Directions
9872 N.C. 105 S.
Suite #6
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-963-9522
grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov
GPS: 36.111200, -81.811140
March, April, May, September, October: 8am - 8pm
June, July, August: 8am - 9pm
To accommodate early hikes, park gates are not closed on a daily basis; however, they may close due to weather conditions.
OFFICE HOURS: The state park office is open Monday through Friday, 8am - 4:30pm. You may contact our office during business hours or after hours; leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9
Linville, NC 28646
Winter weather is here!
During the colder months be especially mindful that it gets dark early, and temperatures drop quckly at dusk.
Don't brave ridgeline trails unless you are experienced in winter alpine conditions and fully prepared for the weather with all necessary gear.
Minimum Gear Necessary for Winter Weather Hiking:
1. Ice Traction- Microspikes
2. Extra Water
3. Extra Food
4. Extra Clothing Layers (synthetic fabrics, wool, or silk- no
cotton)
5. Headlamp
Please make sure to check the local weather conditions before your hike. Since we don't have our own weather station, we check raysweather.com, and look at a nearby spot with comparable elevation, such as Sugar Mountain Top or Seven Devils. http://averyweather.com/Forecast/Sugar+Mountain+Top
UPPER ELEVATIONS:
Ice and snow persist at higher elevations throughout winter. Snow and ice on ridgeline.
LOWER ELEVATIONS:
Temperature fluctuations at lower elevations can make trails both icy and muddy. If hiking the lower Profile Trail, remember: GET MUDDY! Stay on the trail and do not walk around wet spots, as this creates more damage to the natural resources. There is a boot scraper and boot brush for you just as you get off the Profile Trail.
STREAM CROSSING:
Both rain and melting snow can make the Profile Trail stream crossing at mile 1.5 hazardous due to high water. Rangers recommend turning around if the water line is above boulders in crossing.
Hiking above Profile View on the Profile Trail and Flat Rock View on the Daniel Boone Scout Trail is not recommended for inexperienced or unequipped hikers. High winds, cold temperatures and unseen ice are all trail hazards that should be taken seriously.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS. This includes current physical ability, level of experience in winter alpine conditions, what kind of gear you have, and overall preparedness. Weather and temperatures can change dramatically and rapidly and you do not want to get caught unprepared. Do not hike beyond your experience.
Last updated on: Wednesday, November 27, 2019The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation (the private attraction with the Swinging Bridge) will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Those hiking out to the Swinging Bridge must plan to HIKE BACK since no one will be able to enter the attraction to pick them up at the top.
The State Park and its trails will be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Last updated on: Monday, November 18, 2019Major trail renovations are being done on the Profile Trail and will last through 2020.
The trail WILL remain open during this time unless otherwise stated. To ensure the safety of contractors and other hikers, please be aware and follow trail workers’ guidance for safe passage. Your cooperation ensures the trail will remain open during this time.
Last updated on: Monday, November 18, 2019Area information
Profile Trail Parking Area:
4198 NC Hwy 105 N
Banner Elk, NC 28604
From Asheville (approx 70 mi): Travel I-40 East (approx 21 mi). Take Exit 72 and follow US-70 E (Old Fort) to US-221 N (approx 11.5 miles). Turn left and follow US-221 for approximately 32 miles. Turn right onto Newland Hwy. At the next intersection, turn left onto 105 S and travel approximately 4.5 miles. Profile Trail Parking area will be on the right about a quarter mile past NC 184 (McDonald's & Lowes Foods) [Click for Google directions]
From Winston-Salem (approx 100 mi): Travel I-40 W to US-421 N Exit. Travel west on 421 through Wilkesboro to Boone (approx 81 mi). Turn left onto 105 S. Profile Trail Parking area will be on the left (approx 13 mi). [Click for Google directions]
Interim Park Office Physical Address:
9872 Hwy 105 S.
Grandfather View Village
Banner Elk, NC 28604
[Map to Park Office]
Park Maps and Brochures:
