Grandfather Mountain is one of the most recognizable and most often visited locations in western North Carolina.
Grandfather Mountain with MacRae and Attic Window Peaks; not taken from Rough Ridge
Grandfather has an unmistakable peak, which is actually 3 spread out over roughly 2 miles. These peaks, when viewed from certain angles, seem to form the silhouette of an old man facing the sky. There are several hiking trails on this mountain, including the extremely strenuous “Grandfather trail” which runs across all the major peaks from end to end. The rocky terrain makes pretty much every trail on the mountain difficult, but all are worth it. Today I’ll be focusing on the most family-friendly and easily accessed trail on the mountain: Rough Ridge.
There are countless rock outcroppings on Grandfather, as on many peaks in the area. Some are illegal to access in an attempt to keep the mountain and its various rare flora and fauna safe. Part of the Tanawha Trail that runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) side of the mountain takes you up to one of these outcroppings to one of the most spectacular views around.
Small creek at the parking area
The parking area on the BRP can be crowded on the weekend or nice week days, but parking is allowed along the roadside too. This trail, while easy by Grandfather Mountain standards, is still a bit difficult at times with lots of roots and exposed rock. It’s right at 1/2 mile to the first boardwalk and the views are immediately amazing.
The view from the first accessible rock
The boardwalk
The hike crosses the boardwalk where numerous educational displays are located, pointing out the extremely rare and fragile environment that exists on this exposed rock. In the summertime, be sure to look for sand myrtle lining the sides of the trail with it’s white blossoms.
Many people stop at the boardwalk, but you can continue on towards the top of Ridge another 1/2 mile up the trail. This section is littered with good views that culminate in a 360º unobstructed view from the top of the ridge. When you reach the top rock outcropping, there is a rope to help pull yourself up with if needed, as the last 20 feet are quite steep.
The view up the mountain from the top of Rough Ridge
Sunlight pouring over the crest of Grandfather Mountain. The Linn Cove Viaduct is seen left of center.
The View
Of note: Hawksbill and Table Rock Mountain forming a V top center.
Looking back towards the Boardwalk from the top
The clouds below
Mountain Silhouette
I have made this hike many times in the past couple months (over which I compiled these and hundreds more pictures) and it is probably my favorite hike in region due to it’s short and fairly easy nature, with a high reward. If you are ever in the area it’s definitely worth putting at the top of the list to visit. You’ll be seeing more if it on this blog as we head into fall leaf season (preview for that coming next week), and plenty more of Grandfather itself as well.
Everyone have a great week, and I’ll see you on the road…..~TW
