Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Map of TRACK Trail at Mount Jefferson State Park

Mount Jefferson rises abruptly to more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape, serving as a landmark for area motorists. Acquaint yourself with this mighty peak by viewing it first from the Mount Jefferson Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Rising as a long, forested prominence, its dark color is conspicuous among neighboring peaks on the Ashe plateau.

Acquaint yourself with this mighty peak by viewing it first from the Mount Jefferson Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Rising as a long, forested prominence, its dark color is conspicuous among neighboring peaks on the Ashe plateau. The TRACK trail is a 1.1-mile moderately strenuous loop. Please keep children away from edges when approaching the Luther Rock portion of the trail. 

Track an adventure here
Collectible sticker for Mount Jefferson State Park

Location Details

Recreational Features: Picnic Tables, Interpretive Programs
Amenities: Restrooms
ADA Compliant: No
Seasonality: Closed in winter
Mount Jefferson dressed in fall colors
Fall colors in the forest
View of snow covered mountains
Farm fields in the valley below
Uphill portion of trail in the woods
Snowy landscape view high up on trail during winter
Young girl walking on  trail in fall
Gravel portion of trail near trail head surrounded by green vegetation
Kids in Parks trail head sign and kiosk
Landscape view from summit overlook
Kids hiking on wooded section of trail
Group photo on the trail

Adventures for Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Hiking

Flower Power

Difficulty:
Strenuous
Trail length:
1.10
Many flowers depend on relationships with pollinators to reproduce. Use the clues in this brochure to see how a flower’s size, shape, color and smell have the power to attract unique pollinators.
Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Strenuous
Trail length:
1.10
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

Birds of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Difficulty:
Strenuous
Trail length:
1.10
The Birds of the Blue Ridge Mountains brochure shows kids where to look for different birds along the trail. The brochure contains illustrations of some of the more common woodland birds and information on how to identify them through various clues. 
Hiking

Hikin' to Find Lichen

Difficulty:
Strenuous
Trail length:
1.10
This brochure-led adventure takes kids deep into the mysterious world of lichen. Kids will discover the three different forms lichen can take, and some of the features that make the lichen lifestyle unique. Kids will also read the Lichen story about Alice Algae and Freddy Fungi to help them remember how lichens work.
Hiking

Nature's Hide & Seek

Difficulty:
Strenuous
Trail length:
1.10
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

Let's Explore - ecoEXPLORE

Difficulty:
Strenuous
Trail length:
1.10
Scientists need your help! Use this brochure to learn how to be an ecoEXPLORER and share your nature observations with real scientists.

Directions

1481 Mt. Jefferson State Park Rd.
West Jefferson, NC 28694
Latitude: 36.399696400000
Longitude: -81.462228900000

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is in Ashe County on the US 221 Bypass between the towns of Jefferson and West Jefferson. Traveling west on I-40 from Greensboro, or from I-77, take US 421 west past the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right on US 221 and travel north. After crossing the intersection with NC 163, follow the signs to the park by turning right on S.R. 1152, which leads into the park.

Traveling east on I-40 from Asheville, take US 221 north through Boone. After crossing the intersection with NC 163, follow the signs to the park by turning right on S.R. 1152, which leads into the park.

Partners

This TRACK Trail was made possible through a partnership formed with North Carolina State Parks, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, and with funding provided by the BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation.