Black Rock Nature Trail

Beacon Heights is the perfect hike when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville and Grandfather Mountain, Milepost 305.2. The trail is a steady climb uphill for less than a half mile. The last section being fairly steep and rocky. Once at the top, there are several rock outcroppings, but veer left to enjoy the perfect sunrise. You will know you're in the right spot when you see a lone...

If you're feeling frisky, set your alarm for the early am and park at the Beacon Heights Parking area about 30 minutes before dawn. Put on your head lamp and hike the short trip to Beacon Heights, bask in the glory of the warm morning sun, then head back down and connect with the Tanawha Trail. As you leave Beacon Heights be sure to look up and see Grandfather Mountain smiling down on you - he'...

Calloway Peak via Profile Trail is an out-and-back trail with waterfall views located near Banner Elk, North Carolina in Grandfather Mountain State Park.

The trailhead for Rough Ridge will be on your righthand side when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone, NC. This trail gets busy in the warmer months, but parking usually is not too much of an issue. This trail is not open in the winter. Rough Ridge will take you around 30-45 minutes to reach the top, at an average pace. About halfway up the trail turns to wooden platforms, where you can ...

If you're looking for a challenge and hoping to escape the crowds at Grandfather Mountain, this is the hike for you.  Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot.  The trail, marked with orange blazes, begins in a shaded forest along the Watauga River. You will begin your ascent jus...

At 5,946 feet, Calloway Peak provides hikers with perhaps the best view of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll have to earn this view - it is a tough climb up, although not terribly long. Begin at the trailhead for Tanawha Trail in the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take Tanawha Trail left (south) out of the parking lot for about a half mile where you'll hit the j...