Elk Knob State Park

Map of TRACK Trail at Elk Knob State Park

Elk Knob State Park's TRACK Trail adventures begin on the Beech Tree Trail. This 1 mile loop trail meanders through a forested canopy and is marked with yellow diamonds. On this easy walk, hikers can enjoy wildflowers, salamanders, butterflies and many other signs of wildlife. Keep your eyes open and have fun!

Elk Knob, one of the tallest mountains in Watauga County at 5520 feet, offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Here, the four seasons can be enjoyed at a calm and gentle pace with beautiful wildflowers in the spring, summer, and fall as well as breathtaking fall colors. The winter winds bring snow covered grounds and bright blue skies.

Track an adventure here
Collectible sticker for Elk Knob State Park

Location Details

Recreational Features: Camping, Picnic Tables, Interpretive Programs
Amenities: Restrooms, Visitor Center
ADA Compliant: No
Seasonality:
Rock-lined trail in Autumn
Road leading to Elk Knob
Mourning Cloak butterfly
Purple flower
Vesper Sparrow
View from Elk Knob
Flame Azalea
Fall color on the trail

Adventures for Elk Knob State Park

Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.50
The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to frog hops, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.
Hiking

Bug Out

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.50
The "Bug Out" brochure is an investigation into the creepy crawlies of the forest. This adventure will help you learn how to identify the difference between insects, spiders and other arthropods.
Hiking

Nature's Hide & Seek

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.50
The Nature's Hide & Seek brochure is designed so that kids of all ages can walk along the trail and discover common things that are often overlooked in nature. Some of them are hard to find, others are easy. Best of all, the adventure never ends because every time you walk the trail you will discover new things hiding in nature.
Hiking

Nature's Relationships

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.50
In the Nature's Relationships brochure you will discover how everything in nature is connected... even us. As you walk along the trail, the brochure will tell you a story about a few of the relationships that can be found. Many more relationships exist, so keep your eyes and heart open and you will discover many of nature's relationships - even yours.
Hiking

Let's Explore - ecoEXPLORE

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.50
Scientists need your help! Use this brochure to learn how to be an ecoEXPLORER and share your nature observations with real scientists.
Hiking

Fun With Fungi

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.50
Fungi can be found in many forms. Molds, mildew, yeast and mushrooms are all fungi. From under the water to on your toes, fungi grow almost everywhere. Use this brochure to identify some of the various fungi that call the forest home.
Hiking

Salamander Safari

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.50
Use this brochure to learn about the unique life cycles of salamanders (and newts) and how to take field notes to identify a salamander.

Directions

5564 Meat Camp Road
Todd, NC 28684
Latitude: 36.333461600000
Longitude: -81.696431800000

Elk Knob State Park is located in Watauga County approximately 9.5 miles north of Boone.

Traveling north to Boone on US Highway 421, take NC 194 North approximately 4 miles and turn left onto Meat Camp Road. Follow Meat Camp Road 5.5 miles to the Elk Knob-Snake Mountain Gap and turn right into the Park.

From Eastern and Piedmont North Carolina, follow I-40 West to US 421 North to Boone.

Traveling East on I -40 from Asheville, take US 221 North to US 421 South in Boone then to Hwy 194 North.

Partners

This TRACK Trail was made possible through a partnership formed with North Carolina State Parks, Elk Knob State Park, and with funding provided by the BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation.