Grandfather Mountain & Swinging Bridge | RomanticAsheville.com (2024)

Grandfather Trail
An upper mountain ridge trail of astonishing variety, running in and out of wind-dwarfed spruce and fir, across or around rock walls and pinnacles, and into open spaces with views of mountains unfurling in every direction. The route follows the crest of Grandfather Mountain from the Hiker's Parking Area near the summit, about 2.4 miles to Calloway Peak (or do a shorter hike to MacRae Peak). There are chutes where progress is hand-over-hand and some extra steep sections where you use in-place cables and ladders. An alternative to taking the ladders up MacRae Peak (5,845 feet) is to opt for the more sheltered Underwood Trail. Or you can take the ladders to MacRae Peak and take the Underwood Trail back (it's easier to go up the ladders than go down!). When you reach MacRae Peak, climb a short ladder to get atop the rock for 360-degree views. It's a great spot for a picnic! After climbing down from MacRae Peak, continue on the Grandfather Trail about 1/4 of a mile to the Underwood Trail. Follow the Underwood Trail back to the Swinging Bridge. Or continue for 1.5 miles to reach Calloway Peak, the highest point of Grandfather.

Underwood Trail
Splitting off the Grandfather Trail near the half mile marker, the Underwood Trail bypasses ladder climbs on MacRae Peak, rejoining the Grandfather Trail at MacRae Gap, about a mile out. The trail makes a steep, rocky loop under the crest line around Raven Rock Cliffs. Read above for using this trail as an alternate return from MacRae Peak.

Profile Trail
This popular trail to the top of Grandfather Mountain begins from N.C. Highway 105, near the intersection with N.C. 184 in Banner Elk. There is no charge for accessing the State Park from the trailheads here. This challenging hike is about 6.2 miles round-trip, gaining 1,800 ft. in elevation. It begins as an easy stroll across the Watauga River and through the woods. The top section is very strenuous and rocky as you reach Calloway Peak (5,946 ft.) with breathtaking views. Location: Across from the Peddlin' Pig restaurant - GPS address is 4198 NC Highway 105 N, Banner Elk

Getting There
The fastest route (70 miles) from Asheville is taking I-40 East to Marion, NC. Take Exit #85. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and go one mile to a stoplight. At the stoplight turn left and follow US 221 North to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain (about 30 miles). Park Entrance Street GPS Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646.

The most scenic route is taking the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville (about 90 miles from downtown, allow 2.5 hours) to Milepost 305 - take the US 221 Highway/Linville exit just before the Linn Cove Viaduct.

For more things to do in the area and places to stay, go to our Banner Elk Guide.

Tickets
Grandfather Mountain is open daily, weather permitting, except Thanksgiving & Christmas Day. There are three tiers of daily ticket rates. Buying tickets online in advance is recommended. Visit Grandfather Mountain's website for ticket details.

UN Biosphere Reserve
In 1971, the United Nations began a worldwide program designed to help land managers share scientific knowledge and practical experiences. In 1992, Grandfather Mountain was accepted into the international network of biosphere reserves. Grandfather Mountain supports sixteen distinct ecological communities, each supporting its own unique web of life. It is Grandfather's abrupt rise above the valley floor that causes the change in elevation and climate conditions that supports such a diversity of life.

Scottish Games
Don't miss the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.