Topics Related to Paddling

Pettigrew State Park

Location: Washington County, 71 miles northeast of Greenville

At the park, you can find: wintering tundra swans from November to February; Lake Phelps; Somerset Place state historic site; Scuppernong River

Highlights at this access: historic sites and artifacts; long, easy trails around the lake; biking

New River State Park – Elk Shoals Access

Location: Ashe County, 27 miles northeast of BooneAt the park, you can find: 26.5 miles of the New River; the hellbender salamander; 14 rare and threatened species of floraHighlights at this access: Chapel on the New facility rental; southernmost access of the state park

New River State Park – Kings Creek Access

Location: Alleghany County, 39 miles northeast of Boone

At the park, you can find: 26.5 miles of the New River; the hellbender salamander; 14 rare and threatened species of flora

Highlights at this access: closest paddling access to Alleghany paddle-in campsites; northernmost parking area of the state park; picnicking

New River State Park – Wagoner Access

Location: Ashe County, 31 miles northeast of Boone

At the park, you can find: 26.5 miles of the New River; the hellbender salamander; 14 rare and threatened species of flora

Highlights at this access: backpack or paddle-in camping to Riverbend/Peaks area; also has walk-in or paddle-in campsites at the access

New River State Park – U.S. 221 Access

Location: Ashe County, 36 miles northeast of Boone

At the park, you can find: 26.5 miles of the New River; the hellbender salamander; 14 rare and threatened species of flora

Highlights at this access: full hook-up RV camping; walk-in or paddle-in backpack camping; visitor center; easy to moderate hiking; community building

Morrow Mountain State Park

Location: Stanly County, 51 miles north of Charlotte

You can find: Morrow Mountain, one of the highest peak in the Uwharries, and bald eagles spotted from Lake Tillery

Highlights: hiking and bridle trails; Lake Tillery and the Yadkin River; Kron House; CCC structures, including the poolhouse; boat rentals

Mayo River State Park – Mayodan Access

Location: Rockingham County, 35 miles north of Greensboro

At the park, you can find: the Mayo River and the great blue heron

Highlights at this access: fishing; paddling into the Dan River

Merchants Millpond State Park

Location: Gates County, 10 miles south of the northeast border with Virginia

You can find: millpond more than 200 years old and the American alligator at the northernmost point of its range

Highlights: many types of camping; Lassiter Swamp; boat rentals; paddling trails

Medoc Mountain State Park

Location: Halifax County, 61 miles northeast of RaleighYou can find: Lewis' heartleaf, mountain laurel, pyrite minerals, and the Neuse River waterdogHighlights: hiking trails, bike trails, and bridle trails; primitive equestrian camping; fishing and paddling on one of the region's cleanest streams

Mayo River State Park – Anglin Mill Access

Location: Rockingham County, 46 miles north of Greensboro

At the park, you can find: the Mayo River and the great blue heron

Highlights at this access: Mayo Beach; Boiling Hole; no restrooms