Backcountry campsites are open at Grandfather Mountain State Park, with the exception of group campsites. The mountain has 13 backcountry campsites, many with tent platforms, and the Hi-Balsam backpacking shelter. Hike to soaring heights and stunning views at Grandfather Mountain, one of western North Carolina’s most recognizable and visible mountaintops. From the parking lot you'll take Profile Trail to the Grandfather Trail.While ascending the Profile Trail you'll experience the beginnings of the Watauga River, Profile View Overlook, and Shanty Springs. Grandfather Mountain Fall Color The Profile Trail winds its way up the ridge containing the rock features that give Grandfather Mountain its name.. High-elevation spruce-fir forests cover the rugged, rocky summit and higher slopes. Grandfather Mountain is a unique blend of private and public preservation efforts that offer hikers spectacular views. . "West Side" of Grandfather Mountain, the Profile Trail starts at the trailhead on Route 105 in Banner Elk, NC, and climbs almost 2000 feet to connect to the Grandfather Trail. Grandfather Mountain certainly has something for almost everyone. Grandfather Mountain Backpacking. Nearby adventures at Grandfather Mountain. The main attraction at Grandfather Mountain is a nature preserve that is not a part of the state park, but is adjacent it. . Jump to our complete guide to Grandfather Mountain's trails . Jump to our complete guide to Grandfather Mountain's trails . I took this trip with my 13-year old son. Posts about grandfather mountain written by ncbackpacker. Grandfather Mountain has been an icon in North Carolina’s landscape for generations, offering stunning scenery and unmatched ecological diversity.

November 11, 2015 . From nearby hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway to boulder-field scrambles to Calloway Peak, these are our favorite hikes near this view-packed mountain summit near Boone, NC.

Grandfather Mountain is one of the most beautiful, rugged landscapes in North Carolina but hiking it for free is an all-day affair filled with grand views, steep climbs, and some physical hardships. Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks. Follows the length of Grandfather Mountain's summit ridge from the Attraction area near the Swinging Bridge to the summit of Calloway Peak. Striking natural features on the mountain include steep, rocky knobs, and at least two competing "profile" views that ultimately gave the mountain its name. The mountain has 13 backcountry campsites, many with tent platforms, and the Hi-Balsam backpacking shelter. Grandfather Mountain State Park. I took this trip with my 13-year old son. Trails in the Grandfather Mountain State Park Trailhead Area. Backpacking in Grandfather Mountain State Park. This was a different backpacking trip as we only backpacked a short way in, stayed two nights at one camp, then moved to another camp. In the area with energy and daylight left to burn? It is in the backcountry of Grandfather Mountain State Park that you come up against the more challenging hikes. The granddaddy of technical hikes. Called the most technical hike east of the Mississippi (without climbing equipment), the hike to McRae’s Peak, Attic Window and Grandfather Calloway Peak at Grandfather Mountain is also affectionately called the “chutes and ladders” trail because it involves a number of cable-assisted and ladder-access area. AllTrails has 11 great hiking trails, forest trails, views trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Called the most technical hike east of the Mississippi (without climbing equipment), the hike to McRae’s Peak, Attic Window and Grandfather Calloway Peak at Grandfather Mountain is also affectionately called the “chutes and ladders” trail because it involves a number of cable-assisted and ladder-access area. Walking and Hiking at Grandfather Mountain. Posts about grandfather mountain written by ncbackpacker.