Name: Tanawha Trail
Rating: 4.6

Conditions

Unknown

History

Getting forecast...

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

— Eric Heistand

Driving Directions GPX File

Dogs Unknown

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.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Blue Ridge Parkway

Full Details

Trail Ratings

4.6 from 11 votes

#1

in Grandfather

#571

Overall

4.6 from 11 votes

5 Star		64%
4 Star		36%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Rankings

113 Views Last Month

3,892 Since Mar 13, 2016

Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Interesting rock formation next to the boardwal…

The kid looking out

Another great photo op

Summit

Low growing mountain heather and rock escarpmen…

Layers of Blue Ridge Mountains.

Boardwalk

Length 13.3 Miles 21.3 Kilometers	1,131' 345 m Ascent -1,956' -596 m Descent
4% Avg Grade (3°) 28% Max Grade (16°)	4,669' 1,423 m High 3,403' 1,037 m Low

Tanawha Trail

Length

13.3 Miles 21.3 Kilometers

1,131' 345 m

-1,956' -596 m

4%

28%

4,669' 1,423 m

3,403' 1,037 m

Shared By Eric Heistand

Conditions