Discover New River State Park

For a more substantial hike at one of the most distinctive corners of New River State Park, the Mission Trail at the Elk Shoals Access is well worth knowing about. We’ve called this moderately difficult path the “Mission Trail” based on what we believe was its original name as part of the historic Methodist Church camp that once operated here — though it doesn’t appear by name on the official park map as of our visit in 2025. Set along the South Fork of the New River in Ashe County, the trail offers oak-and-hickory forest, decently steep hills, and one of the more rewarding river-view ridgelines in this part of the park. 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 Moderately Difficult Climb with Real Reward

To reach the Mission Trail, you’ll first hike a portion of the Elk Shoals Trail — the gravel path that runs along the South Fork from the gate near the beach area. From there, the paved road that marks the start of the Mission Trail branches off and begins climbing toward a ridge above the river, with the South Fork visible on both sides as you gain elevation. The grade is steady and the climb is decently steep, making it the kind of hike that rewards visitors looking for a bit of a workout alongside the scenery.

Once you reach the upper section of the ridge, the paved surface gives way to a natural-surface trail that we believe was originally named the Mission Trail — a key piece of the property’s camp-era infrastructure. The shift from paved road to natural-surface path also marks the shift in the hike’s character, from a steady climb to a more immersive walk through the oak and hickory forest that lines the ridge.

A Walk Through the Methodist Camp’s History

What makes the Mission Trail genuinely distinctive is its connection to the property’s earlier life. The 270-acre Elk Shoals Access was originally established as a Methodist Church camp in the late 1800s and operated as Camp Elk Shoals from around 1958 until 2018, when maintenance challenges led to the camp’s sale. As you walk the trail, you’ll pass subtle remnants of that earlier era — old structures, foundations, and the still-standing Greg and Jane Howard Memorial Chapel, which gives the upper section of the trail an unexpectedly meaningful character.

These camp-era landmarks aren’t preserved as formal historic sites — they’re simply part of the landscape you walk through. That quiet, lived-in character is part of what makes the Mission Trail feel so different from other paths at New River State Park.

A Conservation Success Story

The Mission Trail exists in its current form because of a meaningful recent conservation effort. In 2018, the New River Conservancy purchased the 270-acre Elk Shoals property for $2.5 million, then donated it to New River State Park — adding about 14 river miles to the park’s protected stretch and making Elk Shoals the most upstream access in the system. The park has since opened sections of the property to the public as they’re brought up to North Carolina State Park standards, with riverbank restoration and ongoing conservation work continuing across the site.

Walking the Mission Trail today, you’re moving through a piece of land that was saved at a meaningful moment — a quiet conservation win for one of the oldest rivers in the world.

What You’ll Find on the Trail

The Mission Trail is built for hikers who want a bit more than a casual stroll. Expect:

An approach via the Elk Shoals Trail before reaching the paved road that marks the start of the climb
A paved road climbs up to a ridge above the river
River views from both sides of the ridge during the ascent
A natural-surface upper section through an oak and hickory forest
Decently steep terrain — moderately difficult overall
Methodist Camp remnants — old structures, foundations, and the Greg and Jane Howard Memorial Chapel near the top
Wildlife to watch for — hellbender salamanders, river otters, beavers, and a wide variety of birds
A quieter, less-traveled feel compared to the busier areas closer to the beach

Good to Know

An unofficial path — doesn’t appear by name on the official park map, but is easy to follow once you’re at the access point
Access: Hike a portion of the Elk Shoals Trail from the gate near the beach area to reach the paved road that marks the start of the climb
Difficulty: Moderately difficult, with a decently steep climb to the ridge
Surface: Paved road for the climb, transitioning to natural-surface trail near the top
River views from both sides of the ridge during the ascent
Greg and Jane Howard Memorial Chapel, near the top, is a notable historic structure
Methodist Camp remnants along the route add a layer of quiet historical character
No restrooms or trash cans at the Elk Shoals Access — pack out what you pack in
Located at the Elk Shoals Access of New River State Park, about 6 miles east of downtown West Jefferson, NC

A Quiet New River Highlight

The Mission Trail is the kind of route that captures what makes Elk Shoals so genuinely worth visiting. The climb is real, the river views are rewarding, the Methodist Camp history adds an unexpected layer of meaning, and the conservation story behind the property gives the place real depth. Whether you’re a serious hiker looking for a workout, a history lover drawn to the Camp Elk Shoals story, or just someone after a quiet afternoon along the New River, the Mission Trail is one of the most rewarding walks you can make at New River State Park.