Hiking Project Logo

A beautiful Grandfather Mountain trail that leads into the park from Hwy 105.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.7

KM

Point to Point

5,641' 1,719 m

High

3,833' 1,168 m

Low

1,832' 558 m

Up

230' 70 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

85%

Max Grade (40°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Closes during inclement winter weather.

Description

The Profile Trail (marked with Orange blazes) begins at 4198 NC Highway 105 N, Banner Elk NC (GPS: 36.119767, -81.835001) and leads to Calloway Gap on The Grandfather Trail (Blue blazes).

You'll begin by working your way along the Watauga River under a thick forest. The first 1 mile is fairly easy on hardpacked dirt and wood steps and is frequented by less adventurous hikers. After about 1 mile the path gets more narrow and you transition to rock steps. Beginning around Foscoe View (approximately 2.2 miles) the climb becomes much more difficult (steep). At 3.2 miles you arrive at Shanty Spring, with your hike transitioning into a trail of tumble-down rock that joins the Grandfather Trail after a strenuous climb of 0.4 miles. You transition out of hardwoods and into Canadian firs. This upper section is very steep and rocky, and when wet it can be quite dangerous.

Around the 2.5 mile mark there are two established backcountry camping spots - at least one with food bag rigging.

Once you have reached the end of Profile Trail you are at a crossroads you can take Grandfather Trail two ways: left to Calloway Peak (0.4 miles), or right to MacRae Peak (approx. 1 mile), and ultimately the Swinging Bridge (2 miles).

Contacts

Shared By:

J.d. McNoldy with improvements by eric pulaski

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 34 votes

#94

Overall
  4.6 from 34 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
24%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#94

Overall
25 Views Last Month
5,892 Since Jul 23, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
3%
94%
3%

Photos

Grandfather Mountain in the midst of the early spring foliage (or lack thereof) .
Mar 19, 2019 near Foscoe, NC
View from Foscoe View. Signage (not pictured) identifies the peaks in the distance.
Aug 13, 2018 near Foscoe, NC

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.