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Tanawha Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
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 4.7 (18) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. Grandfather
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“The Blue Ridge Parkway for trail those visitors who want a classic, mountain trail. ”

Eric Heistand
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Map Key

13.3

Miles

21.3

KM

Point to Point

4,669' 1,423 m

High

3,403' 1,037 m

Low

1,131' 345 m

Up

1,956' 596 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

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

Shared By:

Eric Heistand
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Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 18 votes

#1

in Grandfather

#552

Overall
  4.7 from 18 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Grandfather

#17

in North Carolina

#552

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Photos

Interesting rock formation next to the boardwalk protecting the delicate ecosystems on top of the ridge.
Mar 25, 2016 near Foscoe, NC
Elevated terrain with obstacles
Jun 14, 2020 near Foscoe, NC
Rainy day up in the clouds overlooking the trail to Lin cove
Jun 14, 2020 near Foscoe, NC
On the way up
Jul 22, 2020 near Linville, NC
Outcrop for a viewing and rest midway up.
Jul 22, 2020 near Linville, NC
The kid looking out
Aug 28, 2018 near Linville, NC

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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All Clear 26 days ago See History
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Check-Ins

May 6, 2022
Michelle Hausman
Did full trail, parked at Beacon and Price Lake. Boulder Field section is not well marked, head straight across (NOT down) to catch the trail. 13.2mi — 8h 00m
Sep 23, 2020
Melissa Anderson
Stack rock to rough ridge; beautiful weather, sites and views! — 2h 50m
Jul 27, 2020
Todd Burgman
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

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