Located less than 10 miles north of Boone, North Carolina is one of the newest state parks in the North Carolina system. Elk Knob State Park is named for the second highest peak in Watauga County, North Carolina, 5,520 foot-high Elk Knob. In an effort to protect the area from development, it was purchased by The Nature Conservancy before being deeded to the State of North Carolina. Opened in 2003 as a state natural area, Elk Knob State Park is 1,800 acres of unspoiled natural beauty.

The area surrounding Elk Knob is an ecologically diverse natural area and includes the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River. Elk Knob itself is an amphibolite peak, which is a common rock found in the Watauga County area. Amphibolite rock also makes up the mountains surrounding Elk Knob including Snake Mountain and Mount Jefferson. Amphibolite rock also supports the growth of several rare plant species that are found growing on Elk Knob, including Trailing Wolfsbane, Flame Azalea and Gray’s Lily. The forests that surround Elk Knob are classified as northern hardwood forests. The higher rainfall and cooler temperatures of northern hardwood forests result in lush plant growth. Some of the typical northern hardwood forest trees that are found surrounding Elk Knob are Yellow Birch, American Beech and Sugar Maples. Elk Knob forests provide habitat to a wide range of animal life including White Tail Deer, Wild Turkeys, Bobcat and Black Bear.

As it is a new state park, Elk Knob’s visitor facilities are limited to the basics, with a park office, parking area and a newly completed picnic area. But Elk Knob State Park still has much to offer in addition to its unspoiled wilderness. For the hiker looking for a challenge, Elk Knob offers a steep, rocky trail to the summit. The trail follows an old road bed and rewards hikers who reach the summit with views reaching into several nearby states. Nature photographers can choose between the blooming wildflower colors of spring and summer to the fall and winter landscape scenes. Making the change from a state natural area to a state park offers more opportunities for facilities. While the future master plan is still being completed for Elk Knob, the park today will surely have something to satisfy every visitor.

The park today is under the watchful eye of 3 park rangers, who are responsible for all activities at the park. When asked about ranger duties, Ranger Kelly Safley stated “We are responsible for Park operations including maintenance and upkeep, interpretation and education, law enforcement, natural resource management, and maintaining park boundaries.” Rangers also visit special events and schools conducting educational programs about the park.

The major project in progress at the park today is construction of a new trail to the summit of Elk Knob. The new trail, when finished, will be just under two and a half miles long and will have a more gradual grade to the top. The trail is being constructed by park staff with the help of volunteers. When asked how long until the trail is completed, Ranger Safley stated, “It depends on the weather and the number of volunteers we get. Hopefully within the next two years.” Volunteer trail building days are held at the park each Saturday. Volunteers are asked to meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m., with work being completed around 3 p.m. Persons interested should come prepared with work gloves, lunch and water, all other tools are provided by the park. In the past groups such as local scouts, church groups and students from the local colleges have participated in trail building.

Trail building is also a good team building project for companies and their employees. Ranger Safley stated, “It can fulfill the community service requirements of some companies. Volunteers can get away from the office and into a more casual setting and work together toward a common goal.” The park staff asks that any groups interested in trail building contact the park at 828-297-7261, so they can plan the appropriate number of staff to maximize trail building efforts. Also volunteers interested in days other then Saturday can contact the park for scheduling. Trail building is hard, dirty work, but the end result is a very rewarding experience.

Elk Knob State Park is located on Meat Camp Road, 5.5 miles from North Carolina Highway 194, and only 9.5 miles north of Boone, North Carolina. The park opens at 8 a.m., more information can be found at the parks website. When planning your next Take It Outside adventure, visit Elk Knob State Park in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or better yet, volunteer to help build a trail in one of North Carolina’s newest state parks.