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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
North Carolina State Park
Mount Jefferson-27527-3.jpg
Named for: Mount Jefferson
Country United States
State North Carolina
County Ashe
Elevation 4,660 ft (1,420.4 m)
Coordinates 36°24′03″N 81°27′46″W / 36.40083°N 81.46278°W / 36.40083; -81.46278Coordinates: 36°24′03″N 81°27′46″W / 36.40083°N 81.46278°W / 36.40083; -81.46278 
Area 1,086 acres (439.5 ha)
Founded 1956
Management North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
IUCN category III - Natural Monument
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is located in North Carolina
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Location of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area in North Carolina
Website: www.ncparks.gov/mount-jefferson-state-natural-area
Designated 1974

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is a 1,086-acre (4.39 km2)North Carolina state park in Ashe County, North Carolina in the United States. Located near Jefferson, North Carolina, it includes the peak of Mount Jefferson, named for Thomas Jefferson, who owned land nearby.

In 1939 the Works Progress Administration created a road enabling widespread access to Mount Jefferson. Local citizens donated land and money in efforts to attain state park status for the local park, which required the park to have a minimum of 400 acres (1.6 km2). By 1956, their efforts yielded a 300-acre (1.2 km2) donation and raised enough funds to buy an additional 164 acres (0.7 km2) for the park. As a result, Mount Jefferson became a state park in October 1956.

The park has one main road that leads to the peak of Mount Jefferson. On the way up are two overlooks followed by hiking trails and a picnic shelter at the top. The mountain rises to more than 1,600 feet (490 m) above the surrounding landscape and provides a bird's-eye view of both Jefferson and West Jefferson. Park hours are limited by inclement weather, but otherwise open every day during the year with the exception of Christmas Day.

The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area:


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