Grandfather Mountain - Backpack - Hiking trail near Linville, North Carolina, United States - Description

This backpacking trip takes you through Grandfather Mountain to its highest peak in Calloway Peak at 5964 ft and then along the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Linn Cove Viaduct. This backpack offer great views during the first and second day of hiking.

You will need to setup a car shuttle for this trip. First leave a car at the beacon Heights Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 305.5. Then drive back to Linville to get an overnight permit for Grandfather Mountain at one of the gas stations. Then continue North to the Profile Trail trailhead on NC 105.

Day 1: Take the very steep Profile Trail to Calloway Gap for 3.0 miles. Then turn left onto the Grandfather Trail and reach the Calloway Peak within 0.5 miles. Now you will follow the Daniel Boone Scout Trail climbing up and down ladders. Look to your left when in the forest, you should be able to spot a small plane crash site. Take the Cragway Trail to your left when you reach an intersection in 1.3 miles from the summit. After 1.0 miles, take a left onto the Nuwati Trail to one of the campsites. I recommend the "Refuge" site, because it is close to a nice view and water.

Day 2: Take the Nuwati Trail for 1.2 miles to the Tanawha Trail. Take a right onto the Tanawha Trail. This trail will follow the Blue Ridge Parkway for 7.0 miles all the way back to the Beacon Heights Overlook where you left your second car. You will enjoy beautiful views of the Parkway and walk underneath the Linn Cove Viaduct.