Backcountry Hiking
Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks. It is in the backcountry of Grandfather Mountain State Park that you come up against the more challenging hikes.
The backcountry hiking trails include:
East Side Trails: Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Nuwati Trail, Asutsi Trail, Cragway Trail (trailheads on Blue Ridge Parkway)
West Side Trail: Profile Trail (trailhead on NC Highway 105 near Sugar Mountain)
Grandfather Trail Crest Trail: Includes Grandfather Trail Extension, Underwood Trail
If you want to enter Grandfather Mountain State Park while visiting the attraction: Access to the hiking trails in Grandfather Mountain State Park is included in the price of admission. To access the start of the Grandfather Trail, please park at the Black Rock Hiker’s Parking Area, a quarter-mile below the summit.
Please return to your vehicle at least one hour before closing time. If, in an emergency, you leave your car on the mountain, 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 want to enter Grandfather Mountain State Park without visiting the attraction: Guests wishing only to hike can access Grandfather Mountain State Park for FREE from one of the two off-mountain trailheads located either on the Blue Ridge Parkway (or U.S. 221 in winter) or N.C. 105. A trail map will be available when hikers register at the trailhead.
If you park at an off-mountain trailhead, plan on hiking back to your car. No shuttle service can be provided. 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 rides to or from trailheads.
Grandfather Mountain State Park Trail Map
Plan Ahead: Grandfather Hiking Tips | Winter Hiking Tips