Return to Western NC (Ashe County) with a Hike at Elk Knob State Park

On this 4-mile out-and-back hike we top out on 5,520-foot Elk Knob, which offers incredible views to the north, of the Southern Appalachians in northern North Carolina and southern Virginia. And the 2-mile hike to the summit, gaining nearly 1,000 vertical feet, relies on well-designed trail to ease the impact of that elevation gain and to usher you safely through some of the mountain's rockier sections.

On this ranger-led hike you will learn both about Elk Knob and the park's roll in the emerging Northern Peaks State Trail.

I nformation on how to prepare for the hike and what to bring, along with a look at the weather, will be emailed three days in advance to all who sign up for this hike.

This part of a hiking weekend that includes the following hikes:

• Paddy Mountain Park, Friday, June 27, 2:30 p.m. Go here for details.
• Elk Knob State Park, Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. Go here for details.
• Pond Mountain, Saturday, June 28, 2 p.m. Go here for details.

In addition, on Friday afternoon in West Jefferson:

Backstreet Park Summer Concert Series, 5:30 - 7 p.m., featuring the Whitetop Mountain Band. Enjoy the music of the mountains during this free outdoor concert in Downtown West Jefferson on the backstreet. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening with the Whitetop Mountain Band, a family-based band from the highest mountains of Virginia. Whitetop, Virginia, is an area rich in the old time music tradition; this band has deep roots in mountain music. The members have done much to preserve the Whitetop region's style of old time fiddling and banjo picking, and are legendary musicians and teachers of the style. The band is currently led by Emily Spencer, who was a founding member of the group in the 1970s. Learn more here.

Lodging, attractions

For more information on lodging and other reasons to visit, click the following links:

• (Greater Lansing Area Development)

Above photo by Lynn Willis

Also check out other Music events in Todd, Entertainment events in Todd, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Todd.