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, 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, 2019Seeing 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
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.
Hello Park Lovers!
This is a reminder that dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash when visiting the park. We have this policy in place to protect the natural resources from trampling and for the safety of all visitors, both human and canine. There seems to be a lot of resistance to this rule, so we want to offer some further clarification as to why this rule is so critically important and, consequently, why we will be enforcing it more strictly going forward.
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.
Park Maps and Brochures:
