Guided Hikes

If you are an avid hiker and want to deep dive into the natural wonders on Grandfather Mountain, explore one of our hiking trails with a Grandfather Naturalist. These peronalized, educational Alpine hikes cover a variety of topics based on your interests including ecology, mountain history, endangered species, wildlife, trail building and more. Guided hikes are available weekdays April-October, weather permitting. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance. Sorry, guided hikes are not offered on weekends.

Black Rock Trail
This moderate, 2-mile roundtrip hike takes about 1.5 hours. Black Rock Trail gradually descends to large boulders perched on the east slope of Grandfather Mountain above the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is not a technical hike, so it’s great for families and casual hikers. There are many interesting features along the way. Bring a small day pack with water and snacks. Be prepared for quickly changing weather.
$25/person in addition to park admission. $22 Bridge Club Members.

Grandfather Trail (3 Options)
For the most avid and skilled hikers, a guided hike through multiple eco systems along the crest of Grandfather is one you will never forget. This very strenuous backcountry hike requires you to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections. If you are timid of heights, this is not the hike for you! Proper footwear and clothing is a must. Be prepared for quickly changing weather – including cold temperatures even on summer days. Take a backpack with a change of socks, sunscreen, water, rain gear and plenty of snacks for high calorie burning. You will draw from all of your hiking experiences to complete this challenging and rewarding trek. Read more about Grandfather Trail. Choose one of three options, depending on how much of the trail you want to tackle:

• MacRae Peak: 1.8-miles roundtrip to elevation of 5,845 feet with panoramic views. Allow 3 hours. $50 in addition to park admission. $45 Bridge Club Members
• Attic Window: 2.4-miles roundtrip to elevation 5,880 feet that includes the most technical section with a steep rock scramble through The Chute. Allow 4 hours. $60 in addition to park admission. $54 Bridge Club Members
• Calloway Peak: 4.8-miles roundtrip to the highest peak on Grandfather at 5,946 feet. Allow 6 hours. Bring extra snacks and lunch. Be prepared to camp overnight in case of emergency. $90 in addition to park admission. $81 Bridge Club Members.

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. Call the Natural Resources office at 828-737-0833 or hiking@grandfather.com.

See other Experiences and Daily Programs. Also see our Hiking Guides and Hiking Tips for self-guided exploration.