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By Ron Fitzwater
Without argument, one of the main attractions that brings visitors
to Ashe County every summer is the New
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River and the diverse recreational opportunities that are connected
to it. There is something for nearly everyone, be they an angler,
a rock hopper or just a lover of fresh water and beautiful countryside.
One of the best ways to see that countryside and enjoy the New
River is by taking a leisurely trip down the historic waterway
by canoe, kayak or even on an inner tube, and Zaloo's Canoes,
located on the South Fork of the New River along North Carolina
Highway 16, is just the place to start your trip.
With 33 years in business, Zaloo's Canoes boasts that it is
the oldest canoeing, tubing and kayaking outfitter in the area,
as well as being the friendliest, a claim it is hard pressed
to find anyone to argue with.
With an ideal location, just four miles from Jefferson town
limits, Zaloo's Canoes sits on one of the prime spots along
the river with 31-miles of downstream areas designated as the
New River State Park offering several campgrounds, both state
and privately owned, that are perfect for day or overnight trips
as well as multi-day camping excursions.
One of the most popular offerings from Zaloo's is their tubing:
offered from mid-May through mid-September, tubing offers patrons
a low-impact, no-skills required afternoon of relaxation and
breathtaking scenery. All that is needed is to show up and decide
if you want to take the two-to-three hour trip or the four-to-five
hour trip. Tubing adventures start at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
during the summer and until noon in April, May, September and
October, and guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to
departure times.
Overnight trips as short as five miles, with a sleepover at
the park, or five-day adventures are available. New River State
Park has three camping areas, each approximately one day's travel
apart, along 26 miles of river. There are several private campgrounds,
as well, like Zaloo's own Big River Campground.
Zaloo's also offers shorter trips including a pair of five-milers:
one begins upstream and ends at Zaloo's and the other begins
at Zaloo's and ends at the Wagoner Access of the New River State
Park. Zaloo's encourages guests to either picnic with them or
at the park. The time for the five-mile trips is three hours,
unless special arrangements are made. Trips set out at 9:30
a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekends in the summer and no later than
noon April, May, September, and October.
The 10-mile trip is the most popular. Guests begin at Zaloo's
and canoe five-miles to New River State Park for lunch and then
continue on another five miles to Nathans Creek. The 10-mile
trip lasts about five hours. The ten mile trip puts out at 9:30
a.m. and again at 11:00 a.m. on weekends during the summer and
until 10 a.m. April, May, September, and October.
The 16-mile trip can be too much for some people unless the
water level is exceptional. A downstream trip which takes five-to-seven
hours and includes lunch at New River State Park. An upstream
trip begins with lunch is at Elk Shoals Methodist Camp. Upstream
trips are very dependent on water levels and Zaloo's reserves
the right to shorten this trip to 10 miles during lower water
levels. The trip puts out no later than 10 a.m.
When taking a trip on the New River it is recommended to bring
a few simple items to make the trip more pleasurable. Bring
shoes that you don't mind getting wet, this is mandatory as
people have severely cut their feet on sharp objects in the
river. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, seat cushions, a windbreaker
or sweater, along with extra clothing and shoes in a water-proof
containers, are strongly suggested for cooler weather.
Zaloo's Canoes is open seven days a week from mid-April until
mid-September.
For more information on Zaloo's call their reservation line
(800) 535-4027 or click to www.zaloos.com/home.html
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