Discover the New River State Park

For a quiet, family-friendly walk at the Wagoner Access of New River State Park, the Bluebird Spur is a really nice short stop. This 0.2-mile loop branches off the longer Fern Nature Trail along the New River in Ashe County, winding through open fields and quiet woods just steps from one of the park’s most peaceful areas. Combined with the surrounding trails at the Wagoner Access, the Bluebird Spur is the kind of walk that makes a great quick break before paddling, picnicking, or settling into a longer afternoon at the river. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the trail before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Short, Easy Spur

The Bluebird Spur is rated easy by the park, with gentle terrain and a well-maintained natural-surface path that’s welcoming to families, beginners, and visitors of all ages. At just 0.2 miles, the trail is short enough to do an out-and-back in well under half an hour — perfect as a quick stretch of legs or an add-on to a longer route on the Fern Nature Trail.

The trail name reflects the open-field character of the path, which winds through grassy, light-filled spaces that are well-suited to the kinds of small songbirds — including eastern bluebirds — that frequent the area. Spring and early summer are particularly nice along this stretch, when wildflowers are in bloom and bird activity is at its peak.

Quiet Remnants of an Old Homestead

One of the most distinctive features of the Bluebird Spur is what you’ll find just off the trail — the remains of an old homestead from the days when this stretch of the New River corridor was actively settled. A historic stone chimney still stands among the trees, a quiet reminder of the families that lived along the river long before the area became part of New River State Park.

The homestead remnants give the short trail an unexpected layer of meaning. For a deeper look at the chimney and other historic farmhouses along the river, take a look at our blog post Whispers of the Past: Finding Historic Homesteads Along the New River.

A Pairing-Friendly Walk

What makes the Bluebird Spur especially worth knowing about is how easily it pairs with the other trails at the Wagoner Access. The spur connects directly to the longer Fern Nature Trail, which loops along the New River through forest, fields, and riverside scenery. Combined, the two trails make for a peaceful, low-effort outing through the Wagoner area. For more committed hikers, longer connections from this part of the park lead to the Riverbend Backcountry Trail and the park’s primitive backcountry campsites.

Good to Know

Trail length: 0.2-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy (per the park rating)
Surface: Natural, well-maintained
Trailhead: Branches off the Fern Nature Trail at the Wagoner Access
Historic chimney visible just off the trail — a quiet reminder of the New River corridor’s homesteading past
Best for: Quick family walks, birdwatching, and short breaks between paddling or picnicking
Pairs well with: The Fern Nature Trail and the broader Wagoner Access trail system
Family- and dog-friendly — leashed dogs welcome
Located at the Wagoner Access of New River State Park in Ashe County, about 8 miles southeast of Jefferson

A Wagoner Access Highlight

The Bluebird Spur is the kind of short, easy walk that earns its place by what it makes possible — a quiet introduction to the Wagoner Access trail system, with a historic chimney that connects you to the broader story of the New River corridor’s past. Whether you’re a family with little ones, a birder watching the open fields for spring songbirds, or just someone after a quick walk before settling in for a paddle, the Bluebird Spur is a small but worthwhile stop.