Grandfather Mountain

A beautiful trail system for this majestic mountain

By Brian Cary

May 16^th, 2023

Starting on the Profile Trail

I started from the newly constructed bathhouse at the Profile Trailhead and decided to explore the Grandfather Mountain Trail System for the day. My idea was to copy the "Grand-further Mountain Run" course but without a big loop at the end.

I found a few good camping spots that I want to come back to. I'll probably backpack up here soon and be able to get some miles on the trail before the crowds show up.

Amazing trail surfaces all around the state park.

Ladders to traverse the really step sections.

Panoramic view from the Profile Trail.

These ladders made me buy more collapsible trekking poles since you need to be on all-fours a lot.

My turnaround spot at Flat Rock View.

Checking out the Hi-Balsam shelter.

One of the back country campsites along the trails. This was the Profile camp.

Here's my activity on Strava. The elevation gain made this challenging, and the logistics of being able to overnight park at the Profile Trailhead and backpacking it in made it a fun adventure to plan again for the future.