Grandfather Mountain

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Grandfather Mountain
Park Type State Park
Located Linville, North Carolina
External Links Official Website

Official Trail Map

Entrance Fee $22 per person
ActivitiesThings to do at the park HikingGeocachingCamping
Park AmenitiesThings built to enjoy or use at the park
FeaturesNatural things to see at the park Vistas
Park Trails

8 Trails / Total of 13.30 miles21.404 km <br />

Lodging Types BackpackingGroup Campground
Camping Amenities

Tent only

Park Area 2,600 acres10.522 km² <br />
Operated By North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Main Location 36° 6' 40.00" N, 81° 48' 41.00" W Map
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Trail Overview[edit]

The vistas are the payoff for climbing up, on, and over this rocky mountain on the several trail routes.

How to get there[edit]

From Johnson City, TN:

  1. Take US-321 to Elizabethton.
  2. Continue on US 19-E to Elk Park, NC
  3. Continue to Newland, NC as highway changes to NC-194.
  4. Turn left at the second stoplight in Newland to take NC 181 to Linville.
  5. 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[edit]

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. Several of the park trails can access the National Park Trails Tanawha Trail and Asutsi Trail.

Park Trails Distance Difficulty Marking Usage Highlight
Black Rock TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 1.00 mi Medium Gold
Cragway TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 1.00 mi Hard Orange
Daniel Boone Scout TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 3.00 mi Easy White
Grandfather Extended TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 0.60 mi Medium Red
Grandfather TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 2.40 mi Hard Blue
Nuwati TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 1.20 mi Easy Blue
Profile TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 3.60 mi Hard Orange
Underwood TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 0.50 mi Hard Yellow

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[edit]

A sturdy pair of hiking boots is recommended since many of the backcountry trails are rocky and steep.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

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[edit]

Misc. Information[edit]

Grandfather Mountain Trail Map [1] Another good trail map [2]

Gallery[edit]