Grandfather Mtn Nature Walks & Hiking Trails

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN - Nature Walks & Hiking Trails

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 that you come up against the more challenging hikes.

For safety reasons, walking down the road is not permitted.

In-Park Nature Trails - Grandfather has a number of gentle paths that can be accessed from the summit road. Designed to offer a low-impact foray into nature, these paths allow guests to get out in the woods without requiring a long and strenuous commitment.

Backcountry Hiking Trails - Grandfather’s backcountry is very different from other areas in the South. Trails take you through forests usually found in Canadian climates.

Many of the trails use ladders and cables to climb sheer cliff faces.

Grandfather is home to 16 distinct natural communities (ecosystems); and is home to 66 rare or endangered species, including 11 that are globally imperiled.

Portions of the backcountry are sheltered within a Nature Conservancy trust.

Grandfather is part of the United Nation’s international network of Biosphere Reserves.

Hikers access trails only by paying user fees.

Hiking is included as part of your attraction admission. Guests who purchase a ticket to the attraction may access the trails from inside the gates.

Guests who visit for hiking only may access the trails from off-mountain trailheads and must purchase hiking permits for one-half the regular gate admission price.

If you want to enter the Backcountry from the Swinging Bridge area:

Hiking is included in the price of admission. To access the start of the Grandfather Trail, please park at the 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 733-2800 (Top Shop), 733-4337 (Gate) or 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 only to hike without going through the Entrance Gate:

Guests wishing only to hike can begin at one of the two off-mountain trailheads located either on US 221 or NC 105. A trail map will be supplied when you purchase your permit.

If you park at an off-mountain trailhead, plan on hiking back to your car.

If you plan to have someone pick you up at the Hiker’s Parking Area, the driver of the pick-up vehicle will be charged regular gate admission to come in to pick you up.

Grandfather Mountain is not able to provide rides to or from trailheads.