Discover the New River State Park

For a more substantial walk through the heart of New River State Park, the River Run Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes you can take at the US 221 Access in Laurel Springs. This 1.4-mile path winds through ridge-top pine forest before dropping to a flat stretch alongside the New River — passing the moving remnants of the historic Stump Family Homestead before emerging near the park’s kayak and canoe launch. Combined with the Hickory Trail, the River Run Trail forms one of the most popular loops in the park at roughly 2.4 miles total. 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 Walk Beside the New River

The River Run Trail is rated moderate by the park, with a mix of easier flat stretches and some uphill sections that give the hike a real workout feel. The path begins at a T-junction with the Hickory Trail and winds first along the top of a ridge through a peaceful pine forest before descending toward the New River. The shift from ridge-top forest to flat riverside walking marks a real change in character — from quiet, shaded woods to a more open, river-adjacent setting.

For about three-quarters of the trail, the path stays within a stone’s throw of the New River, separated from the water by a strip of riparian vegetation — the natural buffer of shrubs and grasses that stabilizes the riverbank and filters runoff. Views of the river are limited along this stretch, but several lookout points offer cleaner sightlines through the brush, where you can pause for a good view of the water and the rocky banks beyond.

The Stump Family Homestead

One of the most distinctive features of the River Run Trail is its connection to the Stump Family Homestead — a 1937 farmhouse built by brothers Quay and Lester Stump, who lived off the land along this stretch of the New River for decades. The family endured repeated floods and the realities of subsistence farming until a fire destroyed their home in 1956, ending their time on the property.

Today, three pieces of the homestead remain visible along the trail: the stone chimney, the spring house, and the cellar. These aren’t preserved as formal historic sites — they’re simply standing where they always have, with the forest growing up around them. Passing them feels like a quiet encounter with the broader history of this corner of Ashe County, a reminder of the families that called the New River corridor home long before it became a state park. For a deeper look at the Stump Homestead 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.

What to Expect on the Trail

The River Run Trail is a 1.4-mile path with a mix of terrain — easy stretches along the river, some uphill climbs through the ridge-top pine forest, and a few narrow sections with leaves, shrubs, and roots underfoot. The trail emerges near the kayak and canoe launch, making it a natural starting or ending point for a longer day at the park.

Wildlife is abundant along the route. You’ll likely see deer, songbirds, and waterfowl, with the chance of spotting river otters, beavers, or even the elusive hellbender salamander — the largest salamander in the United States — at certain stretches.

A Pairing-Friendly Hike

What makes the River Run Trail especially worth knowing about is just how naturally it pairs with the other US 221 Access trails. Combined with the Hickory Trail, the two trails form a roughly 2.4-mile loop that’s become one of the most popular hiking routes in the park. The shorter, ADA-friendly Dogwood Trail is also nearby and easy to add for visitors who want to extend their morning even further.

Good to Know

Trail length: 1.4 miles one-way
Difficulty: Moderate (per the park rating)
Surface: Natural, with narrow sections featuring leaves, shrubs, and roots
Trailhead: At a T-junction with the Hickory Trail; reach it from the main parking area at the US 221 Access
Stump Family Homestead remnants — stone chimney, spring house, and cellar visible along the trail
River views: Limited by riparian vegetation along much of the route, with several lookout points offering clearer sightlines
Connects to: The Hickory Trail for a popular 2.4-mile loop
Pairs well with: The Dogwood Trail (ADA-friendly) and Hickory Trail for a fuller day at the access
Family- and dog-friendly — leashed dogs welcome
Located within New River State Park at 358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs, NC

A US 221 Access Highlight

The River Run Trail is the kind of route that rewards visitors who want to spend more than just a quick afternoon at the park. The pine-forested ridge is beautiful, the riverside walk is genuinely peaceful, and the Stump Family Homestead adds an unexpected layer of history that makes the hike feel meaningful in ways most short trails don’t. Whether you’re a serious hiker pairing it with the Hickory Trail for a longer loop, a history lover drawn to the homestead story, or just someone looking for a quiet morning along the New River, the River Run Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes you can make in this part of the park.