Elk Knob State Park

public land Ashe County

By helping expand Elk Knob State Park, BRC has assisted North Carolina in creating additional recreational opportunities while protecting the region’s important natural resources. 

Part of the amphibolite mountain group, an unusual mountain chain containing a calcium-rich rock rare in the Southern Blue Ridge, Elk Knob and its surrounding mountain peaks support an enormous variety of rare plant and animal life. The New River, an American Heritage River and one of the oldest rivers in the world, also originates on Elk Knob.

  • The 1.9-mile (one way, advanced) Summit Trail is a beautiful and well maintained trail with breathtaking views from the top. 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. It’s a perfect place to view the 500 acres BRC helped add to the State Park.

  • 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.

For More Information: www.ncparks.gov/elk-knob-state-park

elk knob summit blue ridge conservancy
multi season hiking trail with big views

+ Directions From Boone

Take US Hwy. 421 East for about 0.6 miles from the US Hwy. 421/221 intersection. Turn left onto NC Hwy. 194 and go 4.3 miles. Turn left onto Meat Camp Road (there is a sign for the state park here) and go 5.4 miles. The last part is steep and goes up the mountain. Turn right into the state park; it is 0.4 miles straight ahead to the trailhead parking on a gravel road.

+ Directions From West Jefferson

Head south on N Jefferson Ave toward W 2nd St for 1.6 mi; Continue onto US-221 BUS S for 0.1 mi; Turn right onto US-221 S for 3.6 mi; Turn right onto NC-194 S for 11.9 mi; Turn right onto Hopewell Church Rd for 1.6 mi; Turn right onto Meat Camp Rd; Destination will be on the right in 3.6 milies; it is 0.4 miles straight ahead to the trailhead parking on a gravel road.