Grandfather Mountain via Profile Trail - Grandfather Mountain State Park, NC

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A difficult, exciting, exhilarating, rocky, tiring, fun hike on my 30th birthday at one of my favorite places in North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain. I used the steep, rocky Profile Trail to access the crest where I first jaunted up to Calloway Peak, the highest peak on the mountain massif. I also checked out the Watauga View briefly and also dropped down to the airplane crash site. The next part is some of the most exciting ridgeline scrambles anywhere in the Southeast as the trail follows bare rock cliffs, heath and krummholz on its way over the magnificent summits of Attic Window Peak and MacRae Peak. The swinging bridge and Linville Peak are kind of a let down, mainly because of the crowds, but at least you get to return the same way! It took a little over 8 hours to hike 11.4 miles. I stopped a lot but it is difficult and has given me a bout of plantar fasciitis in the days after.
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5 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 133

@ricman3434 4 года назад

I did Profile to Swinging Bridge and back, 2 times this year, about 6 hrs of hike time, spent an hour at the bridge, definitely the hardest hike I have done, but I had 2 picture perfect days, clear, sunny and 75, cant wait to do again in 2020, since I only hike in warm weather,

@tamerasanders158 4 года назад

Richard Boyd was my boyfriend. He died 3 weeks ago on the Cooks Wall Trail at Hanging Rock, NC. It was sudden and we do not know the cause. Richard and I did the profile hike to Watauga view (he went on to Calloway Peak) in 2019. He solo’d many other Grandfather trails since then. Richard came to love the challenge of hiking the rough trails. I love him and I miss him.

@thegoodpath5008 3 года назад

I am sorry for your loss... I revisited this video today and saw this post- It’s touching the community that is present with the common ground of loving the outdoors.. ❤️

@michaeltester2537 6 лет назад

I've done every single trail on GF mtn. Even helped build one on the other side. Miss that wind and one sided trees. Good work

@bigzach322 6 лет назад

Are any of the trails around the private attraction worth doing? I don't really want to pay that fee so I've never done them.

@tslmiami6288 6 лет назад

With out a doubt, one of the best videos of Grandfather Mountain. Thank you 🙏🏻

@bigzach322 6 лет назад

Thanks that's awesome to hear

@Skeelow22 3 года назад

Excellent video Zach. Enjoyed seeing all the sections and overlooks for this hike. It has been on my to do list for a while. Thanks for a great video with good information.

@bigzach322 3 года назад

I'd recommend choosing a weekday, it gets really crowded on the weekends.

@pathfinder9774 Год назад

Thank you for taking the time to share this video. Awesome hiking video and I need to check out that plane wreckage! I used to live in NC and it’s so beautiful. Just traveled there 2 weeks ago and did the Deep Gap Trail/Black Mountain Crest Trail. Had some nice scrambles. Now, living way too far south and way too urban (not by choice), I’m always looking for new ideas for hiking spots when I travel now. This just made the list!

@SoutheastBackpacker 8 лет назад

those are some tough miles - impressed with all you accomplished that day. I call them Grandfather mountain miles. And I'm not sure what is harder to believe - you having some peaks to yourself or the complete lack of wind that day. Always enjoy your naming of the nearby peaks. Keep up the great vids

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+SoutheastBackpacker I know they are tough, I've been dealing with what I think is plantar fasciitis since Tuesday night. Must have been all the hard down striking on the ball of my foot, and I coasted through the Profile Trail in 40 min on the way down trying to get to a restaurant I knew was closing at 9:00. First time I've had pain on my inner arch. I only saw 3 people total on MacRae and Attic Window, and I climbed over them twice. It was surprising, but I did pass quite a few people both times on the ladder side of MacRae.

@kenneththomson9492 3 года назад

Awesome video! Added to my list! I’m moving back to NC after living in Colorado for 5 years.

@williammangum9552 5 лет назад

First time I backpacked there was in 1981. Went every year after that and did all the trails there. Before the Profile trail there was the Shanty Spring trail that started where the grocery store and main Grandfather Mountain sign is. There used to be another trail that went down to Black Rocks Cliffs cave and you could go inside the cave which is now closed to protect the bats. Also on the second cliff of the trail from Calloway to Attic Window you can climb a little ways down the cliff off the trail and there is a cave that you can climb through and come out on the other side of the trail. We used to hike over to the bridge and they had a restaurant where you could get a Grandfather burger and fries! Beautiful place to spend a week exploring!

@bigzach322 5 лет назад

With some of the land acquisitions I think they're trying to revive a portion of that trail to connect with the Profile Trail. Not sure when that will happen though. I really wish the top shop had some food other than chips and ice cream, I'd love a burger mid-hike.

@rme6953 3 года назад

Happy Birthday Zack! Great way to celebrate you’re birthday.

@bigzach322 3 года назад

Thanks, that was 5 years ago lol

@DRMET 3 года назад

Great hike and what a day for your birthday! How neat to see little bits of snow and ice still in the shadows up top!

@adventuresofadam1302 6 лет назад

So peaceful up there. I can stay up in Grandfather Mountain forever. Can't wait to go back!

@bigzach322 6 лет назад

It's one of my favorite places in NC

@thegoodpath5008 3 года назад

Revisiting your commentary on this today, Zach- thanks much for the info. Hoping that 2021 will bring easier access to Grandfather Mtn... happy trails & best wishes for a healthy & joyful New Year ⭐️

@bigzach322 3 года назад

Thanks Amy, it should get better once it gets warmer and businesses open up so people have more things to do besides hiking.

@mikefrick2344 4 года назад

Awesome video Zac

@bigzach322 4 года назад

Thanks Mike!

@robelgan7841 4 года назад

Great video Zach. We have hiked those trails many times to Calloway, but never combined any of the two. That would be a tough day hike!

@bigzach322 4 года назад

Thanks Rob, it is a very tough day hike.

@epicadventures6871 4 года назад

Excellent hike

@bigzach322 4 года назад

Thanks!

@kendurham184 8 лет назад

Best video I've seen on hiking the Grandfather Trail. I've hiked the Profile Trail and Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak and I said the same thing you said when I saw the Sugar Mountain condominium building. Thank goodness for the Mountain Ridge Protection Act. There's no other mountain like Grandfather.

@kendurham184 8 лет назад

Oh, and happy belated birthday

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Ken Durham Thanks Ken. I took probably 40 minutes of video trying to get something good for my favorite mountain.

@DavidTaylor-sv1gf 4 года назад

REALLY Enjoy these trips . I’m using them to build my own library of trails to hike. If you can’t soar like an eagle, at least try and tickle his tail,,,, :) Thanks esp for the mountain range info, too

@bigzach322 4 года назад

Thanks David

@Glockwork9 5 лет назад

I have watched your videos for around 2 years now so I didn't see this one until now. I am quite jealous lol. We live close to Atlanta so this was a pretty long haul for a long weekend trip that was a grandfather mountain fail, but we made the best out of it and had a blast. The park was closed due to high winds on our two day there. Now I was to go back that much more.

@bigzach322 5 лет назад

It's worth it

@paulacarpenter1910 6 лет назад

Great video Zach! Thanks for the beautiful views. Go Heels! :)

@bigzach322 6 лет назад

Thanks Paula

@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri 8 лет назад

Amazing views. I really enjoy your videos and I can tell you love being on the trail. Thanks for sharing

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Caveman Outdoors Thanks for the compliments

@lisamagni2582 5 лет назад

Happy birthday

@thaddeo1675 8 лет назад

I want to do this hike now when I get back from deployment. Thanks for the vid!

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

It's a great hike, thanks for watching

@DRAUSSENsein 8 лет назад

Wonderful panorama, magnificent views into the distance, I like it.

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

Thank you

@ricman3434 4 года назад

I did this hike 2 times last fall, not sure how much I really stopped, spent an hour at the bridge, but did it in 6 hrs, although I didnt go to Calloway this time, nice video, hardest terrain in NC I believe,

@bigzach322 4 года назад

In terms of official trails, maybe. But there are a lot of rocky ridgelines that are tougher to hike than this.

@ricman3434 4 года назад

@@bigzach322 hey, I would like to know which ones are tougher, I want to try them, thx,

@bigzach322 4 года назад

@@ricman3434 Some of them have trails, some don't. I think the central and northern Blacks are just as tough to hike given the footing. Phoenix Mt, Snake Mt, Three Top Mt, and The Peak in the Amphibolites are all difficult and have a similar feel to Grandfather. Hanging Rock is across the highway from Grandfather and is a difficult bushwhack on the ridge. The manway across the highest peaks of the Plott Balsams is also very tough. There are some other ridges I haven't done but my friends have told me they're rough bushwhacks.

@ricman3434 4 года назад

@@bigzach322 if u have any trails u think I should do, if u could send a few names, that would be great, thx,

@bigzach322 4 года назад

Are you just looking for difficulty?

@georgebartholomew7688 8 лет назад

Thanks for this video! Hiked the first part of Profile Trail but due to limited amount of time, only got about 1 mile in. But your video has peaked our interest to retrace our steps and push onward!

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

It's definitely worth the extra effort

@jerryschultz6242 6 лет назад

Hiked 2 times . started from Blue Ridge Parkway Daniel Boone Scout trail hiked across the ridges , to the bridge . One time Grand father Mountain security guard , gave me a ride back to my car quite a few miles back up the parkway . I arrived there at dark and had no way back to where car was . Except that long hike back the way I came , in the dark . Thanks Kermit , his real name .

@hikewithmike4673 8 лет назад

Awesome!....love Grandfather Mountain... I just did the east tourist hike...i need to do this hike!

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Hike with Mike Yeah the real hikes start with Profile Trail or Daniel Boone Scout Trail, plus they're free

@wishbon77 7 лет назад

best video I've seen on this hike.

@bigzach322 7 лет назад

Thanks that's high praise

@georgeheld6042 Год назад

8:30 this was where my friend and I turned around (and went up Calloway Peak instead) when we attempted it last Friday, the rocks were all icy and the wind chill was -14F with 75 mph gusts. hahaha

@bigzach322 Год назад

That seems rough, hopefully you avoided frostbite.

@georgeheld6042 Год назад

@@bigzach322 all good! I think that weakened my immune system enough for me to get a particularly bad bout of COVID over the week following the hike, all recovered now though!

@MarcBrittniMcCann 4 года назад

Love the video! We live close to Grandfather Mountain and just made a video from our trip there as well! Just subbed to your channel!

@bigzach322 4 года назад

Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed it, wish I lived closer

@stevemadden137 8 лет назад

I am looking to do this hiking in a couple days. This vid was very informative and helpful. Thank you - got my sub

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

Good luck it's a tough one. Thanks for subscribing! I have 4 videos waiting to be edited lol

@richardsoutdoorworld5284 8 лет назад

Ive done part of this trail from Grandfather bridge to the attic ! enjoyed this video , Ive got a video of hike to top of Hawksbill easter weekend

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Richard's Outdoor World You've got to explore it farther beyond Attic Window Peak, there's some fun open ridges

@richardsoutdoorworld5284 8 лет назад

Yes I want to ..... the day I went to Attics peak from Grandfather bridge , I was running out of time and had to be back at GF bridge parking lot by 6 pm by park rule !

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Richard's Outdoor World If you have the stamina you should definitely try one of the free parking areas. It'll be less people as well.

@w6806409 5 лет назад

Nice video... did you start at profile trail and hit grandfather's mountain and u turn back to profile trail? Or was this a all day trip from one point to another? I was just curious because I've always wanted to hike it but was afraid I might not make it back on time in a days trip. Thanks

@bigzach322 5 лет назад

Yes I did an out-and-back. It takes a full day, minimum 7 hours.

@mikekoenig2 6 лет назад

Keep it up Zack.. that hike...not so mild :)

@bigzach322 6 лет назад

It definitely isn't mild, but in terms of an adventure I'd say it is mild.

@SmellNRoses 8 лет назад

Awesome hike, man! As you said, one of the best in the southeast. Sadly I have not done this one yet, but its on the bucket list! Definitely looks well worth the challenge.

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Smell N Roses Thanks! I can't believe you haven't been here, it is arguably my favorite place in NC which is saying a lot. Top 3 no doubt.

@SmellNRoses 8 лет назад

Zachary Robbins I actually remember going to the touristy part a long time ago, with my grandparents. I was a kid. I have not been back to do some real hiking LOL! Your videos have shown me so many great NC places I would like to check out. Thanks!

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Smell N Roses That's the first time I went there, when I was 7 with my parents. I remember my mom was scared shitless of me going across the swinging bridge and walking up Linville Peak. Now it seems so tame, but they did replace the old swinging bridge with a newer, steadier version. So the first time I went it was the old rickety bridge and it probably was a little scary to many people. Even though it is touristy it is real hiking, especially if you start from the free trail heads. They always wear me out, only time I've ever gotten quad cramps was hiking Grandfather.

@SmellNRoses 8 лет назад

Zachary Robbins Yeah I was around that age when I went. I am just a little older than you though. I am guessing we probably had the rickety bridge too, but honestly I really don't remember. When I say we went to the touristy part, we would not have gone much farther than the bridge itself LOL!

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Smell N Roses Well you definitely need to return before you get rickety yourself

@msburrage74 Год назад

We went the profile trail to Calloway peak and didn’t know about the plane crash. How much farther is it past that?

@bigzach322 Год назад

It below the tallest ladder on the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, maybe 300 yards from the peak.

@Dashcam_cam_videos 5 лет назад

Another great video. You should explore the PNW. Specifically, Washington and the Oregon areas. The trails out there are beautiful

@bigzach322 5 лет назад

Thanks Michael. I actually worked in Seattle for a summer and hiked all around the Cascades. This was well before I made videos and tracked my hikes. Have not gotten back there in 9 years but since I've been on 2 backpacking trips in Idaho.

@StIsidoresFarm 8 лет назад

We've hiked up Profile Trail and camping on Grandfather a bunch of times, but never knew about the crashed airplane. What point on the trail is closest to that site? Thanks for posting the video!

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

It's on the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, you can check the track here www.hikingupward.com/NCSP/GrandfatherMountainProfileTrail/

@StIsidoresFarm 8 лет назад

Thanks!

@SmellNRoses 8 лет назад

oh and Happy Birthday! (belated)

@samdempsey2568 7 лет назад

Great video. Where do you recommend starting on the Profile Trail at to get some of the mountain views. We hiked this trail last year from the main entrance off 105 with our 2 kids and didn't make it out of the woods area before we decided to turn around. We definitely didn't hike far enough after seeing your video. Just curious about how long of a hike it is from the main entrance until you start to see some of those open mountain views. We're going again this weekend and would like to give it another try. Thanks

@bigzach322 7 лет назад

It is a tough hike to get to views, there are not many views on the Profile Trail at all. The views are all on the top of the mountain once you reach the Grandfather Trail. I would recommend doing the Cragway and Daniel Boone Scout Trails on the other side of the mountain. There are more views on the way up, and I think it is easier. The Profile Trail is tough and rocky, the toughest trail in the state park for me. www.hikingupward.com/NCSP/GrandfatherMountainDanielBoone/ www.hikingupward.com/NCSP/GrandfatherMountainProfileTrail/

@samdempsey2568 7 лет назад

Thanks so much for the info!

@ricman3434 4 года назад

if u do Profile again u need to go to Watauga View and Calloway if u want to see anything, but its a long difficult hike,

@ricman3434 4 года назад

@@bigzach322 Profile is tough, but I think the Grandfather Trail is harder, and definitely advanced

@gmoneycash7456 4 года назад

What is the distance from the profile Parking lot to the swinging bridge? Thinking of doing this soon, but worried the distance maybe too much for my wife.

@bigzach322 4 года назад

It's around 6.2 miles, you can find all the details here. www.hikingupward.com/NCSP/GrandfatherMountainProfileTrail/

@bigzach322 4 года назад

@Don P I cannot recommend paying $22 per person to drive in if you have the ability to hike in for free, but I am financially strapped so I am going to avoid large fees when I can.

@bigzach322 4 года назад

@Don P Yup it's expensive, might be the most expensive mountain attraction in the state. The Cragway Trail is the most scenic approach trail of the lot and offers a mini loop with the Daniel Boone Scout Trail that is easier than the Profile Trail.

@theshakybaker7853 3 года назад

How many ladders are on this hike? I know there are many on the GF trail. Trying to find a way to hike GFM and avoid the ladders if at all possible. :-)

@bigzach322 3 года назад

At least 9, it is impossible to see MacRae Peak without using ladders.

@wlouisharris 6 лет назад

I have hiked from the Swinging Bridge to Attic Window Peak twice. I think this is a good option if you only have a few hours to hike and you can start from the parking lot near the Swinging bridge. I would also rate this as the best hike in the Eastern U.S. It has so many challenges yet they have ladders and some ropes so you don't need any rock climbing equipment. It still really scared me the first time I did it. I would rate Looking Glass Rock and the Table Rock Summit trail hikes pretty neck and neck at 2 and 3.

@bigzach322 6 лет назад

I can't really claim it the best hike in the East. I have not hiked in NH or Maine and I'm guessing those high peaks are better. Maybe best in the Southeast. I wouldn't say Looking Glass Rock or Table Rock are even close to this, I've done tons of hikes more scenic than those.

@wlouisharris 6 лет назад

Yah, just my opinions. There are some hikes that look really good up in NH and Maine but have not done those.

@gmoneycash7456 4 года назад

Do you have to pay if you start at the swinging bridge and hike to McRaes peak and then back to the bridge?

@mcjoedobird 8 лет назад

Thanks Zachary, I have hiked the Boone Scout trail with parts of Grandfather trail and your video has inspired me to hike Profile. Do you think there is a spot to hang a hammock at Alpine Meadow?

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

There might be if you can use the rocks, but the whole meadow is surrounded by trees, although they aren't very tall so I know they're not ideal hammock trunks.

@mcjoedobird 8 лет назад

Thanks Zach, I took your recommendation and hiked back to an area with trees. I really love your videos with the prospective of showing which mountain range is in what direction. Too often I'm on a mountain trying to figure out where I've hiked before and you make it clear. Please keep posting your awesome and informative videos.

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

I'm glad you enjoy them

@jdaniel3068 5 лет назад

We are heading to the Profile head tmrw. Is there a registration kiosk there?

@bigzach322 5 лет назад

There is at the trailhead, or there used to be one.

@jdaniel3068 5 лет назад

@@bigzach322 thanks alot! Finally found their website- it shows the same.

@bP-yr3po 5 лет назад

Hello, since you spend a lot of time in Western NC, whats your experience in the slickrock area? I'm looking for long trails that are remote as possible. IE away from people

@bigzach322 5 лет назад

I have been there once and enjoyed it. My hike was during the solar eclipse so it was much more crowded than normal. I never went down into the Slickrock Creek basin, but I do know that trail sees little traffic above the first waterfall. The creek crossings are deeper than most, so it is not a good idea to hike it after rain. www.hikingupward.com/NNF/TheHangover/

@tcr_jr8144 6 лет назад

Are you using a GoPro to film?

@bigzach322 6 лет назад

No I only use my phone

@lecil2 15 дней назад

Dangerous looking views. If youknow what I mean

@bigzach322 11 дней назад

No I don't

@mentalrectangle 4 года назад

Can't help but feel like the views to the west could be a lot better without all those developments infesting those mountains. It's a shame because Grandfather is one of the best massifs in the whole appalachian chain. There aren't other peaks that combine that amount of ruggedness with that amount of height.

@bigzach322 4 года назад

I've gotten used to it, I generally look past them anyways to more distant peaks.

@mentalrectangle 4 года назад

@@bigzach322 One time I went up in autumn and there was a cloud blocking the condo on Sugar Mountain. It was a perfect day.

@earlviney5212 4 года назад

What is that disgusting high rise off in the distance? What a shame.

@bigzach322 4 года назад

Sugar Top Resort, probably the most famous building in the mountains

@michaelallen5505 Год назад

This eyesore led to the North Carolina Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983. It bans construction of buildings greater than 40 feet on ridges above 3,000 feet and limits them from protruding more than 35 feet above the crest. Unfortunately it came too late for Sugar Mountain.

@jkreese83 8 лет назад

Hey Zach! Me and some Linville Gorge Forum guys are trying to put a trip together for May. If you're interest send me a PM!

@bigzach322 8 лет назад

+Jordan Reese Thanks for the invite. Next weekend I have to stay in town for family graduation stuff. Not sure how the other 2 weekends shape up, I'm not the best planner. What kind of trip is it? I mainly just hike and backpack.

@jkreese83 8 лет назад

+Zachary Robbins yeah we are planning to backpack and camp 2 nights. We're all hammock guys. But we would never discriminate! 😀

@mildredrharmon4032 2 года назад

Im thinking that crashed in the 60’s because my mom was pregnant with my sister!!! I bet that’s the plane my daddy seen crash! He tried to get them out but couldn’t!!!! If I remember correctly it was people that owed a shoe store maybe???!!! 🥲💔