Directions
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
CLOSED:
Nuwati and Cragway trails
ALL campsites on Nuwati Trail:
Streamside, The Hermitage, Storyteller’s Rock and The Refuge
Boone Fork foot bridge which connects the Boone Fork parking area with Tanawha and Daniel Boone Scout trails (hikers need to use another access)
ALL CLOSURES ANTICIPATED UNTIL AT LEAST JULY, 2019
Campers must register at Profile Trail Head regardless of where your hike begins.
Contact us for more information:
(828) 963-9522
grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov
www.facebook.com/grandfathermountainstatepark
Winter in the mountains brings ice, cold temperatures, high winds and hazardous hiking conditions. If you go hiking, TURN AROUND before you are cold and tired. Upper elevation hiking is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
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.
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
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 capabilities.
Be mindful that it gets dark early, and temperatures drop quckly at dusk.
Check local weather before your hike. Since we don't have our own weather station, go to Ray's Weather and look at a nearby spot with comparable elevation, such as Sugar Mountain Top or Seven Devils. http://averyweather.com/Forecast/Sugar+Mountain+Top
Last updated on: Friday, January 25, 2019Profile 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]
Grandfather Mountain State Park
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