Mount Jefferson Ascent
West Jefferson, United States • 19 Sep 2026
Mount Jefferson Ascent : West Jefferson, NC
The Mount Jefferson Ascent on September 19, 2026 is an untimed hike and trail run held at 962 Mt Jefferson Rd in West Jefferson, North Carolina. The advertised course distance is about 5 miles with roughly 1,600 feet of elevation gain and a highest point above 4,600 feet.
The route begins with about a one mile road climb to the park entrance and then follows a clockwise loop on named trails: Mountain Ridge Trail, Summit Trail, Rhododendron Trail, Lost Province Trail, and back past the picnic shelter to the finish. The event includes a summit gathering with local mountain music and refreshments. Shuttles are available to transport participants back down after the event.
All finishers receive a custom bell and spectators who come to the final climb also receive a custom bell. Top three male and female overall finishers receive custom bells. A portion of each registration fee is donated to the Blue Ridge Conservancy to support new trail construction in Ashe County. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.