Events and Programs

A hiker enjoys the view at Grandfather Mountain State Park

Park Maps and Brochures:

The Nuwati and Cragway trails are closed until further notice while plans for repairs are actively being coordinated. The four campsites on Nuwati — Streamside, Hermitage, Storyteller Rock and Refuge — are closed. The foot bridge across Boone Fork, which leads hikers from Boone Fork parking lot to the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, is closed due to unsafe footings. Hikers may use the Boulder Field parking lot between mile markers 302 and 303 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which adds 2.8 miles (one way) to the Daniel Boone Scout Trail hike. All other park trails are open. ALL campers staying on open campsites MUST register for their site at the Profiel Trailhead, even if hiking up Daniel Boone Scout Trail.

Posted on: Saturday, October 13, 2018

Events and Programs

Grandfather Mountain State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.

Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.

Winter Tree Identification

Participants will learn how to identify local trees without the aid of leaves by learning differences in bark, limb, bud and branching patterns. Participants are encouraged to bring field guides to local trees. Program will last approximately 1 hour and hike 0.5 miles (1 mile round trip). Hiking boots are recommended. This is an outdoor event and those in attendance should come dressed for the current weather conditions. If there is new snow and/or ice, please call ahead. 828.963.9522 or email grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.

Appropriate for ages 10 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets.

Date of Event:

Sun, 11/25/2018 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Start Location:

Profile Trail Head (4198 Hwy 105 South)

To Build a Fire

Fire is one of the cornerstones of human civilization that many take for granted in today’s modern lifestyle. Could you build a fire if necessary? Join Ranger Appling to learn techniques for fire building and emergency fire starting for camping, heating or survival. The program will be held outside and last approximately 1 hour, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.

Appropriate for ages 10 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets.

Date of Event:

Sun, 12/02/2018 - 10:00am to 11:00am

Start Location:

Profile Trail Head (4198 N. Hwy 105)

First Day Hike on the Lower Profile Trail

Get 2019 off to a great start with a ranger-led hike on the Profile Trail! Join Ranger Musumarra for an approximately 3 mile round trip hike on the lower profile trail. This section of the trail is considered to be of moderate difficulty. Bring any water and snacks you may need and dress appropriately for the weather. Please wear closed-toe shoes, preferably hiking boots.
All ages welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets.
Meet at the Profile Trail parking area at 10:00am.

Date of Event:

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 10:45am to 12:00pm

Start Location:

Profile Trail Head (4198 Hwy 105 South)

First Day Hike on the Lower Profile Trail

Kick off the New Year with a bit of fresh air and exercise! Join Ranger Appling for a stroll along the lower Profile Trail for an unforgettable winter hike. This section of the trail is moderately strenuous and hiking boots are strongly recommended. Bring any water and snacks you may need and dress appropriately for the weather.

All ages welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets.

Meet at the Profile Trail parking area at 2:00pm.

Date of Event:

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Start Location:

Profile Trail Head (4198 N. Hwy 105)

Contact:

Grandfather Mountain State Park

9872 Hwy 105 S (Suite #6)

Banner Elk, NC 28604

Phone828-963-9522

grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov

Latitude: 36.111200

Longitude: -81.811140

November - February: 8am - 6pm
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

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Grandfather Mountain State Park