Where To Hike On Grandfather Mountain?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Find additional trails, including the popular Profile Trail (west side) and Daniel Boone Scout Trail (east side) with separate trailheads from the state park access and Blue Ridge Parkway.

How long is the hike up Grandfather Mountain?

Difficulty: Strenuous/Difficult Distance from Asheville: 70 miles, 90 minutes Length:

2.4 miles

each way to Calloway Peak
Pet-Friendly? No Multiple Use? No Facilities & Parking: Parking lot with facilities in the Visitor Center Natural Features: Panoramic Views, rock walls, spring rhododendron

Where does Grandfather Mountain trail start?

This trail begins in the

Black Rock Parking lot

and ends at the Grandfather Trail, below a grand view of MacRae Peak. Connecting this trail with the Grandfather and Bridge trails creates a loop.

How hard is Grandfather Mountain hike?

Experience this 4.1-mile out-and-back trail near Linville, North Carolina.

Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 16 min to complete

. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Does Grandfather Mountain have waterfalls?

The hike to Rough Ridge gives hikers stunning views of Grandfather Mountain State Park and the surrounding hills and valleys.

About a mile and a half into the hike, you come across a gem of a waterfall under a gorgeous wooden bridge

. This is a great spot to explore and refill waters if you have a water filter!

How much time do you need at Grandfather Mountain?

Although your visit can be as long or as short as you choose, we recommend that you budget at least

2.5 to 3 hours

to see it all.

How many ladders are on the Grandfather Trail?

What they remember are the

16 ladders

, some with only three rungs, and some with 15-and-upward rungs, constructed of thick, four-by-four posts, that you climb to navigate sheer rock faces. Some of the ladders have a nice, normal slant to them. Others are just plain perpendicular.

Does Grandfather Mountain have a zoo?

Of course the scenery, hikes, bridge, and foliage are spectacular especially in the Fall. But the zoo and museum are “musts” to really get the full flavor of this mountain area.

How long is the swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain?

America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet. The

228-foot

suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!).

Is Grandfather Mountain part of the Great Smoky Mountains?

It’s the most ecologically significant peak in the East, bar none,

a tiny spot relative to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

but with more rare and endangered species. Its peak-to-base relief is one of the East’s most Rocky Mountain-like elevation changes, from Canadian zone to piney woods piedmont.

Is Linville Falls trail open?

Hours:

Dawn until dusk, year-round

. Camping: Yes, at Linville Falls Campground, located nearby.

What mountain did Mr Beast climb?


Mount Whitney
Geology Age of rock Cretaceous Mountain type Granite Climbing

How tall is Calloway Peak?

Calloway Peak is the highest elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains at

5964 ft

elevation. This overlook is almost 1/2 mile below at 3798 ft. There is a trailhead at this overlook that takes you down to Boone Fork Creek.

How long is Calloway Peak Profile Trail?

The climb is relatively short (

just under . 3 mile

), intense (over large boulders and loose rocks) and challenging (it’s easy to lose your footing on the rocky terrain).

How long is the Glen Burney trail?

The trail head is located in town adjacent to the Mayview Lake and the Annie Cannon Park with easy public access. The trail is considered a strenuous, out and back,

3.2 mile round trip

.

How high is the Mile High Swinging Bridge?

The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a landmark within Grandfather Mountain. The bridge was originally built in 1952 then rebuilt in 1999 when the cables, floorboards and side rails were replaced with galvanized steel. The Mile High Swinging Bridge has an elevation of

5,280 feet

and is 228-feet long.

Is Boone or Blowing Rock better?

Boone is larger, and has the influence of a medium-sized university in addition to the tourists. Most of the hotels are not within walking distance of downtown, but you can find less expensive lodging in Boone compared to BR. So,

if your budget allows, I’d recommend Blowing Rock

.

What is the best time of day to visit Grandfather Mountain?

Although your visit can be as long or as short as you choose, we recommend arriving

before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. on summer weekends, holidays and fall color weekends

, and that you budget about three hours to see it all.

What town is closest to Grandfather Mountain?

The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on U.S. 221, two miles north of

Linville, North Carolina

, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305. The street address is: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps).

How much does it cost to go up to Grandfather Mountain?

COST: Admission is required to enter Grandfather Mountain. Admission rates:

$20 for adults, $18 for seniors (60+), $9 for children and no charge for children under age four

.

Why is it called Grandfather Mountain?

The original Cherokee name for the mountain was “Tanawha,” meaning “a fabulous hawk or eagle.”

It was named “Grandfather” by pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs

.

What is the main cause of the damage to trees on Grandfather Mountain?


High Winds

cause the growth of trees and bushes to be stunted at Grandfather Mountain, NC which is high above the surrounding land and gives a unique vista to the area. Extreme weather, high winds, danger fallen tree. Roof torn off old static caravan in high winds.

Can you climb Mount Mitchell?

Today, this is the trail mainly used to climb Mount Mitchell. The trail begins at the Black Mountain Campground (operated by the U.S. Forest Service) and ends at the summit. This 6-mile trail requires about 4.5 hours of strenuous hiking to reach the top and 3.5 hours to return.

Is there bears in Grandfather Mountain?


Over the last four decades, Grandfather Mountain has been the permanent home for 17 bears

. In all, 59 cubs have been born inside the habitat, with ten of those cubs born to Mildred the Bear. Eight bears live in Grandfather’s habitats today.

How do you get into Grandfather Mountain for free?

— Guests wishing only to hike can access Grandfather Mountain State Park for FREE

from one of the two off-mountain trailheads located either on the Blue Ridge Parkway (or U.S. 221 in winter) or N.C. 105

. A trail map will be available when hikers register at the trailhead.

Are there cougars at Grandfather Mountain?

Visit to our environmental habitats to see cougars (which

no longer live in the wild on Grandfather Mountain

), black bears, bald eagles, river otters and elk. Observing these animals up close in their native settings, it’s easy to imagine what it would be like to come face-to-face in the wild.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.