Page Updated: November 21, 2023

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain Scenic Point - Grandfather NC

Estimated to be 300 million years old with specific rock formations dating back than a billion, the 5946 foot Grandfather Mountain of North Carolina is one of 738 International Biosphere Reserves spanning 134 countries. The distinction acknowledges the harmonious protection of humans with nature and encourages collaboration across the globe.

“Grandfather is unique because in less than 5,000 acres there is habitat for 16 distinct ecological communities and 72 rare or endangered species.” -grandfather

The whole of Grandfather Mountain falls under the stewardship of two separate entities: Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc governs the scenic attraction (fee required-reservations needed) that includes the wildly popular Mile High Swinging Bridge; and Grandfather Mountain State Park (free of charge) protects the remaining undeveloped 2/3 of the mountain allowing accessibility only on foot via one of two trails - Profile Trail on Route 105 and the Daniel Boone Scout Trail accessed off the Tanawha Trail @ (Boone Fork Parking) off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Grandfather Mountain was the highlight of Leg 20! Because of our hike, we’d reserved the earliest entry time for the day at 8am. On entry, the booth gave us a CD with Grandfather Mountain info to listen to as we dove the 2 mile road up the mountain. Luckily, we still had a CD player?

Midway up the mountain are several picnic areas, a nature discovery center, a restaurant, and a number of animal habitats. Eager to get on the trail, we skipped out on these stops.

As day hikers, we were guided to the lower lot and took Bridge Trail to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The bridge closes for ice, high winds, and lightening; but on a beautiful clear day, the views are spectacular.

After goofing off too long at the bridge, we finally registered for Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak. If I’m truthful, I found the sign intimidating. After nearly a decade of hiking, I still don’t considered my self experienced!

Even though my phone flaked out, my tracker died, and the hike whooped my tail, this hike was fantastic! We had intentions of stopping at places we skipped on the way down the mountain, but after the 6hr grind, neither of us wanted to get out of the vehicle once we got in it. Another time, perhaps!

-b&b

Disc Golf North Cove

Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak

TO THE TOP LEG 20 NORTH CAROLINA