Things to Do in Ashe County | State Parks

Ashe County, NC is home to not one, but TWO North Carolina State Parks: New River State Park and Mount Jefferson State Park.

Things to Do in Ashe County | State Parks

Having state parks in the area, gives two very unique looks into life in Ashe County, NC.

Want to make the most of your Ashe County visit? Download our FREE Scavenger Hunt to make sure you see as much as possible and have a ton of fun while you’re here.

New River State Park:

• New River State Park has two different access points – Wagner Road Access and 221 Access
• Both access points offer camping and paddling access close to the parking areas
• There’s also primitive camping accessed by canoes and kayaks, downstream from the park (with proper planning and a guide, of course).
• Visits to New River State Park can be a quick run through, or a multi day, overnight camping visit
• If you want to know more about the park, there’s also a Visitor’s Center with interpretive exhibits.

Mount Jefferson State Park:

• To see one of the coolest views of Ashe County – head up!
• Mount Jefferson is 1,600 feet above the rest of Ashe
• There are five hiking trails throughout the park that offers an up close view of plants and nature of the area
• One of the trails, is a track trail and is very kid-friendly
• There are two, pull-up overlooks that gives you a panoramic view of Ashe County from 1,600 feet up!
• If you want to have a more relaxed day at the park, be sure and visit the picnic shelter!

Nearby: Grayson Highland State Park

• On the other side of the VIrginia line, a quick 45 minute drive,  from Ashe County is Grayson Highlands State Park
• Even though it’s technically a Virginia State Park, it’s a park still visited frequently by Ashe County residents
• The views from the peaks at the park offer 360 views from more than 5,000 feet up
• GHSP offers a multitude of outdoor activities like camping, hiking trails (with the most gorgeous waterfalls!), horse trails and a seperate, special camping area for horses
• There is also year round access to the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Highlands Horse Trail through Grayson Highlands

Being a rural area, there is something different around every corner. Visiting one of the state parks in the area, gives you a unique look into Ashe County Life. Whether you’re seeing it from the back of a canoe or kayak, or hiking one of the gorgeous trails in the area visiting Ashe County is always a beautiful getaway.

Want to make the most of your Ashe County visit? Download our FREE Scavenger Hunt to make sure you see as much as possible and have a ton of fun while you’re here.

Share this post: on Twitter on Facebook on Google+ on LinkedIn