Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Closed — Open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset, closed Christmas Day. No camping facilities available at this location.

About

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is a 1,188-acre natural area in Ashe County, North Carolina, established in October 1956 and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Located between Jefferson and West Jefferson, about 25 miles northeast of Boone, the park centers on Mount Jefferson, a prominent peak rising 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape to an elevation of 4,465 feet. First spotted from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this dark forested prominence serves as a landmark visible for miles. The park features five miles of hiking trails winding through virgin forests of northern red oak and remnant American chestnut skeletons. Over 700 plant species thrive here, including Dutchman's pipevine, which attracts the distinctive black-and-orange-spiked caterpillars of swallowtail butterflies. Overlooks and Luther Rock provide sweeping vistas extending into Tennessee. A picnic shelter is available by reservation or first-come, first-served. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area does not offer camping facilities. Visitors seeking overnight accommodations should consider nearby New River State Park, the closest state park with camping. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset year-round except Christmas Day. Access is free for day use, though fees apply for facility reservations and event permits. The winding road to the summit hosts an annual downhill skateboarding event.

Directions

Located off NC 221 between Jefferson and West Jefferson, approximately 25 miles northeast of Boone.

Nearby Campgrounds