based curriculum. The New River program focuses on basic river ecology and the aspects of the New River that make it unique. Camping: New River State Park offers three access areas that total more than 750 acres. Both Wagoner and US 221 Access offer walk-in/canoe-in campgrounds. Allehany Access, along with the River Bend Campsites, offer canoe-in only primitive campgrounds. Visit the website or contact the park office for more information about amenities, facilities, and accessible campsites. Picnicking: Each of the park’s access areas includes a picnic area. There are two covered shelters with grills and fireplaces, available by reservation. The community building located at the 221 Access features a large meeting room, kitchen facilities and restrooms. Contact the park office for reservations and a fee schedule. Trails: Explore the diverse riparian habitat found along the New River at any of the state park access areas. Walk through open fields, rhododendron thickets and oak/hickory woodlands for a beautiful view of the cliffs across the river. Fishing: The south and north forks of the New River provide some of the best smallmouth and redeye bass fishing in the region. Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to possess a valid North Carolina fishing license. All regulations of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commision apply. Paddling: 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. Paddlers may leave their vehicles and launch canoes at any of three accesses (see map). All vehicles must be registered 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 more information about outfitter tube and canoe rentals. Location New River State Park is located in Ashe and Alleghany counties. Wagoner Road Access Area, at river mile 26, is located eight miles southeast of Jefferson. U.S. 221 Access Area, at river mile 15, is located eight miles northeast of Jefferson and may be reached by U.S. 221. Kings Creek Access Area, at river mile 7, is located on Kings Creek Rd. Alleghany County Access Area, at river mile 1, may be reached only by canoe. Park Hours North Carolina State Parks are open every day, with the exception of Christmas Day. Park hours vary with the seasons. Please visit the North Carolina State Park website or contact the park office for the most current information about seasonal hours, activities, alerts, camping fees, programs rules and weather. www.ncparks.gov Make a reservation online at ncparks.gov or call 1-877-722-6762.