The park and visitor center are located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina along the New River (declared a State Scenic River in 1975, preserving the river and establishing a state park).
The final design resulted in a center of approximately 14,000 gross square feet. The architect selected a prominent hill site near the park entry readily accessible to visitors. Wood decks off the main lobby afford views of forest and mountains and create areas for mechanical units below. The architect incorporated natural materials and colors compatible with the seasonal landscape. A vaulted A-frame entry porch with heavy timber scissor trusses continues into the main lobby and to the South as a covering for the deck. A stone chimney and stone faced entry vestibule anchor the North and South curtain wall elevations providing views and sunlight. The lobby as a central spine allows for circulation to the South deck while dividing the center according to discipline with the East wing being the more public and educational face (exhibit hall/discovery room and classroom) and the West wing except for the auditorium the administration side. Stone piers on the North elevation continue the “lodge-like” appearance. North facing clearstory windows provide natural light into the corridors of the administration and classroom wings. Animal footprints were embossed in the front walkway with appropriate information about each animal. Native plants were installed in the landscaping buffers between the sidewalks and center.
