State Rivers are components of the state's Natural and Scenic Rivers System, which is the state's equivalent to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Most of the state's National Wild and Scenic Rivers, are also State Rivers and vice versa. The NC Division of Parks & Recreation states that:
The Natural and Scenic Rivers System was created by the 1971 General Assembly to preserve and protect certain free flowing rivers, their water quality and their adjacent lands for the benefit of present and future generations. The Natural and Scenic Rivers Act established criteria and methods for inclusion of components to the system. Components of the Natural and Scenic Rivers System are State Rivers, and are also units of the State Parks System.
| State River | Region | Length | Size | Established | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepasture State Natural River | 7000400000000000000Mountains | 70004500000000000004.5 miles (7.2 km) | 50000000000000000000 acres (0 km2) | 1985 | The river is located in the Pisgah National Forest, within a moderate 1.75 miles (2.82 km) hike of Gorges State Park, via the Rainbow Falls Trail. |
| Linville State Natural River | 7000400000000000000Mountains | 700113000000000000013.0 miles (20.9 km) | 50000000000000000000 acres (0 km2) | 1975 | The river is located in the middle of the Linville Gorge Wilderness. |
| Lumber State Natural River | 7000200000000000000Coastal Plain | 700134500000000000034.5 miles (55.5 km) | 50000000000000000000 acres (0 km2) | 1989 | Lumber River State Park is along portions of the adjacent river banks. |
| Lumber State Scenic River | 7000200000000000000Coastal Plain | 700152000000000000052.0 miles (83.7 km) | 50000000000000000000 acres (0 km2) | 1989 | Lumber River State Park is along portions of the adjacent river banks. |
| Lumber State Recreational River | 7000200000000000000Coastal Plain | 700115500000000000015.5 miles (24.9 km) | 50000000000000000000 acres (0 km2) | 1989 | Lumber River State Park is along portions of the adjacent river banks. |
| New State Scenic River | 7000400000000000000Mountains | 700126500000000000026.5 miles (42.6 km) | 50000000000000000000 acres (0 km2) | 1975 | New River State Park is along portions of the adjacent river banks. |
Read more about this topic: List Of North Carolina State Parks
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