West Jefferson, North Carolina

West Jefferson, North Carolina is known for its scenic beauty and top outdoor attractions. From the Blue Ridge Parkway to the New River, there are plenty of must-visit places for outdoor adventures. The New River Trail State Park is also a great spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Other popular attractions in and near the area include the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, the Stone Mountain State Park, and the Grandfather Mountain State Park. With its vast array of outdoor activities and attractions, West Jefferson is a great destination for those seeking memorable outdoor experiences.

Top Spots in and near West Jefferson

  • 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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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Lake Ridge Trail and Lakeside Trail

    5.0
    4.56 mi / 669 ft gain
    Lake Ridge Trail and Lakeside Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Lake Ridge Trail to Cross Ridge Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.68 mi / 1368 ft gain
    Lake Ridge Trail to Cross Ridge Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Powerline Trail and Lakeside Trail Loop

    4.0
    3.77 mi / 797 ft gain
    Powerline Trail and Lakeside Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.
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  • Wytheville, Virginia

    Hike the High Rock Trail

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 636 ft gain
    The hike to High Rocks begins at a gravel parking lot up a long winding road, seems like forever but really is only mile or two past the quarry when your turn onto the road.  The out-and-back hike begins by passing through the two large boulders near the back of the parking lot. The trail leads d...
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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

    Tip Top via White Oak Trail

    4.3
    4.97 mi / 1640 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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