Explore the New River State Park – Running Cedar Trail

For a peaceful, well-paced hike along the South Fork of the New River, the Running Cedar Trail at the Wagoner Access of New River State Park is one of the best ways to spend a quiet morning in this corner of Ashe County. Set near Jefferson, NC, this 1.2-mile one-way trail winds along the riverbank before climbing into the forest above — pairing naturally with the shorter Fern Nature Trail to form a loop that’s become one of the most beloved hikes at the Wagoner Access. 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 Along the New River and Into the Forest

The Running Cedar Trail begins near the Wagoner Access parking area and follows the South Fork of the New River for a short, peaceful stretch before climbing gently up a hillside into the surrounding forest. The path itself is wide and well-maintained, with a comfortable, shaded character that makes the climb feel manageable, and the riverside section feels genuinely restful.

The trail takes its name from the running cedar plant (Diphasiastrum digitatum) — a low-growing, evergreen ground cover that’s native to this region of North Carolina. Despite the “cedar” in its name, the plant isn’t actually a cedar at all, but a relative of club mosses, with distinctive trailing stems that grow along the forest floor. The plant is often visible along the trail and the connecting Fern Nature Trail.

A Natural Loop with the Fern Nature Trail

What makes the Running Cedar Trail especially worth knowing about is just how naturally it pairs with the Fern Nature Trail. The two trails connect near the upper section of the Running Cedar Trail, letting hikers walk a roughly 2-mile loop without retracing their steps. The Fern Nature Trail brings hikers down through fern-carpeted forest and back toward the river, completing one of the most varied short hikes in the park.

For a longer outing, the Running Cedar Trail also serves as part of the route to the Riverbend Backcountry Trail — the most ambitious hike at the Wagoner Access — making the trail a meaningful gateway to the broader trail network.

What You’ll Find on the Trail

The Running Cedar Trail is well-suited for moderate hikers and visitors of all ages. Expect:

Wide, well-maintained tread through shaded forest
A short riverside section along the South Fork of the New River near the start
A gentle climb into the upper forest as the trail moves away from the river
Running cedar plants are visible along the path — particularly under the shaded canopy
Connection to the Fern Nature Trail for a fuller loop hike
Quiet, peaceful character — fewer crowds than the busier US 221 Access trails

The Wagoner Access also features a butterfly garden near the parking area and picnic spots that pair nicely with a walk on the Running Cedar Trail.

Good to Know

Trail length: 1.2 miles one-way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Surface: Natural, wide, and well-maintained
Trailhead: At the Wagoner Access of New River State Park
Connects to: The Fern Nature Trail for a loop hike, plus the Bluebird Spur and the Riverbend Backcountry Trail for longer outings
Family- and dog-friendly — leashed dogs welcome
Pair with the butterfly garden and picnic area near the Wagoner Access parking lot
Located at the Wagoner Access in Ashe County, about 8 miles southeast of Jefferson

A Wagoner Access Highlight

The Running Cedar Trail is the kind of well-rounded path that earns its place as a regular stop at the Wagoner Access. The terrain is varied, the riverside walking is genuinely peaceful, the climb into the forest gives the hike real character, and the natural loop, paired with the Fern Nature Trail, makes it easy to extend the outing without backtracking. Whether you’re a moderate hiker looking for a longer walk, a botany-curious traveler hoping to spot the namesake plant, or just someone after a quiet morning along the New River, the Running Cedar Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes you can make in this corner of the High Country.