Trails
Park Maps and Brochures:
Trails
Breathtaking views from the summit of Elk Knob are complemented by intimate forest scenes on a trail system that explores dramatic elevation changes and was created largely by volunteers. The park’s terrain can be steep and challenging, but rewarding.
Backcountry Trail
Location: Begins and ends at the Trailhead PVA.
Description:
The 2-mile (one way, moderate) Backcountry Trail winds down into a valley where the backcountry campsites are located. The Backcountry Trail is known for the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River and the spring bloom of the Trout Lily.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
2.00 miles
one way
2.00 miles
one way
Difficulty:
moderate
moderate
Blaze:
orange diamond
orange diamond
Beech Tree Trail
Location: Begins and ends at the Trailhead PVA.
Description:
The Beech Tree Trail-our Kid's Track Trail-is an easy 1-mile loop around the picnic area. The majority of the trail penetrates a large American Beech forest at 4,500 ft. The Kid’s Track Trail is part of the Kids in Parks initiative. This program rewards kids with small prizes for their hiking achievements.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
1.00 miles
round trip
1.00 miles
round trip
Difficulty:
easy
easy
Blaze:
yellow diamond
yellow diamond
Maple Run Trail
Location: Begins at the Trailhead PVA and ties into the Beech Tree Trail.
Description:
The 1-mile Maple Run Trail (still under construction) is designed for cross country skiing and hiking. This easy loop trail connects the office to the trailhead parking area. Wake Robin and Giant Trilliums may be seen from the trail in spring.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
0.50 miles
one way
0.50 miles
one way
Difficulty:
easy
easy
Blaze:
red diamond
red diamond
Summit Trail
Location: Begins and ends at the Trailhead PVA.
Description:
The 1.9-mile (one way, advanced) Summit Trail was completed with the help of over 6,000 hours provided by many volunteers over a five year span. The beautiful and well maintained trail is a big part of the adventure but the breathtaking view from the top is the icing on the cake. Upon reaching the summit of Elk Knob hikers 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.
Surface: natural surface, gravel
Length:
1.90 miles
one way
1.90 miles
one way
Difficulty:
strenuous
strenuous
Blaze:
blue diamond
blue diamond
5564 Meat Camp Road
Todd, NC 28684
828-297-7261
elk.knob@ncparks.gov
GPS: 36.332586, -81.690640
November - February: 7am - 6pm
March, April, May, September and October: 7am - 8pm
June - August: 7am - 9pm
Closed Christmas Day
Park Office Hours
8am - 5pm weekdays
Closed state holidays