Paddy Mountain Park – Shagbark Hickory Loop -

For a peaceful walk through some of the most beautiful cove forests in Ashe County, the Shagbark Hickory Loop at Paddy Mountain Park is the perfect introduction. Just minutes from downtown West Jefferson, NC, this 1.1-mile loop winds through tall shagbark hickories, oaks, and maples — part of the brand-new trail system that opened with the park’s grand opening in spring 2025. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the trail before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Walk Through Shagbark Hickory Country

The Shagbark Hickory Loop takes its name from one of the more distinctive trees in the southern Appalachians — the shagbark hickory, named for the shaggy, peeling strips of bark that give the trunk its unmistakable look. The trail winds through a forest of these striking hickories alongside tall oaks, maples, and other classic Appalachian cove hardwoods, with shade and rich layered greenery along just about every step of the way.

The loop is well-built and well-maintained, with gentle elevation changes that make it accessible to most hikers without being too gentle to feel like a real walk in the woods. Depending on the time of year, you might hear leaves crunching underfoot, the steady tap of woodpeckers working the trees, or catch a glimpse of deer moving through the understory.

How to Get There

The Shagbark Hickory Loop is accessed via the short NPST Access Trail from the main park parking and picnic area. The short 0.3-mile climb opens up to a fork where you can choose to start the loop in either direction, then circle back to the access trail when you’re ready to head out.

For visitors looking for a longer day on the trails, the Shagbark Hickory Loop also connects to the Cohosh Loop — the park’s longest trail — for a fuller exploration of Paddy Mountain Park’s cove forest.

Good to Know

Trail length: 1.1 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate — gentle elevation changes with well-built, well-maintained tread
Surface: Natural, well-maintained
Access: Reached via the NPST Access Trail from the main park parking area
Connection: Links to the Cohosh Loop for an extended hike
Family- and dog-friendly — leashed dogs are welcome
Great for birdwatching — woodpeckers, songbirds, and deer are regular sightings
Located within Paddy Mountain Park, just outside West Jefferson, NC

A Quiet Paddy Mountain Favorite

The Shagbark Hickory Loop is the kind of trail that rewards visitors who slow down. The cove forest is genuinely beautiful, the distinctive shagbark hickories give the walk real character, and the well-built trail makes it easy to settle into a peaceful rhythm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor exploring Paddy Mountain Park, a regular looking for a quick midweek walk, or a serious hiker pairing it with the Cohosh Loop for a longer day, this loop earns its place on the must-walk list.