GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Linville, NC
HOURS: 9am-5pm daily (some seasonal variation)
COST: $22 Adults, $20 Seniors, $9 Kids (4-12), under 4 are FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 2-3 hours
ACCOMODATIONS: Large parking lots, public restrooms and Gift Shop
The distinctive Grandfather Mountain State Park was established in 2009. In all, it covers 2,456 acres (10 sq km) most of which is ideal for hiking and backpacking. The area is known for some of the South’s most extreme weather and Grandfather Mountain itself is the very highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at 5,946 feet (1,812 m).
Grandfather Mountain is named for its Profile Rock which, when seen from the proper angle, looks like an elderly man’s bearded face. It is appropriate since it is estimated to be 750,000,000 years old. In fact, the mountain contains some of the oldest geological formations on the entire planet. You could spend a day, or a week, exploring all of the natural wonders available.
The distinctive Grandfather Mountain State Park was established in 2009. In all, it covers 2,456 acres (10 sq km) most of which is ideal for hiking and backpacking. The area is known for some of the South’s most extreme weather and Grandfather Mountain itself is the very highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at 5,946 feet (1,812 m).
Grandfather Mountain is named for its Profile Rock which, when seen from the proper angle, looks like an elderly man’s bearded face. It is appropriate since it is estimated to be 750,000,000 years old. In fact, the mountain contains some of the oldest geological formations on the entire planet. You could spend a day, or a week, exploring all of the natural wonders available.
A 20-minute drive to the northeast of Grandfather Mountain is lessor known Blowing Rock. It is touted as being “North Carolina’s Oldest Travel Destination” since opening in 1933. This unique formation was shaped after 250,000,000 years of simultaneous Blue Ridge Mountain building and erosion that resulted in “exposing” the underneath rock layers. It’s a small fee to enter and well worth the slight detour to discover. The view is not only magnificent but changes constantly with the clouds and wind patterns.
Grandfather Mountain Trails
- Grandfather Mountain State Park, located a little over 2 hours northwest of Charlotte, offers (7) trails covering more than 12 miles (19 km) over almost 2,500 acres (10 sq km) along the mountain’s ridgeline and its highest point at Calloway Peak.
- Access to the trails and backpack camping sites is generally from the Profile Trailhead located off of trailheads along the Blue Ridge Parkway or on NC 105. There is no charge for accessing the trails at these points.
- Trails can also be reached from the park but there is a fee for this access and parking.
- Be aware that hiking to the ridge area and back from the low-elevation trailheads could take an entire day.
Black Rock Trail
- Black Rock Trail is a 1.8 mile (3.2 km) out-and-back trail, running through northern hardwood and spruce forests, accessible from the Black Rock parking lot. It’s a moderate hike with splendid views of the Swinging Bridge, MacRae and Attic Window peaks as well as Beacon Heights and Grandmother Mountain to the southwest. These views are at the end of the trail but only after you climb a ladder and cables (for hand support) up the rock. To return you simply backtrack the way you came.
Profile Trail
- This difficult 7.1 mile (11.4 km) out-and-back trail ascends a substantial 2,335’ (712 m). It starts at the Profile Trail parking area and ends at the Grandfather Trail at Calloway Gap. It starts easy and gets more challenging as you near the upper sections around Foscoe View. At Shanty Spring it officially earns its strenuous rating with the last .4 mile (.64 km) trek upward through tumble-down rock. Be very mindful of your footwork in this section. You will have to cross some streams (dress appropriately) but, luckily, most of the trail is under cover of hardwoods.
Grandfather Trail
- This 4.1 mile (6.6 km) difficult out-and-back trail has an elevation of 1,341’ (409 m). The views are spectacular as the trail runs along the summit ridge. There really isn’t a “normal” part of the trail (why it’s so good!). You’ll go through forests of fir and spruce trees, scramble hand-over-hand chutes, around rock walls, (18) ladders and in-place cables. Please do not attempt unless you are an experienced hiker and in good physical condition.
Grandfather Mountain Camping
- There are a total of (13) campsites available with multiple access points.
- All campsites must be reserved in advance, which can be made as late as the same day. Most require a substantial hike like the Streamside (6.5-mile [10.5 km] hike at an elevation gain of 2,150’ [655 m]) or Attic Window (4.8-mile [7.7 km] hike at an elevation gain of 2,278’ [694 m]). The shortest is the Hermitage (1.3-mile [2.1 km] hike at an elevation gain of 487’ [148 m]).
- Camping is allowed with a permit at 13 backpack camping sites located off of the mountains many trails.
- All (13) campsites are hike-in backcountry, primitive sites. There is no car camping and no facilities are available. The terrain can be difficult and quite challenging.
- Please note that fires are only permitted at the lower elevation campsites, but not on Grandfather Trail and not at or above the Hi-Balsam Shelter.
Grandfather Mountain Wildlife
- There are in excess of (70) species of rare, threatened or endangered species that live within the park.
- You may see Peregrine falcons flying overhead or ravens nests cushioned in the many rocky cliffs viewable from the trails.
- There are (2) species of salamanders, the Wellers and the Yonahlossee, that were first recorded at Grandfather Mountain.
- Be aware that at some of the highest elevations you may encounter the spruce-fir moss spider, a tiny tarantula.
- This is bear country (Black Bears in particular) so make sure that you don’t leave any food out that could attract them.
Grandfather Mountain Animal Encounters
- There is a very cool zoo area which houses a few black bears in a natural pen complete with rocks, trees, grass and water.
- There are outdoor and underwater views of river otters
- There are also pens for eagles, cougars, white-tail deer and elk.
- The keepers have regularly scheduled, at no cost, “animal enrichment” where they will explain special elements of the animals and answer any questions you might have.
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The Swinging Bridge
- Grandfather Mountain’s famous Mile High Swinging Bridge is the United States’ highest suspension bridge.
- The famous Swinging Bridge was originally built in 1952, and erected in three short weeks, for the reasonable cost of $15,000. The bridge needed periodic re-painting which required the painters to be suspended over the 80’ (24 m) chasm to get to some sections (no thank you!).
- The bridge was rebuilt in the late 90’s for a somewhat higher cost of $300,000. They were able to retain the original towers but the floor boards, side rails and cables were all replaced using galvanized steel.
- Walk across the 228’ (69.5 m) bridge to experience the awe-inspiring 360° panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak.
- The swinging bridge, zoo and MacRae Meadows are all part of the privately owned attraction.
Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum
- As beautiful as are the natural wonders of Grandfather Mountain it is always good to learn more about the history of any area.
- The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum has (24) exceptional exhibits about the mountain and also the surrounding region.
- Exhibits include gems and minerals (350 specimens) including gold, Native American history and artifacts, early settlers and explorers including Daniel Boone and photo displays various local wildlife.
- There is also a magnificent scaled model of the mountain itself.
Blowing Rock
- Blowing Rock is a massive 4,000’ (1219 m) above sea-level cliff that overlooks the Johns River gorge some 3,000’ below.
- There is a Native American legend that involves separated lovers that explains the unusual northwest winds that swell up mightily from the valley below.
- Ripley’s “Believe-It-Or-Not” created a cartoon about the phenomenon calling Blowing Rock “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.”
- Viewable from Blowing Rock to the west are Grandfather Mountain and, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell. To the southwest are Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain.
- There is a walking trail that allows you to traverse the entire summit including an Observation Tower.
- If you arrive in the morning, and are patient, you will see quite a show as the view goes from thick billowy clouds to a clear view of the valley in just a few hours.
BLOWING ROCK FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Blowing Rock, North Carolina
HOURS: 9am-7pm everyday
COST: $9 Adults, $7 Seniors (60+) & Military, $3 Children 5-12, & Children under 5 are FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 1 hour
ACCOMODATIONS: Large parking lot, public restrooms and gift shop
North Carolina’s natural beauty never disappoints. Both Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock represent just a few of the geological wonders that the Tar Heel state possesses. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping or just plain sight seeing, the Linville area of the state has plenty to offer.
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