Park Maps and Brochures:
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 can access the Daniel Boone Scout trail by parking at the Boulder Field parking area and hiking north on the Tanawha Trail 2.8 miles.
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
Spring is here, but spring in the mountains can still bring ice, cold and wind, along with those beautiful warm days. Be prepared for cold weather and muddy and icy trails. Please stay on the trail: cutting switchbacks or getting off the trail to keep your feet dry leads to erosion and resource damage.
Last updated on: Monday, March 18, 2019Winter 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, 2019Grandfather 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.
Join a park ranger to explore the lower Profile Trail for a leisurely guided hike in the mid-afternoon. We’ll walk approximately two miles, round trip and be out for about two hours. The terrain is moderate, sometimes steep and often muddy. Bring whatever snacks and water you need and dress for the weather. Close toed shoes are highly recommended.
All ages are welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please.
Learn about one of North Carolina’s most beloved and elusive creatures, the black bear! Join Ranger Musumarra for a half-hour program focused on an overview of the black bear’s life and habits, and bear safety tips for home and trail. Meet at Profile Trail Head.
The program will be held outside, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
All ages are welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please leave pets at home.
With living in or visiting the Grandfather Mountain State Park area one thing is obvious...there are a lot of great hiking trails in the area to explore. If you are new to hiking or have never hiked before this is the program you’ll want to attend. Join Ranger Sicard for this “easy” one-and-a-half-mile round trip (2hr) hike to learn how to become a more confident hiker for many different types of terrain and weather conditions you may encounter. During the hike, we will discuss the basic items you should have with you any time you hike, clothing and or apparel for specific conditions, how to dress appropriately for various hiking conditions, and how to place all these items in your pack so that you do not get worn out from just having them with you. Like packing a suitcase to get everything in it for a trip there are ways to pack a backpack to allow your hike to more comfortable as you carry it with you. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and up. No pets will be allowed on this hike.
Have you ever been hiking and wondered how trails are constructed and maintained? Perhaps you’ve wanted to volunteer to help and didn’t know how? Well we have a great opportunity for you! What better way to spend National Trails Day 2019 than by expanding your knowledge and donating some time to our trails! Join Ranger Musumarra for this 5-hour program dedicated to teaching an introduction to trail maintenance! The program will begin with an overview of trail maintenance procedures and will progress to working on the trail. Total hiking distance will be less than 3 miles round trip. Please come prepared with water and food, sturdy boots, and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves, eye protection, and tools will be provided for you. This program is suitable for ages 16 and up, however 16- and 17-year old’s need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please leave your pets at home. Meet at the Profile Trail Parking Area at 10:00am.
Come celebrate NC State Park's Annual Interpretive Theme "SNAKES" at Grandfather Mountain State Park.
Grandfather Mountain State Park will be hosting an event from 10am until 2pm focusing primarily on the snakes of NC and general information on snakes. Don’t let your uncomfortableness or fear of snakes keep you from attending. This is the perfect time for you to put those fears to rest by attending a controlled environment where you can learn about snakes before you see one in the wild. There will be activities for children and adults to participate and learn from. A detailed schedule of events will be posted closer to the time of the event.
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
