Looking for Grandfather Mountain State Park?
UPDATE: The Profile Trail in Grandfather Mountain State Park remains closed at this time due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Visit the State Park website to learn more.
The current Blue Ridge Parkway closure also limits access to Grandfather Mountain State Park. The Boone Fork Parking Area (milepost 299.9), which allows access to trails including the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Nuwati Trail and Cragway Trail, is currently accessible via one direction. Learn more.
Grandfather Mountain State Park is located adjacent to our Grandfather Mountain nature preserve and park. The state park includes the wild and undeveloped “backcountry” sections of the mountain. Free access to 12 miles of trails and backpack camping sites is from the Profile Trail parking area on N.C. 105 or trailheads along the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway (Boone Fork Parking Area at MP 299.9). You may also access the state park trails for day hikes from our Black Rock Parking Area just below the summit.
In 2008, the North Carolina state parks system acquired 2,456 acres of Grandfather Mountain from the Morton family. The acquisition was arranged with the help of The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy, which holds conservation easements on the mountain covering nearly 4,000 acres (read more).
Our nature preserve and park, which includes the Mile High Swinging Bridge, Wildlife Habitats and Wilson Center, is owned and operated by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. You may hike into the state park via the Grandfather Trail that begins near the Top Shop and Black Rock parking areas.
For more hiking information:
- General Overview of Grandfather Backcountry Hiking
- East Side Trails (Daniel Boone Scout, Nuwati, Cragway and Asutsi)
- West Side / Profile Trail
- Crest: Grandfather Trail
- Hiking Tips
State Park Office Phone: 828-963-9522
State Park Office Email: grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov
Park office address: 9872 N.C. 105 S. Suite 6, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Profile Trail parking area: 4198 N.C. 105 N., Banner Elk, NC 28604