Grandfather Trail
Grandfather Mountain State Park, Avery County, NC
Out-and-back trail in Grandfather Mountain State Park, Avery County, NC. Hiking.
- Distance
- 4.3 mi (6.9 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 1,325 ft (404 m)
- Est. Time
- 2 hr 5 min
- High point
- 5,912 ft (1,802 m)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Out & back
Features
Along the way
- Viewpoint: Patio View of MacRae Peak 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from start
- Peak: MacRae Peak 1.8 mi (3 km) from start
- Campsite: Attic Window 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from start
- Campsite: Alpine Meadow 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from start
- Campsite: Calloway Gap 3.4 mi (5.5 km) from start
- Campsite: Cliffside 3.8 mi (6 km) from start
- Viewpoint: Watauga View 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from start
- Peak: Calloway Peak 4.3 mi (6.9 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Grandfather Trail
How long is Grandfather Trail?
Grandfather Trail is 4.3 mi (6.9 km) long. Most people take about 2 hr 5 min. It climbs 1,325 ft (404 m) in total, up to a high point of 5,912 ft (1,802 m).
How hard is Grandfather Trail?
GoTrails rates it Hard, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Grandfather Trail?
No parking mapped: check before you drive.
Are there water and toilets on Grandfather Trail?
Water at the trailhead only: carry enough. Toilets: Trailhead.
Is Grandfather Trail shaded?
Mostly shaded (88% under trees).
What can you do on Grandfather Trail?
Best for Hiking.
Where can you eat near Grandfather Trail?
Mildred's Grill, 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from the start. 2 more places to eat. Shop: Lowes Foods, 1.5 mi (2.4 km).
Is this a good week for Grandfather Trail?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Grandfather Trail
- Bridge Trail National Forests in North Carolina · Easy · 0.8 mi (1.2 km)
- Grandfather Extension Trail Grandfather Mountain State Park · Easy · 1.1 mi (1.8 km)
- Underwood Trail Grandfather Mountain State Park · Easy · 0.9 mi (1.5 km)
- Woods Walk Trail National Forests in North Carolina · Easy · 0.4 mi (0.7 km)
- Black Rock Trail Grandfather Mountain State Park · Easy · 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
- Profile Trail Grandfather Mountain State Park · Easy · 1.2 mi (2 km)
- Profile Connector Trail Grandfather Mountain State Park · Easy · 0.7 mi (1.2 km)
- Profile Trail Grandfather Mountain State Park · Hard · 4.6 mi (7.4 km)
More hikes in Grandfather Mountain State Park
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap