Click the links below to view information about activities for this park.
Camping: Camping is not permitted in the park at this time.
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing: Elk Knob State Park allows many activities not offered at other State Parks including cross country skiing and snowshoeing. We strive to keep the park open in extreme winter conditions when many other parks are forced to close. This allows for unprecedented State Park access during some of the most extreme winter conditions. While we welcome cross country skiing and snowshoeing, snow boarding is not allowed at Elk Knob State Park.
Education and Events: Park rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Elk Knob State Natural Area. Watch for notices of these programs on park displays and through local media.
To arrange a special exploration of Elk Knob State Natural Area for your group or class, contact the park office. Elk Knob has a rich natural and cultural history, and by special request, park rangers will do on-site and outreach environmental education programs.
Hiking: Currently there is an old road that leads to the summit of Elk Knob. The hike to the summit on this road is steep, rocky, and strenuous. A new trail is under construction but a completion date has not been announced.
Along the trail, hikers will catch glimpses of the mountainous terrain of Watauga and Ashe Counties. Upon reaching the summit, hikers will have spectacular views of The Peak, Three Top and Bluff Mountains, Mount Jefferson, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Mt Rodgers (Va.), and the Iron Mountains in Virginia and Tennessee.
This trail is being constructed with the help of volunteers. The park holds regularly scheduled volunteer work days of interested persons may contact the park to setup a volunteer work day for groups.
Nature Photography: Throughout Elk Knob State Natural Area, wildflowers cover the forest floor with an abundance of color from early spring through the fall. Professional photographers, as well as the hobbyist, will find beautiful wildflower and breathtaking landscape photo opportunities.
Picnicking: A small picnic area is available. There are 11 picnic sites with grills and tables.
N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation • 1615 MSC • Raleigh N.C. 27699-1615 (919) 733-4181