State Park · North Carolina

New River State Park

Location: Ashe County, North Carolina
Nearest town: 4.8 miles east of Jefferson
Type: State Park

About New River State Park

Geologists estimate the New River running through this park to be between 10 million and 360 million years old, making it one of the oldest rivers in the United States and possibly the world. The park spans 3,323 acres within the protected New River watershed. Canoeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing, camping and environmental education are available here year-round, with access just off U.S. Route 221 in the northwestern part of the state.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

New River State Park is in Ashe County, North Carolina, 4.8 miles east of Jefferson. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near New River State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 38 in North Carolina →

Towns near New River State Park

State parks near Boone, State parks near Lenoir, State parks near Mount Airy, State parks near Bristol, State parks near Hickory

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.