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A hiker enjoys the view at Grandfather Mountain State Park
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Park Maps and Brochures:

Upcoming Events:

Ranger-Led Hike on Profile Trail
Sunday, August 25, 2019 - 10:00am
National Public Lands Day: Trail Work Day
Saturday, September 28, 2019 - 9:30am
Fall Colors Hike
Sunday, October 6, 2019 - 2:00pm
PARK ALERT: BEAR ACTIVITY   

The bears at Grandfather Mountain have been ACTIVE- multiple sightings have been reported in and around the state park.
 

Seeing a bear in its wild, natural environment is a very special experience; and is not an imminent risk – as long as you keep your distance, act responsibly.

Please adhere to the following guidelines to stay safe in Bear Country:
*Make enough noise so that you do not surprise a bear. You can put bells, or other noise maker on your pack to make noise as you hike.
* Keep your dog on a leash.
* If you notice a bear nearby, pack up your food and trash immediately and vacate the area as soon as possible.
* If a bear approaches, move away slowly; do not run.
* If necessary, attempt to scare the animal away with loud shouts, by banging pans together, or throwing rocks and sticks at it.
* Never approach and never feed a bear.

Campers-
* Do NOT store food in tents.
* Properly store food and scented items like toothpaste by using a bear-proof container/ hang food away from campsite.
* Clean up food or garbage around fire rings, grills, or other areas of your campsite.
* Do not leave food unattended.
* Never run away from a bear- back away slowly and make lots of noise.

For more tips, visit:
http://go.usa.gov/czWbW 
https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/bears

 Last updated on: Thursday, July 18, 2019

Current Trail Closure Status: 5/24/2019   

STATUS HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE SUMMER 2018

CLOSED: 
Nuwati and Cragway trails remain closed from storm and flood damage.
Closure includes ALL campsites on Nuwati Trail:
Streamside, The Hermitage, Storyteller’s Rock and The Refuge
Boone Fork footbridge, which connects the Boone Fork parking area with Tanawha and Daniel Boone Scout trails, remains closed due to structural damage from flooding. This bridge is on National Park Service property and a date for repairs has not been provided. 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. Your cooperation is appreciated.

OPENING DATE CANNOT BE ESTIMATED AT THIS TIME

Campers must register at Profile Trailhead regardless of where your hike begins.

Contact us for more information:
(828) 963-9522
grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov
www.facebook.com/grandfathermountainstatepark

 Last updated on: Friday, May 31, 2019

Changes to Camping Fees and Reservations   

Grandfather Mountain State Park is initiating campsite fees and campsite reservation requirements for all our campsites beginning June 1, 2019.  All campers will be required to reserve their campsite in advance by calling 1.877.722.6762 or going to the Reserve America Reservation System at www.reserveamerica.com.  Park staff strongly recommends making reservations in advance, as cell service at the trailheads is not reliable and visitors may not be able to connect with Reserve America at the trailheads.

 Last updated on: Friday, May 17, 2019

Park News

Each 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.

Grand-further Mountain Run August 24, 2019

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.

Upcoming Changes to Camping Policy, Reservations, and Fees

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.

Grandfather Mountain State Park Trail Repairs Require Closures

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.

Seasonal Positions Now Available!

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

9872 N.C. 105 S.
Suite #6
Banner Elk, NC 28604

828-963-9522
grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov

 

Map of North Carolina

GPS: 36.111200, -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