Mount Jefferson Ascent
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About the race
The Mount Jefferson Ascent is a scheduled trail event in West Jefferson, NC on September 19, 2026. It is offered as a trail run with an untimed hike option. The route is approximately 5 miles with about 1,600 feet of elevation gain and reaches a highest point above 4,600 feet. A portion of registration fees will be donated to the Blue Ridge Conservancy for new trail construction in Ashe County.
The course begins with about one mile of road climb to the park entrance, then proceeds right onto Mountain Ridge Trail. From there the route follows Mountain Ridge Trail until a left turn toward the picnic shelter, continues past the picnic shelter to Summit Trail, follows Summit Trail to Rhododendron Trail, then takes Rhododendron Trail to Lost Province Trail and completes a clockwise loop back to the picnic shelter finish.
Event features include custom bells for all finishers and for those who come to the final climb; the top three overall male and female finishers receive special custom bells. After the event there will be mountain music and refreshments at the summit, and shuttles will be available to return participants to lower elevations once the event is complete. Registration is available for a fee range shown by the organizer and closes on September 17, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
