Jefferson, North Carolina
Jefferson, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventurers. With its scenic trails, breathtaking views, and must-visit attractions, it’s no wonder that it is a popular destination for those who adore the great outdoors. There are plenty of activities to choose from, such as hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, and fishing. The nearby New River State Park is a great spot for those looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging trek. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s rich history, with historical sites and monuments scattered throughout the area. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-visit for those seeking an awe-inspiring and picturesque journey. With its winding roads, stunning views, and plenty of wildlife, it’s a great way to spend a day. No matter what type of outdoor activities you’re looking for, Jefferson, North Carolina is a thrilling treasure trove sure to provide you with plenty of options.
Top Spots in and near Jefferson
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Troutdale, Virginia
Hike the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock
5.06.6 mi / 1000 ft gainStarting at the Elk Garden Parking Area hike the Appalachian Trail south (do not cross the road, follow the trail from the parking area). Hike along the trail following the white blazes and at 2.4 miles you'll reach a campsite on your left. This is a great place to camp overnight if you decide to...Read more -
Hays, North Carolina
Hike along Basin Creek in Doughton Park
5.011 mi / 1800 ft gainA treasure in North Carolina that doesn't get as much attention as it should, Doughton Park has some of the best trails around. It is the largest park operated by the Blue Ridge Parkway and has over 30 miles of trails available. The parking area for the Basin Creek Trail is small, but rarely cro...Read more -
Shady Valley, Tennessee
Explore Backbone Rock and Falls
4.7First, from the parking lot, there is a trail which climbs up to walk on top of the rock. The top of the rock is narrow, but has hand rails to hold on to. Once finished walking on top of the rock, cross the road (be extremely careful) and walk away from the tunnel. Here is a good angle to take a...Read more -
Damascus, Virginia
Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail
5.017 miThis multi-use (hiking, biking, horseback riding) rail-trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia to Whitetop, Virginia, passing through forests in the Blue Ridge Mountains, small farming communities in the countryside, and small historic towns.While you can pick up the trail at any point, ...Read more -
Traphill, North Carolina
Hike the Stone Mountain Loop
4.5This is a strenuous 4.5 mile hike beginning from the Lower Parking Lot in Stone Mountain State Park (for a 5.2 mile hike, begin at the Upper Parking Lot). From the lot, take the trail by the bathroom. Keep right at the first trail intersection, then left at the second trail intersection to stay ...Read more -
Traphill, North Carolina
Hike to Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock
5.0This easy 3.0 mile hike begins at the Lower Trailhead Parking Lot at Stone Mountain State Park and includes a 400' ascent to two granite outcrops with nice views. This hike can be combined with the Stone Mountain Loop hike for a 6.5 mile strenuous hike.From the parking lot, walk towards the strea...Read more -
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Boone Fork Trail
4.05.06 mi / 1030 ft gainBoone Fork Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Boone, North Carolina.Read more -
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Price Lake Loop Trail
5.02.23 mi / 387 ft gainPrice Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.Read more -
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Camp and Paddle at Price Lake
This campground is all kinds of amazing, and if you get one of the sites in the A loop, you will have lakefront property (just be warned, if I see you there, I'll have to crash with you ;-). Price Lake is a gorgeous lake right off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and perfect for canoeing...Read more -
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail
5.06.31 mi / 1991 ft gainAt 5,946 feet, Calloway Peak provides hikers with perhaps the best view of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll have to earn this view - it is a tough climb up, although not terribly long. Begin at the trailhead for Tanawha Trail in the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway....Read more -
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Explore Boone Fork Creek
0.25 mi / 75 ft gainBoone Fork Bridge and creek is situated at the base of Grandfather Mountain, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 299.9. Elevation 3905'.The trailhead is at the left side of Boone Fork Creek parking area and the trail is a gentle meander through Rhododendrons and a hardwood forest.As you head tow...Read more -
Elk Creek, Virginia
Camp at Comers Rock Recreation Area
1 miI didn't have any issues putting "Comers Rock Recreation Area" into my phone's GPS (Waze) and arriving exactly where I was supposed to. When you turn off US 21 (aka the Grayson Turnpike/Elk Creek Parkway) to Jefferson National Forest Road 57, you'll see a sign a parking lot that says "road not su...Read more -
Linville, North Carolina
Profile Trail to Calloway Peak
5.06.2 mi / 2300 ft gainIf you're looking for a challenge and hoping to escape the crowds at Grandfather Mountain, this is the hike for you. Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot. The trail, marked w...Read more -
Linville, North Carolina
Rough Ridge Lookout
4.30.5 mi / 92 ft gainThe trailhead for Rough Ridge will be on your righthand side when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone, NC. This trail gets busy in the warmer months, but parking usually is not too much of an issue. This trail is not open in the winter. Rough Ridge will take you around 30-45 minutes to rea...Read more -
Seven Devils, North Carolina
Calloway Peak via Profile Trail
7.11 mi / 2493 ft gainCalloway Peak via Profile Trail is an out-and-back trail with waterfall views located near Banner Elk, North Carolina in Grandfather Mountain State Park.Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Beacon Heights Overlook
5.00.71 mi / 105 ft gainBeacon Heights is the perfect hike when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville and Grandfather Mountain, Milepost 305.2. The trail is a steady climb uphill for less than a half mile. The last section being fairly steep and rocky. Once at the top, there are several rock outcroppings, but...Read more
