THREE TOP MOUNTAIN
Named for its trio of prominent rock outcroppings,
Three Top Mountain supports a variety of recreational
opportunities, as well as rich ecology and abundant wildlife. Three Top Mountain, Ashe Co, 615 acres & 90 acres In recent years, BRC has worked to purchase land on the eastern end of Three Top Mountain. NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) currently manages the Three Top Mountain Game Land on the western two thirds of the mountain. Until 2018 the entire eastern end of the mountain was privately owned. Since that time BRC has acquired nine tracts of land totaling 1,150 acres. In early 2021, BRC transferred 615 acres of land to the NCWRC to become part of Three Top Mountain Game Land. With this transfer, BRC has conserved 1,150 acres at Three Top, bringing the total area to over 3,100 acres of protected land. Important for conservation due to its biodiversity, and designated as “exceptional” by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, the Three Top Mountain Game Land addition includes over three miles of headwater streams of the North Fork New River and expands the protected range for wildlife habitat and migration corridors. The additional acreage also includes a new public access for recreational opportunities such as hunting, hiking, and birding. Then in December of 2021, BRC purchased an additional 90 acres that will eventually be added to the Game Land. The remote property is entirely forested, with elevation ranging from 3,320 feet to 4,280 feet. A mature Carolina hemlock forest is located on the eastern ridge of the property and a headwater stream originates on the property, which flows into the North Fork New River. Three Top is part of the Amphibolite mountain group, a mountain chain containing a calcium-rich rock rare in the southern Blue Ridge. Located in Ashe and Watauga counties, the Amphibolites also include Howard “Acquiring land for public access and Knob, Elk Knob, Snake Mountain, Phoenix ecological protection has always been Mountain, Paddy Mountain, and Mount a priority for Blue Ridge Conservancy. Jefferson. The significant expansion of Three Top Mountain Game Land provides permanent protection of large forested tracts which are important in providing climate resiliency for many species.” - Charlie Brady, BRC Executive Director 12
