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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

  • Morganton, North Carolina

    Little Table Rock Trail

    5.0
    2.73 mi / 1148 ft gain
    Little Table Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Morganton, North Carolina.
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  • Morganton, North Carolina

    Camp at the Chimneys in the Linville Wilderness

    5.0
    1 mi / 138 ft gain
    The Chimneys area is a lesser-known camping destination within the Linville Wilderness. The Chimneys are a series of rock formations that rise above Linville Gorge and provide unobstructed panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding mountains. These rocks sit adjacent to Table Rock which hosts w...
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  • Bluff City, Tennessee

    Kayak or SUP the South Fork

    5.0
    There is a mud parking area on Lakeview Drive underneath the 11E bridges with a cleared mud parking area with access to the the South Fork of the Holston River. There is a gradual drop to the water where kayaks, canoes, or SUPs can be placed in the water. To the east, the river is more narrow at ...
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  • Hickory, North Carolina

    Geitner Rotary Park Loop

    5.0
    2.65 mi / 354 ft gain
    Geitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.
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  • Marion, North Carolina

    Camp in the Linville Gorge via the Pinch In Trail

    1.5 mi
    We are pretty notorious for passing up a good campsite but we are learning our lessons. We got a late but interesting start on Pinch-In trail. We climbed down a steep 600+ feet after passing this ledge only to climb right back to it a third of a mile in. If we come up to an awesome spot, we somet...
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  • Marion, North Carolina

    Hike the Rock Jock Trail

    6 mi / 700 ft gain
    One of the first things I noticed when researching this hike was the conflicting information regarding finding the trail head, length of the hike, and the hike's correct route. Hopefully, as of September 2017, this report will contain the most up-to-date information currently available. To find t...
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  • Linville, North Carolina

    Shortoff Mountain Summit

    4.8
    4.64 mi / 1178 ft gain
    Start your hike from the Shortoff Mountain Trail off of Wolf Pit Road at the base of Lake James. From the summit there is a small grassy area off a side trail that provided awesome cliff side views of the Gorge and Linville River! You can setup after making the hour and a half trek (maybe just in...
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Red Fork Falls Trail

    3.5
    0.68 mi / 190 ft gain
    Red Fork Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Unicoi, Tennessee.
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  • Morganton, North Carolina

    Camp on Shortoff Mountain in the Linville Gorge

    5.0
    The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is one of the wildest, most rugged gorges in the eastern United States. It's also an outdoor paradise for hikers and backpackers. Camping here is always a treat and you are sure to enjoy your time spent in the gorge.D...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Bike the Tweetsie Trail

    3.3
    20 mi
    The course gravel trail begins just east of downtown Johnson City. The trail maintains a flat grade throughout the 10 miles towards the city of Elizabethton. There are restrooms 3 miles in from the Johnson City trailhead. You can also park at Lions Field in Elizabethton and head west towards John...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    White Rock Loop

    5.0
    4.94 mi / 1457 ft gain
    White Rock Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Johnson City, Tennessee.
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    White Rock Overlook

    5.0
    2.85 mi / 876 ft gain
    The White Rock trailhead is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Johnson City. When pulling up Highbridge Road, take a left at the fork. You will shortly encounter a vehicle gate where you will park to the side of the road (do not block the yellow vehicle gate). You have the option to walk ...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Hike to Tip Top on Buffalo Mountain

    4.0
    5.4 mi / 1388 ft gain
    Tip Top rests on one of the highest points of Buffalo Mountain. The overlook features tree coverage perfect for hammocking and benches while providing views of Downtown Johnson City as well as the other side of the mountain range. The hike from the trailhead to Tip Top is moderately steep. The tr...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Fork Knob, White Rock and The Noggin Loop

    5.0
    3.12 mi / 1220 ft gain
    The Fork Knob and White Rock Loop in Johnson City, Tennessee, is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 3.12 miles. The trail is marked by a variety of natural features, including a prominent rock formation known as White Rock, which offers panoramic views of the surroundi...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Sunset Point

    5.0
    0.65 mi / 223 ft gain
    Sunset Point is an overlook located in Buffalo Mountain State Park. The trail is a short hike up along the White Rock loop trail then a short walk off the trail to get to the overlook. There is a clearing with a few benches that has wide open views to the west. The short hike up to the point shou...
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