Trails

Contact the park

828-297-7261

Address

Park office

5564 Meat Camp Road
Todd, NC 28684

Hours

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November to February:
7:00am to 6:00pm
March to May:
7:00am to 8:00pm
June to August:
7:00am to 9:00pm
September to October:
7:00am to 8:00pm
Closed Christmas Day

►

8:00am to 5:00pm
Monday to Friday
Closed state holidays

Park is Open! Four Wheel Drive and Foot...

Less than one inch of snow/ice is on all roads, trails and walkways. Four wheel drive and foot traction devices are highly recommended.

Last updated on: Monday, January 27, 2020

List of 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

Difficulty:
moderate hike

Blaze:
orange diamond

Backcountry Trail at Elk Knob State Park

Hiking

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
loop

Difficulty:
easy hike

Blaze:
yellow diamond

Hiking

Discovery/Interpretive Trail

TRACK Trail

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

Difficulty:
easy hike

Blaze:
red diamond

Hiking

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

Difficulty:
strenuous hike

Blaze:
blue diamond