9872 N.C. 105 S.
Suite #6
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-963-9522
grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov
GPS: 36.111200, -81.811140
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, 2019Each of North Carolina’s state parks has special events during the year and news about facilities, trails, staff and park supporters. And, visitors are frequently finding new ways to explore a park’s unique cultural and natural resources. Check these pages to keep abreast of the news at your favorite parks.
On September 18, 2019, major trail renovations will begin on the Profile Trail and will last through the following year. The trail WILL remain open during this time unless otherwise stated. To ensure the safety of contractors and other hikers, please be situationally aware and follow trail workers’ guidance for safe passage.
The Third Annual Grand-further Mountain Run will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019, with a rain date of August 25, 2019. The race begins at 8:00am at the Lowe’s parking lot and all race participants are required to be off the mountain by 2:00 p.m. The race follows the Profile Trail up to the Grandfather Trail, continues up and over Calloway Peak, down the Daniel Boone Scout Trail to Boone Fork, and back the same route. All 150 participants must practice good trail etiquette and must be off the mountain by 3:00 p.m.
Camping is allowed with a permit at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail system, including the Hi-Balsam Shelter. Currently, the Daniel Boone Campsite (group site for 7 - 12 campers) is reservable in advance, with a fee, and all other sites are available without a fee on a first come, first served basis. Starting June 1, 2019, all 13 campsites will be reservable in advance for a fee by calling 1.877.722.6772 or going to www.reserveamerica.com.
Last spring, Grandfather Mountain State Park experienced heavy, prolonged rains that severely damaged and eroded park trails, making some areas impassable. Damage to the Nuwati and Cragway trails was so extensive that repairs will require contracting outside work. The wet weather continued as Grandfather Mountain experienced 10 feet of precipitation in 2018, compounding the damage to all our trails. Park staff are working to get contracts underway while repairing what we are able to on the other trails.
We are now accepting applications for 2019 seasonal positions with Grandfather Mountain State Park.
For more information, visit the jobs page or visit our office at
9872 Hwy 105 South, Suite #6 (Banner Elk).
Office Hours: Mon-Fri (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
You may also contact us at 828-963-9522 or
grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov
Park Maps and Brochures:
