If you’re looking for places to visit in New River, North Carolina, you’re in luck! Here are some things to do, from getting to New River Gorge National Park to visiting the Hawks Nest State Park Lodge. You’ll be glad you did once you’ve experienced the beautiful sights of the area.
Getting to New River NORTH CAROLINA
When planning a trip to New River, North Carolina, there are a few things to consider. The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world. It’s also a National Wild and Scenic River and a State Heritage River. The state manages three state parks along the river, each about a day’s canoe ride apart. These parks also offer primitive riverside camping.
The area around the New River has retained its old-fashioned charm with its small towns, churches, and country stores. The river itself is quiet and peaceful, and it offers excellent bass and trout fishing. Nearby is the 2,200-acre New River State Park, where visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, and picnicking.
The New River is the oldest river in North America, and it was formed before the mountains that it flows through. It has flowed the same course for millions of years. While most of the New River is accessible by road, many stretches are not. However, you can choose to take a scenic drive along a stretch of the river.
A few major cities nearby include Wilmington and Sneads Ferry, which are about 20-30 minutes away. However, Wilmington is a larger city with more business and college opportunities. The cost of living in Wilmington is also higher.
Getting to New River Gorge National Park
The New River Gorge is just 300 miles outside of Washington, D.C., which makes it a three-plus-hour drive from the nearest large city. That means you’re unlikely to run into hordes of day-trippers like you will at the Indiana Dunes or the Gateway Arch. However, it’s worth noting that New River Gorge regularly sees over a million visitors each year.
The park was established in 1671 and is the oldest river in the U.S. It’s believed to be over a hundred million years old and may even have existed before dinosaurs roamed the area. The coal mining industry also shaped the landscape and left behind a massive network of roads, old railway tracks, and bridges. Visitors can enjoy history, wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities.
The New River Gorge National Park is located in the state of West Virginia. It’s easily accessible from major highways such as Interstate 64. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need a car or a motorcycle to get there. The park is not well-served by public transportation, and is best accessed by air or car.
New River Gorge National Park has a number of activities and attractions that are worth seeing. You can hike through the gorge, try zip lining, and take a ropes course. A number of state parks are also nearby. A scenic drive through the park passes through many of them.
Visiting Sandstone Falls
The waterfall at Sandstone Falls in New River North Carolina is the largest waterfall in the area. It is 1500 feet wide and drops 10 to 25 feet in several sections. The falls are popular with rock climbers of all levels. The waterfall is in a beautiful location and is a great place to spend a day.
There is a boardwalk that winds through the area, and visitors can walk on it to get a great view of the lower falls. The boardwalk ends at the main observation deck of the upper falls, which stretches across the river. The boardwalk is approximately 1/2 mile long, and can be done in either direction.
Visiting Sandstone Falls is a great adventure for the entire family, and is a must when visiting the New River Gorge National Park. The falls are located about nine miles down River Road, but they are well worth the trip. The waterfall is not marked on the road, but it is easy to find if you know where to look.
Visitors can also enjoy the National Park’s hiking trails. These trails are popular with visitors and offer scenic overlooks. The Concho Rim Overlook, Fayette Station Road, and the Bridge Walk are just a few of the walking trails within the park. There are also whitewater rafting and mountain biking opportunities.
Visiting Hawks Nest State Park Lodge
Located just outside the New River Gorge, Hawks Nest State Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. This 270-acre state park also has hiking trails, an aerial tramway, and fishing opportunities in the New River. The lodge is also a great place to host a meeting or event with ample conference and meeting facilities.
During the winter, the Hawks Nest Lodge offers a cozy fire in the fireplace. It also offers a tram that will take you to the top of the cliffs and to the lodge. Visitors can also enjoy the state park’s many waterfalls from the lodge’s vantage point.
Visiting Hawks Nest State Park Lodge is a great place to unwind. The park is only 60 miles from the Charleston, West Virginia, airport. The nearby state park has primitive camping areas, but bear in mind that drinking water is not available in these locations. You can also stay in Fayetteville, which is a quaint, outdoorsy town with an active dining scene.
Visiting Hawks Nest State Park Lodge in the New River Gorge offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The lodge is connected to a marina by an aerial tramway. Other activities include guided bridge walks, rock climbing, horseback riding, and bicycle rentals. Several state parks are also nearby, such as Babcock State Park. This 4,127-acre state park is situated 20 miles southeast of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Visiting Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park
Visiting Glade Creek Grist Mill at the Babcock State Park in New River, North Carolina is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area. This state park features 4,000 acres of stunning landscapes and mountain scenery. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking. This location is popular with landscape photographers. Guests can hike up to 17 miles of trails in the park.
Located in the park, the Glade Creek Grist Mill is an authentic reproduction of Cooper’s Mill, which was once located on the grounds of the park. Featuring a fully functioning mill, this tourist attraction has a great photogenic backdrop. The mill has been a favorite of families since it was built in 1972, and many people visit this attraction during their trip to New River. In addition to visiting the mill, visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting, zip lining, and guided hiking.
The park has plenty of activities to keep the entire family busy. There is an antique shop, Wild Art, Wonderful Things, and a restaurant that changes its menu frequently. The onsite restaurant Station Market & Bistro serves up local cuisine and is a local favorite. It is also home to Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed locations in West Virginia.
Hiking to the Glade Creek Grist Mill can take half or a full day. From the Park Office, visitors should take Babcock Road, which winds up the wooded slope above the Park Office. After Cabin 4, visitors will find the Skyline Trail.
Paddling on the New River
For the adventurous, paddling on the New River is the perfect activity. The river is calm and perfect for beginners and families, and even experienced paddlers can enjoy the scenery. There are rapids and potholes throughout the river, but you can also find areas with floodplains and downfoldings of rocks. The South Fork of the New River features the Ararat River Synclinorium, a rock formation formed during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains. This granite wall rises over the river’s access area in Alleghany County, and is over one billion years old.
The New River is a scenic river that runs through the mountains, offering excellent birding. To enjoy the serenity of the river, paddlers should use a canoe or kayak. This scenic stretch of river is located close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The New River is also popular with tubing enthusiasts, who can enjoy a free tubing adventure after their trip.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic canoeing experience, the New River outside of Boone offers ideal conditions. This river is relatively shallow, with depths of two to eight feet. Most sections are class 1 and two water, so it’s suitable for beginners. The river is also ideal for multi-generational groups.
Those interested in paddling on the New River in North Carolina should consider visiting New River State Park, located in Ashe and Alleghany counties. This state park covers seven accesses along the river, including Elk Shoals, which includes a swim beach. There are also several paddle-in campgrounds to ensure that you have a more secluded experience.