Office of Environmental Education
All of North Carolina's EE Resources in One Place!
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

The primary interpretive theme for Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is geology. Interpretive programming covers a wide variety of geology topics that include rock and mineral identification, Mount Jefferson and the Appalachian Mountain Orogeny, crystal shapes, and the rock cycle. Other interpretive programming covers unique plant communities, cultural history and the Mount Jefferson area done with many other interpretive topics related to Mount Jefferson. The environmental education program for school groups centers around a curriculum packet called the Environmental Education Learning Experience (EELE). The EELE contains pre-visit, on-site and post-site activities that focus on the park's unique natural features and are correlated to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction objectives. Contact the park for more information about the park's EELE and other environmental education programs and activities for the general public.

  Related Organizations
North Carolina State Parks  
Raleigh, NC 27699

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 		Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Hours of Operation
Park Hours
November - February, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
March, October, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
April, May, September, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
June - August, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day

Park Office Hours
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays
Closed state holidays

Address
Post Office Box 48
Jefferson, NC 28640
Directions
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is in Ashe County on the US 221 Bypass between the towns of Jefferson and West Jefferson. Traveling west on I-40 from Greensboro, or from I-77, take US 421 west past the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right on US 221 and travel north. After crossing the intersection with NC 163, follow the signs to the park by turning right on S.R. 1152, which leads into the park. Traveling east on I-40 from Asheville, take US 221 north through Boone. After crossing the intersection with NC 163, follow the signs to the park by turning right on S.R. 1152, which leads into the park.

Phone
(336) 246-9653

Website  ncparks.gov

Contacts


Park Superintendent

Mission
The North Carolina State Parks System exists for the enjoyment, education, health and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features and recreational resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural heritage.

Cost of Programs/Admission
There is no admission fee, however there may be fees associated with rentals and facilities

Features
1 six-table picnic shelter. Includes fireplace, large grill and drinking fountain. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is a botanical paradise. The slopes and summit of the mountain are home to a diverse population of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. This large variety of interesting and unusual plants qualified the area for designation as a national natural landmark by the National Park Service in 1975.

Accessibility
Picnic shelter is accessible. Nearby restrooms are not handicapped accessible

Additional
Education and Events: Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. Click here to search our database of park events. To arrange a special exploration of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area for your group or class, contact the park office. Mount Jefferson has a rich natural and cultural history, and the area has played an important role in the community. By special request, park rangers and/or local historians can guide you through the natural and cultural history of Mount Jefferson. Educational materials about Mount Jefferson State Natural Area have been developed for grades 5-7 and are correlated to North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. The Mount Jefferson program introduces students to basic geologic processes, rocks and minerals of the area. Accompanying the program is a teacher's booklet and workshop, free of charge to educators. To learn more about environmental education or to search our database of upcoming workshops, click here.

Eco Region(s)
Blue Ridge (Ecoregion 66)

River Basin(s)
New River Basin

Related Topics
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Environmental Education Center
  • Environmental Education Organization
  • Hiking Trail
  • Permanent Education Staff
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Restrooms
  • Volunteer Opportunities or Service Learning
Posted 10/2/2006 12:59 PM
Updated   4/21/2008


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