NEW
T
RIVER
BASIN
he New River is thought to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. Some geologists
estimate its age at 300 million years old. This clean, clear river begins as two streams
on the western side of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Watauga County. The North Fork and
South Fork converge along the Ashe-Alleghany County line as the
New River, which flows northward into Virginia and loops back southward into North Carolina twice before continuing north into Virginia.
Va
The river winds and cuts its way through metamorphic rock more than a billion years old. But
its age is not all that distinguishes the river. A
sense of proud ownership also surrounds the New,
which has been embraced by residents in the basin
and admirers from around the country.
In 1998, President Clinton visited and named the New River an American Heritage River, an
honor he bestowed on only 14 other rivers in the nation. The designation brings with it federally funded, community-driven initiatives for protecting the river and for guiding sustainable
KEN TAYLOR, NCWRC
growth in the basin. The lower
South Fork New River and the
North Carolina portion of the
New River—26 miles— are designated as National Scenic Rivers.
That stretch is also classified by
the state as Outstanding Resource
Waters because of its recreational
and ecological importance and its
excellent water quality.
profile:
Total miles of
streams and rivers:
918 miles
Municipalities
within basin: 6
Counties
within basin: 3
Size: 754
square miles
Population:
70,436
(2010 U.S. Census)
Tiny Turtle
More bog turtles live in
the New River Basin than
any other river basin in
the state. Weighing only
4 ounces, the bog turtle
is one of the rarest turtles
in North America and
is federally listed as a
Stewardship is a tradition in the
New River Basin—in the early
1970s, residents banded together
to prevent dams from being built
on the New in North Carolina
and Virginia. The river’s multiple
scenic designations
now ensure that
the river will continue to flow freely.
New River
threatened species.
Destruction of habitat
and illegal collection of
turtles for the pet trade
have caused populations to dwindle.
NCWRC
BLUE RIDGE
MOUNTAINS,
ASHE COUNTY
T
he Blue Ridge Mountains have the high-
est elevations and most
rugged topography in
the Appalachian Moun-
tains of eastern North
America. The North Carolina portion of the Blue
Ridge includes about
Christmas Trees
6,000 square miles. Forty-
Fraser fir trees cover
three peaks exceed
15,000 acres of moun-
6,000 feet in elevation.
tain slopes in the New
River Basin, making it
the largest producer
of Christmas trees in
NCWRC
North Carolina.
JON C. LAKEY
Although extreme whitewater adventure is characteristic of the northern
reaches of the New in West
Virginia, several easy
rapids make the New in
North Carolina ideal for
recreational paddling.
The Amphibolite Mountains, which top 5,000 feet in places, begin in
northeastern Watauga County and extend into central Ashe County.
This subset of the Blue Ridge Mountains north of Boone includes Elk
Knob and Howard Knob and is named “Amphibolite” after the type
of metamorphic rock that underlies a large portion of the region. The
mountains contain mineral rich soils that, in turn, give them a higher
pH, which aids in nurturing an astonishing diversity of plants. More
than 70 percent of the 120 rare plants in the basin live here.
One of the rarest plant species within the New River Basin is Virginia
Spiraea, a federal and state threatened species. It grows right along the
river banks at the water’s edge and is frequently uprooted during flood
events. There are also many rare plants found in the numerous wetlands
that are located within the basin. Some of them include Bog Rose, Fen Orchid, Marsh-Marigold,
Goldenthread and Robin Runaway. There are at least 29 non-vascular plant species known from
the basin. Among the rarest are the federal and state listed Rock Gnome Lichen and the Bluff
Mountain Reindeer Lichen. Within the New River Basin are at least 22 documented natural
communities. The New River Basin contains one of the highest concentrations of wetlands in
western North Carolina, with at least five different types of these wetland communities documented from within the New River Basin. These include Southern Appalachian Bog (both
northern and southern subtypes), Swamp Forest-Bog Complex, Southern Appalachian Fen
(only one known occurrence), and both Low and High Elevation Seeps. Nearly 90 percent of
the state’s original mountain bogs have been drained or converted to man-made features. The
lands they occur on are generally low-lying flat areas that were
desirable for settlement and agricultural practices. These wetlands are also home to several rare animal species. The bog
turtle, North America’s smallest turtle at 4 inches long,
has been a casualty of that destruction and is now a
federally listed threatened species.
The rivers and streams of the New River Basin contain
a wide diversity of aquatic organisms. The North Fork
New River, South Fork New River, New River, and Little
River, in addition to numerous tributaries, are designated
Aquatic Significant Natural Heritage Areas, based on
the presence of rare aquatic species. Four small fish—the
Kanawha minnow, sharpnose darter, tonguetied minnow,
and Kanawha darter, are found nowhere else in North CaroKEN
TAYLOR, NCWRC
lina but the New River Basin. Two aquatic amphibians, the hellbender and common mudpuppy, also make their home in the New River Basin. Old Field and
Call creeks, two Outstanding Resource Waters in the basin, have naturally reproducing populations of brook trout, North Carolina’s only native trout species. “Brookies” are abundant
only in clean, oxygen-rich waters at or above 3,000 feet and cooler than 68 degrees F.
Much of the land disturbance in the basin takes place on steep mountain slopes, which are naturally vulnerable to soil erosion. These activities include homebuilding and Christmas tree
farming. Many tree farmers are participating in voluntary, experimental programs to lessen
the impact of Christmas tree production on water quality.
Population growth is often accompanied by removal or alteration of natural areas, which may
damage or destroy wildlife habitat and harm surrounding waters when pollutants wash into them.
As land is cleared for development, rain and melting snow (stormwater) pick up eroded sediments,
pesticides, fertilizers and road salts and carry them to streams and rivers. Runoff of human and
animal waste is also a problem. Proper construction and maintenance of septic systems and
efficient municipal wastewater treatment are critical to protecting water quality. Responsible
KEN TAYLOR, NCWRC
management of these and other activities on land is needed to help
protect streams and rivers. Every person, business, industry, landowner,
town and county shares responsibility for the health of waters in the basin.
Appalachian bogs
The development of greenways (land trails), blueways (paddle trails) and
parks is a popular, growing initiative in many river basins to allow residents and tourists to enjoy a region’s natural treasures. The Middle
Fork Greenway Association, for example, is one organization raising
money for a greenway that will connect the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock. A variety of skills, knowledge and talents is necessary to
solve water quality problems—which is why it’s so important for many
different people, organizations and agencies to pool their resources to
protect a community’s water resources.
HIKING & BIKING
Phoenix Mtn.
in the New River Basin
Ne
Todd
WATAUG A
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Jefferson
Sparta
ALLEGHANY
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6
5
l hiking
l hiking and biking
3
The New River Basin offers many opportunities to enjoy
Boone 7
and explore nature through walking, hiking and biking.
1
This list includes places with at least a few trails for easy to
4
moderate activity. Keep in mind that at some mountain
sites, the steepness of terrain may limit easy activity, other
than at an overlook or short path. Many sites include views
of streams, rivers, creeks, lakes and/or waterfalls. Remember that
some trails are multi-use, serving pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians
and other recreational users. For information about urban and
regional bikeways, visit www.ncdot.gov/bikeped.
l HIKING l
1 Appalachian State University
Nature Preserve
PHOTO COURTESY OF NC DIVISION OF TOURISM, FILM, AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
http://rieee.appstate.edu/about/facilitiesresources l 67 acres l Several miles of trails
and a natural pond.
2 Cumberland Knob
www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=61 l
1,000 acres l 3.1 miles of trails, including an
easy 15-minute loop or 2-hour loop following
a stream with several cascades.
3 Green Valley Community Park
www.greenvalleypark.org/ l ~19 acres l
~1 mile of trail in a fledging natural park
beside the New River.
4 Moses H. Cone Memorial Park/
Blue Ridge Parkway
www.blueridgeheritage.com/attractionsdestinations/moses-cone-manor l 3,517 acres
l About 25 miles of carriage trails through
coves, forests and pastures on the former estate
of the 19th-century textile mogul, including a
1.7-mile loop around the 22-acre Bass Lake.
Mt. Jefferson
5 Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/moje/main.php
l 568 acres l 1.4 miles of trails through
botanically rich oak/chestnut forests.
6 New River State Park
www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/neri/main.php
l 2,200 acres l 3.7 miles of trails through
rhododendron thickets, open fields and
oak/hickory forests flanking the river.
l HIKING and BIKING l
7 Boone Greenway
www.townofboone.net/departments/public_
works/parks.php l 3-mile trail along the
New River.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NC DIVISION OF TOURISM, FILM, AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
PADDLING
Phoenix Mtn.
2
in the New River Basin
The New River Basin offers many opportunities for paddling creeks, ponds,
streams, rivers and lakes. The places
included here offer public access
areas maintained by state, federal or
local governments. Privately operated
marinas and boat docks may also be
available. This list does not include
locations for whitewater adventure.
These trails and lakes are suitable for
easy to moderate paddling.
Todd N e
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Jefferson
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PHOTO COURTESY OF NC DIVISION OF TOURISM, FILM, AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
1 Boone Greenway/New River
www.townofboone.net/departments/public_
works/parks.php l Access at U.S. 421 Bridge
(highlighted in yellow) www.ncparks.gov/
Visit/parks/neri/main.php l Easy paddling
and spectacular scenery make up the 51-mile
New River Paddle Trail. The shallow, gentle
waters and mild rapids along the trail are perfect for beginners, families and groups, but
even expert paddlers return again and again
to experience the river’s beauty and tranquility.
2 New River Paddle Trail
ACCESS AREAS
DISTANCE(miles)
ESTIMATED PADDLE TIME*
N.C. 163 Bridge to Elk Shoals Methodist Campground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs
N.C. 163 Bridge to SR 1159, Boggs Road Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 hrs
Boggs Bridge to N.C. 88 Bridge (town of Index) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs, 30 min
N.C. 88 Bridge to Wagoner Road Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Wagoner Road Access to U.S. 221 Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 hrs, 20 min
Wagoner Road Access to SR 1595 Gentry Road Bridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 hrs, 20 min
SR 1595, Gentry Road Bridge, to SR 1601, Fulton Reeves Bridge. . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 hr
Fulton Reeves Bridge to U.S. 221 Bridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 hrs
U.S. 221 Access to Alleghany Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 hrs, 30 min
U.S. 221 Bridge to Kings Creek Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs, 30 min
Kings Creek Road to Alleghany County Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 hrs, 45 min
Alleghany County Access to Va./N.C. Rt. 93 Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 hrs
*Time estimates based on moderate paddling experience.
Sparta
JON C. LAKEY
KEN TAYLOR, NCWRC
?
WHERE
SHOULD
I GO
What makes the New River Basin special? See for yourself. Visit these Environmental
Education Centers to discover more about your ecological address:
l Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
l Blue Ridge Parkway
l New River State Park
For more information about Environmental Education Centers in North Carolina,
check out the Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs’ website at
www.eenorthcarolina.org.
HOW
CAN
I HELP
?
You can gain a sense of community pride by learning more and helping to protect streams, rivers
and lakes in the New River Basin. The contacts listed below can help you do just that. To find
out about local river organizations and conservation groups, contact your local soil and water
conservation district. To find out about how you can get involved in local waterway and other
litter cleanups, contact North Carolina Big Sweep.
Clean Water Management Trust Fund
www.cwmtf.net/
North Carolina Big Sweep
www.ncbigsweep.org/
Division of Water Quality, Stormwater
and Runoff Pollution
www.ncstormwater.org/
North Carolina Stream Watch
www.ncwater.org/Education_and_Technical_
Assistance/Stream_Watch/
North Carolina Association of Soil
& Water Conservation Districts
www.ncaswcd.org
North Carolina Water Science Center
http://nc.water.usgs.gov/
New River Basinwide Plan*
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/
basin/new
t
*Basinwide water quality planning is a nonregulatory, watershed-based approach to restoring and protecting the
quality of North Carolina’s surface waters. The N.C. Division of Water Quality welcomes community input.
To order additional brochures on any of North Carolina’s 17 river basins, a general river basin booklet or a poster, fill out
the online order form at www.eenorthcarolina.org.
State of North Carolina: Governor Pat McCrory • North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources: Secretary
John E. Skvarla, III • Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs: Program Manager Lisa Tolley; Project Manager Ian Brown
• Editor Carla Burgess • Designer Kimberly KC Schott, Red Gate Design • Special Thanks North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission,
North Carolina Division of Water Quality and North Carolina Natural Heritage Program • Date: 2013 • 5,500 copies of this public document
were printed at a cost of $1,289.50 or $0.234 per copy. • This publication was funded through a Walmart Stormwater Compliance Grant.
Printed on recycled paper