Cotton Hill Parking provides day-use access to the Hawks Nest bypassed reach (New River Dries) with a gravel parking lot accommodating up to 12 vehicles and informal trails leading to the river for fishing and boating access.

The site includes seasonal restroom/changing facilities, picnic areas, and improved parking and signage, with access to approximately 4. 25 miles of Class III whitewater paddling downstream.

A gated access road connects to the Hawks Nest Dam area, and scheduled whitewater releases (2,200-2,500 cfs) occur on select weekends in March, June, July, and August for enhanced paddling opportunities.