Explore New River State Park – Riverbend Backcountry Trail

For the most ambitious hike at the Wagoner Access of New River State Park, the Riverbend Backcountry Trail is the route to know. This 3.5-mile one-way path follows the New River through one of the most remote, unspoiled stretches of the park — passing quiet pine forests, riverside meadows, primitive backcountry campsites, and even an old barn that hikers can walk through along the way. Set deep in the Wagoner Access area in Ashe County near Jefferson, the Riverbend Backcountry Trail rewards experienced hikers with one of the most genuinely wild experiences anywhere in the High Country. 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 Real Backcountry Hike

The Riverbend Backcountry Trail is one of the more demanding hikes in this part of North Carolina. At 3.5 miles one-way (7 miles round-trip), the route is long enough to feel like a real outing — best for experienced hikers with good endurance and time to spend on the trail.

The hike begins from the Wagoner Access parking area, requiring a short walk through the Fern Nature Trail and Running Cedar Trail before reaching the official Riverbend trailhead. From there, the route climbs a ridge through tall pines, levels out through quiet forest, and eventually descends back to the New River — a satisfying mix of terrain that gives the hike real variety.

A Walk Through Real History

What makes the Riverbend Backcountry Trail genuinely distinctive is what you’ll find along the way. The route passes the remains of an old barn that hikers can walk straight through — a striking, lived-in piece of the New River corridor’s farming past that gives the trail an unexpected layer of character. Combined with the surrounding pine forest and the river views deeper into the route, the barn turns what could be a long, scenic hike into something more memorable.

For visitors interested in the broader history of homesteads along the river, take a look at our blog post Whispers of the Past: Finding Historic Homesteads Along the New River.

A Connection to the Backcountry Campsites

The Riverbend Backcountry Trail also serves as the foot-access route to the park’s Riverbend primitive backcountry campsites — a series of paddle-in and walk-in sites located approximately 1.25 miles downriver from the Wagoner Access. For overnight visitors, the trail offers a real chance to spend a night in the wilderness along one of the oldest rivers in the world.

Reservations are required for the campsites through the North Carolina State Parks system, and visitors should be prepared for a true backcountry experience: small campfires are only permitted in the rock fire rings provided, there are no toilet facilities (visitors are required to dig at least an 8-inch cat hole for waste disposal), and all trash must be packed out. The remote setting and the lack of vehicle access make this one of the most genuinely off-the-grid camping experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For a Deeper Look at Our Experience

We’ve put together a full blog post sharing what it was actually like to hike the Riverbend Backcountry Trail — including what we saw, how the climb felt, and what surprised us along the way. Take a look at Beyond the Riverbanks: Conquering the Riverbend Backcountry Trail for the full story.

Good to Know

Trail length: 3.5 miles one-way (7 miles round-trip)
Surface: Natural, varied terrain
Trailhead access: Reach the trail via the Fern Nature Trail and Running Cedar Trail from the Wagoner Access parking area
Old barn along the route — hikers can walk straight through
Connects to: Riverbend primitive backcountry campsites (paddle-in or walk-in, reservation required)
Pack out what you pack in — no toilet facilities or trash service at the campsites
Family-friendly with caveats — the distance and terrain may be too much for younger hikers
Located at the Wagoner Access in Ashe County, about 8 miles southeast of Jefferson

A Wagoner Access Highlight

The Riverbend Backcountry Trail is the kind of route that earns its place as one of the most rewarding day hikes — or overnight outings — in New River State Park. The terrain is varied, the river views are genuinely scenic, the old barn adds an unexpected layer of character, and the connection to the primitive backcountry campsites makes the trail a real gateway to a more immersive park experience. Whether you’re a serious hiker tackling the full 7-mile round trip, a backcountry camper headed to the Riverbend campsites, or just someone after a quiet day in the woods, this is one of the most rewarding trails in this corner of the High Country.