Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail

Hike Name: Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail Location: northwest NC Length: 9 Submitted by: Kevin Tombs Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more North Carolina trail reviews North Carolina national parks North Carolina state parks
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Description
The Profile Trail of Grandfather Mountain offers spectacular views and challenging terrain. The trail to the top is 3 miles long, going through a 2,000' change in elevation. The top is somewhere around 5,400 feet. The first mile and a quarter is fairly easy and you see many families hiking here. There's a nice stream running over boulders in the middle of the forest. From here, hike about 1 mile on some more challenging terrain. Lots of switchbacks and much steeper here...great view of the "Grandfather" profile which gives the mountain it's name...hence the "Profile" trail name. You'll reach a rock cliff...take a rest here, you'll need it. The next 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile goes up steeply across boulders. Once you reach the top and decend about 50 feet, you'll come to a junction. If you turn right, you'll reach the mile high swinging bridge. Once you're there, turn back and head for the car. The total hike will probably take you 4-5 hours unless you're into fast hiking.

There's one drawback to hiking this trail. The mountain is private and charges a $5.00 per person for a trail permit. They do perform some really good trail maintenance, though. I know that $5/person/day is more than you usually have to pay to hike, but the trail is scenic, convenient, patrolled, and well-maintained.

Directions to Hike
South on 105 from Boone, NC. Trailhead is well marked on east(left if heading South) side of the road. Parking for approx 10-12 vehicles; steep, winding, paved entrance.

Contact Information
Grandfather Mountain, (800)468-7325 or (704) 733-2013

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