New River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New River State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 New River State Park
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | Ashe, North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 3,323 acres (13.45 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,716 ft (828 m) |
| Established | 1976 |
| Named for | New River |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
New River State Park is a cool place in Ashe County, North Carolina. It's a state park that protects a big part of the New River. This river is super old – some scientists think it might be one of the oldest rivers in the whole world! The park covers about 3,323 acres and is a great spot for outdoor fun all year round. You can go canoeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing, camping, and learn about nature here. The park is easy to find, just off U.S. Route 221 in northwestern North Carolina.
Contents
Discover the New River's Ancient History
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the United States. Some geologists even think it might be one of the oldest rivers on Earth! It could be anywhere from 10 million to 360 million years old. That's a really long time!
How the New River Got Its Name
The river was first named in 1651 by Edward Bland. He was a mapmaker from England. He made a map of the western parts of colonial Carolina and Virginia. Since the New River wasn't on any maps before, Bland called it the "New River."
Later, from 1654 to about 1754, people called it Woods River. This was after Colonel Abraham Wood, a famous pioneer who traded with native tribes in the area.
Then, around 1754, Peter Jefferson (who was the father of President Thomas Jefferson) led a group surveying the mountains. The river wasn't on their map either, so he also named it the "New River." For a while, both names were used. But by 1770, everyone agreed to call it the New River, and that's what it's still called today!
Early People and Settlers in the Valley
People have lived along the New River in this area for a very long time. Archaeologists have found tools and pottery from about 10,000 years ago! These items belonged to tribes like the Kanawha, Cherokee, Shawnee, and Creek.
The New River valley was a popular hunting ground for all these tribes. It was also like a major highway, helping them travel from north to south. They used both the river and trails through the valley. While some rock shelters have been found, it seems these native groups didn't build permanent homes right in the park area.
The first European pioneer to reach this area was Colonel Abraham Wood in 1654. He found a beautiful valley with huge, untouched forests, open meadows, and lots of wildlife. There were black bears, bison, beavers, and elk roaming freely. However, people didn't start settling here permanently until the 1770s. That's when settlers began clearing the land for farming.
Protecting the New River
For a long time, the New River area stayed mostly wild. But in 1965, a company wanted to build a dam across the river to make electricity. Many local people didn't like this idea because it would change the river forever.
Because of this strong local opposition, New River State Park was created in 1975. The North Carolina General Assembly (which is like the state's government) decided that a part of the New River should be a State Scenic River. The very next year, in 1976, the United States Department of the Interior also named the same part of the river a National Wild and Scenic River.
Thanks to these laws, the New River has been kept in its natural state. This means no dams or large reservoirs can be built on it, protecting it for everyone to enjoy!
Nature at New River State Park
New River State Park is covered by a healthy second growth forest. This means the original old forests were cut down long ago, but new trees have grown back. The soil here is very rich, which helps many different kinds of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers grow.
Amazing Plants
Along the river banks and on the lower parts of the mountains, you'll find hardwood trees like oak and hickory. Higher up on the slopes, there are Carolina hemlocks and different kinds of pine trees. You can also spot shrubs like dogwood, huckleberry, alders, and sassafras.
The park is also home to fourteen rare and endangered plants that grow in the valley. These include Carolina and Carey's saxifrage, rattlesnake root, spreading avens, and purple sedge. It's very important to protect these plants, so picking their flowers is not allowed.
Wonderful Wildlife
Many animals that live in eastern forests can be found at New River State Park. You'll often see White-tailed deer. While less common, black bears also live here. Along the river banks, you might spot Mink, river otters, beavers, muskrats, and raccoons.
Many different types of birds also call the park home. Osprey and red-tailed hawks are birds of prey that you might see flying high above. Wild turkeys live in the lower forested areas, and ruffed grouse prefer the mountain slopes. There are also many kinds of songbirds throughout the forests. Near the river, look for Wood ducks, spotted sandpipers, and belted kingfishers.
Nearby State Parks
If you love exploring parks, here are some other state parks not too far from New River State Park:
