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A challenging trail that will keep you on your game and get your adrenaline pumping.


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Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.9

KM

Out and Back

5,813' 1,772 m

High

5,262' 1,604 m

Low

697' 212 m

Up

697' 213 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (8°)

92%

Max Grade (43°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Must have proper equipment to go on this trail.

Overview

This is a challenging trail that is a lot of fun and is a huge adrenaline rush!

Need to Know

The trail is rugged and has cables and ladders to help you get to the top.

Description

From start to finish this trail is not for the faint of heart. With cables to assist you in your climb over rocks and steep ladders that will get your heart pumping, this route is fairly unusual. The trail starts at the top most parking lot in Grandfather Mountain State Park, near the mile high bridge. Keep and eye out for the Grandfather Trail, which you'll stick to for the duration of the journey.

You'll start by ascending over rocks. Then you'll keep hiking until you reach a series of boulders with a cable that will assist you in your climb. Then after a while you'll reach Grandfather Gap where you'll see great scenery with more big boulders. Shortly after the Gap, you'll arrive at a series of ladders. These ladders vary in length and steepness. These ladders will lead you to the top of MacRae Peak. This trail is not one for first timers, but it is definitely worth the hard work.

Once you've enjoyed the view, head back the way that you came to return to the trailhead and your vehicle.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt Raad

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 14 votes

#627

Overall
  4.7 from 14 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#627

Overall
97 Views Last Month
17,141 Since Aug 17, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
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6%
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69%
25%

Photos

Looking out near McRae Peak.
Jul 31, 2017 near Linville, NC
The beautiful view right after we climbed the final ladder!! Was a bit challenging trying to overcome my fear of heights but was definitely worth the views
Aug 8, 2019 near Linville, NC
Climbing back down the ladders and Cliffside...
Aug 8, 2019 near Linville, NC
Looking out onto the high country from one of many ladders on the trail.
Jul 31, 2017 near Linville, NC
Chutes & Ladders
Apr 1, 2023 near Linville, NC
A fat Black Bear eating a snack!
Apr 6, 2016 near Newland, NC
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 3, 2022
Drew Sigmon
2.3mi — 1h 19m
Jun 15, 2022
Chris Ferrone
Oct 12, 2020
Rebekah Hartzell
Aug 10, 2019
Dawn Coyne
started at the lower parking lot, walked the swinging bridge, out the macrae peak trail, back Underwood trail 3.1mi — 2h 30m
Oct 6, 2018
Ashli Youngblood
Aug 20, 2018
Rebekah Hartzell
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