BUY TICKETS/BOOK VISIT DONATE CONTACT 0 ITEMS VISIT GROUPS SUPPORT ABOUT CONNECT VISIT > THINGS TO DO > WALKING & HIKING Walking & Hiking Explore trails for all fitness levels on Grandfather Mountain. Our network of nature walks and trails take you through gentle forests and meadows or atop rugged peaks accessed by ladders and cables. Either way, experience wildlife and breathtaking views for which Grandfather is famous. Grandfather is part of the United Nation’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Our forests are typical of Canadian climates and home to 16 distinct natural ecosystems. The mountain is home to 73 rare or endangered species, including 32 that are globally imperiled. Visit our Nature Museum to discover more or attend of our free daily programs. Easy / Moderate Hikes: Perfect for Families Find several shorter nature excursions accessed from the road to the summit. These trails allow you to get out in nature without requiring a long and strenuous commitment. Two (Black Rock & Bridge Trails) begin at the Hiker’s Black Rock Parking Area near the Summit. The Woods Walk loops from a picnic spot near the entrance gate. Read more about Shorter Hikes. Swinging Bridge Walk Our famous Mile High Swinging Bridge is accessible to all! From the top parking area, take a few flights of steps or ride the elevator to a short path. For the more adventurous, continue out on the rock cliffs for spectacular views atop Linville Peak. The 0.4-mile Bridge Trail connects the Bridge to the lower Black Rock Parking Area. Read more. Crest Hikes: Strenuous Trails on Rugged Peaks Climb the rugged peaks of Grandfather, including our highest point at Calloway Peak at 5,946 feet. The 2.4-mile Grandfather Trail is for experienced hikers, since there are areas of rocky cliffs where progress is hand-over-hand, with cables and ladders. Park at the Black Rock Parking Area, a half-mile below the summit. See our guides for the Crest Hikes. Backcountry Hiking in Grandfather State Park Find additional trails, including the popular Profile Trail (west side) and Daniel Boone Scout Trail (east side) with separate trailheads from the state park access and Blue Ridge Parkway. Read more. Hiking Tips Hiking trails within the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation property are subject to weather-related closings. For the most up-to-date information on trail closures, please call our Entrance Gate prior to your visit at 828-733-4337. See ticket rates, hours and online booking. Choose the right trail for you and your group’s fitness level. Be familiar with the trail. Use resources such as free maps we provide and apps to help navigate trails. Plan your route in advance of your hike. Download the Grandfather Mountain Trail Map Check the weather the week before, week of, days before, the day of and even right before you begin your hike. Weather changes quickly here. Read more about our weather. Hiking in November through March? See our Winter Hiking Tips. Make people aware of your plan so if anything were to happen someone would know to look for you or where to find you. At Grandfather Mountain, hikers are required to fill out hiking permits before hitting the backcountry trails. Dress appropriately. Hiking boots are best for hiking, but please wear closed toe shoes at the very least. Clothes that are moisture wicking are important. Pack a rain jacket and extra layers. Bring plenty of water and snacks. A 2-mile strenuous hike here could take several hours to complete. For safety reasons, walking down the road is not permitted. Hiking trails close one hour prior to the park’s closing. If there is an emergency or you cannot make it back to your car by closing, please call 828-733-2800 (Top Shop), 828-733-4337 (Gate) or 828-733-1059 (Nature Museum) as soon as possible to notify Grandfather Mountain staff. If you do not call, we will send out a search party. If you park at an off-mountain trailhead for the state park, plan on hiking back to your car. If you plan to have someone pick you up at the Swinging Bridge, the driver of the pick-up vehicle will be charged regular gate admission to come into the travel attraction to pick you up. Grandfather Mountain is not able to provide shuttles to or from trailheads. Bring a picnic for post-hike relaxation! We have plenty of picnic tables. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646 1-800-468-7325 Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Member of Southern Highlands Attractions Privacy & Security Terms of Use Directions Join the Team Contact © 2021 Grandfather Mountain Powered by : Big Boom Design