Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
North Carolina State Park
Natural Monument (IUCN III)
none A view of Jefferson, NC from atop Mount Jefferson
A view of Jefferson, NC from atop Mount Jefferson
Named for: Mount Jefferson
Country United States
State North Carolina
County Ashe
Location [1]
 - coordinates 36°24′03″N 81°27′46″W / 36.40083, -81.46278Coordinates: 36°24′03″N 81°27′46″W / 36.40083, -81.46278
 - elevation 4,660 ft (1,420.4 m)
Area 539 acres (218.1 ha)
Founded 1956
Managed by North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Location of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area in North Carolina
Location of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area in North Carolina
Website : Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is a 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.

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[edit] History

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. [2]

[edit] Tourist information

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.

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