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.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
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.
Ice and snow persist at higher elevations. Snow and ice on ridgeline: Rangers do not recommend hiking in these conditions. Do not attempt the Grandfather Trail without ice traction, proper gear and winter alpine hiking experience.
Winter weather 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 resource. There is a boot scraper and boot brush for you just as you get off the Profile Trail. Both rain and melting snow can make the Profile Trail stream crossing at mile 1.5 hazardous due to high water. Rangers do not recommend crossing if water is above boulders in crossing.
Last updated on: Thursday, January 17, 2019CLOSED:
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
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.
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