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blueBlack Tanawha Trail

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  4.7 ( 12 )
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  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. Grandfather
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Trail

13.3 mile 21.3 kilometer point to point
Intermediate/Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 1,131' 345 m
Descent: -1,956' -596 m
High: 4,669' 1,423 m
Low: 3,403' 1,037 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 4% (3°)
Max Grade: 28% (16°)

Dogs

Unknown
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Trail shared by Eric Heistand

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Current trail conditions

All Clear 36 days ago See History

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“The Blue Ridge Parkway for trail those visitors who want a classic, mountain trail.”

— Eric Heistand
GPX File

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

Overview

Built in 1993 at a cost of $750,000, The Tanawha Trail (Cherokee for fabulous hawk) is epic in every way. Expect everything from see-forever views atop craggy outcroppings to dense hardwood forests teaming with waterfalls. Beautiful bridges are photo worthy and make most creek crossings a breeze. Multiple access points along the always nearby Blue Ridge Parkway make it easy to shorten your trip or bail out if things are going poorly.

Description

Start at Beacon Heights, milepost 305.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Most will do this as a one way journey. If so, leave another car or arrange for a ride from the traditional trail terminus near Price Lake. Stash this car either at Boone Fork Overlook, milepost 297.2 or Boone Fork Picnic Area, less than a mile further down the parkway. Reversing directions makes for a more strenuous journey.

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We need help with the following missing trail information:

Need to Know, Dogs Allowed, Flora & Fauna, History & Background

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Blue Ridge Parkway

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Check-Ins

May 25, 2019
Mari Mycek
Mikal gluten 3.5mi — 2h 30m
Sep 8, 2018
Jack Bert P
Sep 5, 2018
Mike Atkins
Aug 25, 2018
George Clark
Nice to be able to enter at multiple parking lots. We hiked from Linn Cove to Rough Ridge. A bit more challenging terrain than expected. 2.7mi
Aug 4, 2018
Alexander Albert
Entered at mile 302.8 for rough ridge overlook. Low hanging clouds today made for a floating feeling 1mi
Jul 21, 2018
Jon Larson
Jul 7, 2018
Mike Atkins
Jun 28, 2018
Drew Sigmon
4.7mi
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 12 votes

#1

in Grandfather

#542

Overall
  4.7 from 12 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
33%
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Featured Hike Rankings

#1

in Grandfather

#15

in North Carolina

#542

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Photos

Interesting rock formation next to the boardwalk protecting the delicate ecosystems on top of the ridge.
Interesting rock formation next to the boardwal…
 4
The kid looking out
The kid looking out
 3
Another great photo op
Another great photo op
 3
Summit
Summit
 3
Low growing mountain heather and rock escarpments give opportunity for some great views on this trail.
Low growing mountain heather and rock escarpmen…
 3
Layers of Blue Ridge Mountains.
Layers of Blue Ridge Mountains.
 4

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