Editing Grandfather Mountain

{{Park
|Park Type=State Park
|Park Website=https://grandfather.com/
|Trail Map Link=https://grandfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/GFM_TrailMap_8_17_18.pdf
|Activities=Hiking, Geocaching, Camping
|Features=Vistas
|Lodging Types=Campground, Backpacking, Group Campground
|Camping Amenities=Tent only
|Area=2,600 acres
|Operated By=North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
|Parking=36.11111, -81.81139
}}
{{Park trail map}}

__TOC__
== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
The vistas are the payoff for climbing up, on, and over this rocky mountain on the several trail routes.

== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From Johnson City, TN:
#Take US-321 to Elizabethton.
#Continue on US 19-E to Elk Park, NC
#Continue to Newland, NC as highway changes to NC-194. 
#Turn left at the second stoplight in Newland to take NC 181 to Linville.
#Continue straight through two stoplights on US-221 for two miles to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain.

The Grandfather Mountain website does not recommend car GPS or website directions as they attempt to take “short cuts” on narrow winding mountain roads.

== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
The Grandfather Mountain area offers the following trails to explore.  Most are challenging to the average adult, thus choose carefully.  Fantastic views can be found at many points.
{{Park trail table}}

A suggested 7-mile trip taken by the club back in 1994 would be to start on Highway NC-105, hike up on the Profile Trail, cross the top ridge on Grandfather Mountain Trail, and then descend down to the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Daniel Boone Trail. The route has around 2000 ft. elevation gain up to Calloway Peak. This path was done as a day hike and backpacking overnighter at the Hi Balsam shelter.

== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
A sturdy pair of hiking boots is recommended since many of the backcountry trails are rocky and steep.

==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
If entering the main park, the fee is $15 per adult (age 13-59) or $13 per senior (60+).

Dogs are allowed, but must be on 6 ft leash.  The trails are difficult enough without being tethered, so recommend leaving Fido at home.

Hiking in the Grandfather Mountain State Park from the Blue Ridge Parkway, US-221, or NC-105 is free, but registration required at the trailhead for safety.

Campfires are '''not''' permitted on Grandfather Trail or at Hi-Balsam Shelter.

== After the Hike ==
<!-- Anywhere interesting to stop by since you're in the area!! -->

== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
Grandfather Mountain Trail Map [https://grandfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/GFM_TrailMap_8_17_18.pdf]
Another good trail map [http://www.appalachianhighcountrytrails.com/uploads/Grandfather_Mountain_State_Park_Trail_Map.pdf]

==Gallery==
{{Park trail gallery|Park={{PAGENAME}}}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Tanawha Trail
|Trail Distance=13.0 mi
|Difficulty=Hard
|Trail Marking=Unknown
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Asutsi Trail
|Trail Distance=0.4 mi
|Difficulty=Easy
|Trail Marking=Unknown
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Underwood Trail
|Trail Distance=0.5 mi
|Difficulty=Hard
|Trail Marking=Yellow
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Profile Trail
|Trail Distance=3.6 mi
|Difficulty=Hard
|Trail Marking=Orange
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Nuwati Trail
|Trail Distance=1.2 mi
|Difficulty=Easy
|Trail Marking=Blue
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Grandfather Extended Trail
|Trail Distance=0.6 mi
|Difficulty=Medium
|Trail Marking=Red
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Grandfather Trail
|Trail Distance=2.4 mi
|Difficulty=Hard
|Trail Marking=Blue
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Daniel Boone Scout Trail
|Trail Distance=3.0 mi
|Difficulty=Easy
|Trail Marking=White
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Cragway Trail
|Trail Distance=1.0 mi
|Difficulty=Hard
|Trail Marking=Orange
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Black Rock Trail
|Trail Distance=1.0 mi
|Difficulty=Medium
|Trail Marking=Gold
}}