Conquer the Peaks: Grandfather Mountain Trail Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Grandfather Mountain Trail, where rugged paths, ladders, and stunning vistas await the bold.

Free
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Embark on the Grandfather Trail for a challenging hike across iconic peaks with breathtaking views, perfect for experienced adventurers. Experience the thrill of the Grandfather Mountain Trail, where rugged paths, ladders, and stunning vistas await the bold. The Grandfather Mountain Trail is an exhilarating adventure for seasoned hikers, offering a 2.4-mile trek across the mountain's three peaks: MacRae, Attic Window, and Calloway. Known for its technical difficulty, the trail includes steep, hand-over-hand climbs, in-place cables, and ladders, presenting a thrilling challenge without the need for special equipment. Starting from the Top Shop parking lot or the Black Rock Parking Area, hikers will traverse wind-dwarfed spruce and fir, rock walls, and open spaces, with panoramic views at every turn. The trail's rugged beauty and the diverse ecosystems it passes through make it a unique hiking experience.

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

Outdoorsy

Challenging

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Itinerary

Start at the Top Shop Parking Area or Black Rock Parking Area.
Follow the Grandfather Trail across MacRae, Attic Window, and Calloway peaks.
Use cables and ladders in steep sections for safety.
Enjoy the diverse landscapes and breathtaking views along the way.
Complete the 4.8-mile roundtrip hike, allowing at least 5 hours for the journey.

Location

Grandfather Trail, Linville, NC 28646

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Packing List

Sturdy hiking boots for rocky and uneven terrains.
Weather-appropriate clothing (be prepared for sudden changes).
Water and snacks for energy replenishment.
A camera to capture the stunning views.
A small first-aid kit for safety.

4.8 ● Google reviews

An amazing site to visit when in town , Can be very cold depending on what part of the year you are visiting , we visited over new year it was cold but not crazy cold , We enjoyed very much . The bridge it's a must to get across. It's a hanging bridge. it does move a lot ! You will be hanging over the highest point . incredible view ! Staff very friendly . overall a great experience. Only down it was ice over the entrance so we waited a little bit for the park to open , maybe 15 minutes . but the view it's phenomenal. lots of deer everywhere my kids had the time of their life . it's 100% worth the wait . I Highly recommended park. Get there early , get filled pretty quick after gates are open . We were a group of 14 total and we had a beautiful time .

Definitely a place to visit while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina area around Asheville! Easily approached from nearby highways. There is an entrance fee for $25 per person. Definitely worth spending some time, enjoying the views and exploring the trails and bridge!

I had an incredible time visiting this gorgeous park! The staff here is wonderful as they’re al very friendly and helpful! I highly recommend getting here as early as possible since the lines to get into the park can get very long! Another recommendation is to start up from the top and do everything heading down! It can get very windy up on the swinging bridge so dress accordingly! All in all, it’s a great experience!

Amazing views and beautiful. They provide a thumb drive or CD for your tour. The wildlife sanctuary features bears, elk, otters, eagles, and cougars if you bring the kids they will love it! However, it was windy and cold when we reached the top. I highly recommend a jacket, especially a windbreaker if high winds are expected

A pretty impressive sight to see and experience. If you want one hell of a view of the North Carolinian mountains and a breath of some sweet fresh air don’t hesitate to come. There are more advanced hikes to do within the park if your standard walking the bridge isn’t enough for you. Be warned they can be difficult so come prepared with water proper PPE and a good mindset

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