Elk Shoals Access in New River State Park sits along the South Fork of the New River in Ashe County, North Carolina, and is a peaceful spot for families to enjoy the river. The sandy beach slopes gently into clear, calm water, making it great for wading, swimming, tubing, or just cooling off on a hot day. Shaded picnic tables are set along the riverbank, so you can relax under the trees, listen to the water, and maybe spot wildlife like otters or hellbender salamanders.
As the park’s most upstream public access, Elk Shoals is quieter than other areas downstream. It’s easy to spend the day here hiking nearby trails, fishing, or simply taking in the beautiful mountain and river views that make this part of the New River unique.
Resources
Location
Mountain Masterpieces: A Guide to the Ben Long Frescoes of Ashe County
In the quiet corners of Ashe County, where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet peaceful valleys, there is …
Granite, Grunts, and Glory: A Day on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail
The Stone Mountain Loop Trail offers a great mix of challenge and beauty as it winds through North C…
Don’t Just Take It for Granite: The Best Vistas in Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina is famous for its amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mounta…
Peak Perfection: A Stone Mountain Hiking Guide
Most people know Stone Mountain for its amazing views from the top, especially along the Stone Mount…
Where Water Dances: The Enchanting Waterfalls of Stone Mountain State Park
Stone Mountain State Park is home to beautiful waterfalls that show off the power and beauty of natu…
Beyond the Riverbanks: Conquering the Riverbend Backcountry Trail
You might wonder what makes a trail challenging. For us, it depends on a few things, but the main on…