Mount Jefferson Ascent

Mount Jefferson Ascent

Mount Jefferson Ascent is a trail climb held near West Jefferson, NC, centered at 962 Mt Jefferson Rd. The route covers about 5 miles with roughly 1600 feet of elevation gain and reaches a highest point above 4600 feet. The event is presented as an untimed hike option as well as a timed ascent; the untimed hike option does not include awards.

The course begins with about a 1 mile road climb to the park entrance, then follows Mountain Ridge Trail until a left turn toward the picnic shelter. From the picnic shelter the route continues to Summit Trail, then to Rhododendron Trail, onto Lost Province Trail, and completes a clockwise loop back to the picnic shelter finish.

Event features include a custom bell for every finisher and for spectators who come to the final climb. The top three male and top three female overall finishers receive distinct custom bells. Local mountain music and refreshments are provided on the mountain after the climb, and shuttles are available to transport participants back down after the event. A portion of each registration fee will be donated to the Blue Ridge Conservancy for new trail construction in Ashe County. Registration closes on September 17, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.