Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Facilities Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Summit Restrooms

Closed

Activities

Trails

Facilities

Education

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Located in Ashe County 25 miles northeast of Boone, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area surrounds a natural landmark that offers vistas as far as Tennessee from its overlooks and Luther Rock. The mountain, first spotted from the Blue Ridge Parkway, rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape. Over 700 plants call the park home, including the Dutchman's pipevine, which is visited by the beautiful swallowtail butterfly and its distinct black-and-orange-spiked caterpillar. The park's winding road to the summit hosts an annual downhill skateboarding event. 

Camping

There are no camping facilities at Mount Jefferson. The closest state park with camping is New River State Park.

Activities

  • Hiking (5 miles)
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Picnic shelter

Plan Your Visit

Address

1481 Mount Jefferson State Park Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694

GPS: 36.3936, -81.4680

 

Current Weather

Note: The temperatures shown are for the town of West Jefferson. The summit at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is 4,465 feet above sea level, and temperatures may be several degrees colder than shown, so please plan accordingly.

28694 West Jefferson, NC

Park Map (PDF)

Fees

There are no fees required to access Mount Jefferson State Natural Area for day use. Fees are charged for certain event permits and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park. They are not permitted inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Open 8 a.m. to sunset year-round

 

Second Sidebar

The park is closed on Christmas Day.

The park is open during all other holidays.

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The park office is closed on all state holidays.

The full list of state holidays is available on the N.C. Office of State Human Resources website.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of High Country State Parks

Join, volunteer or donate! The Friends of High Country State Parks promotes, supports, and advocates for Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and Elk Knob, Grandfather Mountain, and New River state parks through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery