Hiking in Grandfather Mountain State Park
A North Carolina mountain is Grandfather Mountain. The name comes from the Wight Mountain, which is where the Grandfather Mountain springs come from. The mountain is very popular with those in the southern part of the state, especially the area around Wise County. It is also popular with tourists because of its moderate climate and beautiful scenery. Grandfather Mountain State Park is another popular attraction in the area.
To get to Grandfather Mountain, take a southbound route on I-40 until you arrive at the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 in Wise County. Take a left turn at the next intersection, going down to a dirt parking area. At this point, you will see two very familiar looking buildings with a large flag pole sticking out of the top. This is the park headquarters. You will then follow a trail that goes towards the west side of the Grandfather Mountain ridge.
The first portion of the hiking trail is the Grandfather Mountain Loop, going westward. The trail goes through a little forest and then climbs gradually to the first picnic area. Just past the picnic area, you will find the morton rock formation. Just past this, the trail continues to make steady climbs until it hits a point where it turns right and goes back down to the valley floor. It’s possible to cross a small stream on this trek.
Once you reach the top of Grandfather Mountain, there are two options for getting back to your car. You can go back into the woods or you can head back to the state park headquarters. If you want to be in the heart of the woods, it’s best to stay on the Grandfather Mountain Trail and go back through the woods. Otherwise, you can follow the path back to the parking lot. There are beautiful views back towards Wise and northwest to the mountains.
To get to Grandfather Mountain, you have several options. One is to go back north from Linville. Another option is to go south from Linville. The third option is to drive to Grandfather Mountain itself. Regardless of which route you choose, you will enjoy viewing the attractions while feeling proud that you explored this beautiful part of North Carolina.
Hiking is the most popular way to explore Grandfather Mountain. It starts at the lowest elevation and gradually makes its way up the rocky peaks. Most people start their hiking trip at the Lower Pine Ridge Trail, which starts near the parking area. However, if you prefer to trek further, then you should take the Farrell Trail, which has a panoramic view of the northwest.
One of the biggest perks of hiking Grandfather Mountain is that it allows you to explore the entire park. This means that you can come back from your hike and do some more exploring. This is possible because the trailheads have all been developed so that you can continue your hiking adventure from any area around the park.
When you visit the park, you will be greeted by a beautiful picnic table where you can eat and enjoy the surroundings. After you have had your first meal, you can go back to the trail head to start hiking. Hiking to the northwest allows you to hike the Blue Ridge Mountains Trail, which goes directly above the famous viewpoints of the Grandfather Mountain peaks. If you want to get a better view of the park, then head towards the summit. However, it is not recommended that you go too high because you will never know how high the clouds are.
Hiking in Grandfather Mountain National Park is made even more enjoyable when you take advantage of the outdoor nature museum, which is also found in the park. Built as a result of a partnership between the National Park Service and the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the museum offers a variety of natural history displays, as well as, tours of the surrounding area. The North Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers several programs for visitors to take advantage of this natural resource education, including their “Have a Little Adventure” program, which allows people to go on a self-guided walking tour around the Grandfather Mountain property. While in the area, you will be able to visit the Grandfather Mountain State historic site, view the many hiking trails and learn about the region’s history.
To truly appreciate Grandfather Mountain, you must try to get away from it all and enjoy the natural beauty of this area. Hike into the rugged peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or go horseback riding through the woods. Pack a picnic lunch and make sure to stop by the nature museum before you leave. You will find that Grandfather Mountain provides a great vacation or weekend getaway that is relaxing and fun.