a day / 15 miles / 29 minutes
Take this byway to see some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and the largest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the state.
Day 1
9:00 - 6.8 miles / 13 minutes - 9:13
Ironically, the New River is actually the oldest river in North America. Its placid waters now flow gently through forests and hills of the Appalachians providing a place to fish, camp, and unwind for North Carolina residents and weary travelers. The scenery that surrounds the river is as diverse as the creatures that live there. Cliffs and mountainsides keep the homes of the local hawks safe. When the river passes by wetlands, bullfrogs and salamanders can be spotted.
People inhabited the shores of the New River for thousands of years. The river still remains elusive in some areas that are not accessible by road. Archaeological exploration in the area has yielded arrowheads and pottery shards, but no ancient settlements have been found. Making a trip to the shores of the New River will connect travelers with nature and the past of humankind.9:13 - 8.2 miles / 16 minutes - 9:29