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Elk Knob State Park has backcountry campsites. It is a pleasant hike down into a cove forest with beautiful streams.
There are:
3 individual sites that can accommodate no more than six people and two tents each.
2 group sites that can accommodate up to 26 people and is for organized groups.
A zone camping area that can accommodate three sites of no more than six people and two tents each.
These are primitive sites with no facilities except one pit toilet to be shared by the two group sites.
The sites are approximately a one- to two-mile hike from the trailhead.
All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. To drink water from nearby creeks and streams, use a filtration device or boil the water for at least 5 minutes. Camp fires are not allowed. Cooking by camp stove is permitted.
Reservations are required for the group sites while the other sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the park office for more information.
Had a hike in a cloudy day. The trail was very well marked and maintained. Trees and plantations were beautifully surrounded around, even without sunshine, we enjoyed the hike very much. It is a perfect hiking trail if you are not keen on a challenging one. (P.s. no restrooms at the parking lot.)
This was one of the most enjoyable parts of our trip! Even though it’s a moderate climb up to the top, the trail is very well planned and maintained. It was a great hike. There was plenty of parking and no fee to enter.
Such a beautiful place. Elk Knob was going to be converted into a luxury community, but thanks to local efforts is a treasure in western NC. It is a little full during peak leaf season and an early arrival before 10 AM is suggested. The easy and easy-moderate trails were completely navigable by elderly dogs. They have some absolutely amazing art displays along the trails. I believe that it hits peak color about a week before Boone.
If you visit with pets, keep them on a leash. We saw a group of folks get corrected by state law enforcement park rangers and it appeared that the fines were about to be quite serious.
Always in awe when hiking the Elk Knob Summit Trail. The trail is very well marked and always a pleasure to visit. Gift shop and restroom is clean and easily accessible.
Nice cloudy day hike w/ my dogs. Nobody else on the trail, very peaceful. Well maintained, some minor water and mud. No ice or snow currently. Took 1 hr 50 mins round-trip with 2 small dogs at a moderate pace.
