Grandfather Mountain MacRae Peak

Directions to Trailhead: The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on US 221, two miles north of Linville, North Carolina, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. The street address for the entrance is: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646. The road to the summit is referred to as Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road, Linville, NC. Once inside Grandfather Mountain follow the road to the Grandfather Mountain trails parking area, there is a sign for the parking area just before you reach the Top Shop area at the end of the road. For a map of the location where Grandfather Mountain is click Here. For a map of trails at Grandfather Mountain click Here.

Description of Hike: This is a rugged hike up to one of the tall peaks at Grandfather Mountain. The trail to MacRae Peak is strenuous as it is rocky in portions and utilizes a series of ladders to scale a series of rock faces up to the summit of MacRae Peak at Grandfather Mountain. This hike is best done as a loop with the Mile High Swinging Bridge from the trails parking area. This hike with the loop has roughly 800 feet of elevation gain and is 2.6 miles roundtrip. If you want a shorter hike without going to the Mile High Swinging Bridge take the Grandfather Trail Extension from the Trail parking area and make a right when you intersect with the Grandfather Trail and follow all the way to MacRae Peak. This shortened version of the hike still gains roughly 800 feet of elevation and is approximately 1.8 miles roundtrip. Our hike to MacRae Peak via the Grandfather Trail, did not utilize the Underwood Trail, as the Grandfather Trail is a more direct route to MacRae Peak. The hike to MacRae Peak is a strenuous hike that offers amazing views at the summit. There is a fee per person to enter Grandfather Mountain, for current costs click Here.

Further Thoughts: This was a great hike. The trail is well maintained and the ladders attached to the rocks receive frequent maintenance, which is a good thing! While hiking to the peak, we saw several people out working on some of the ladders, which made us feel safe. MacRae Peak offers amazing views to those who reach its summit. It is also a very windy place, even on most clear days. Bottom-line when doing this hike, make sure you dress appropriately and to pay attention to the weather as it can change quickly. 

The views on Grandfather Mountain are more than just another pretty picture. As you breathe the crisp air and scan the surrounding hills, you will feel far away from the cars of the world. Perhaps it’s because Grandfather Mountain’s peaks loom almost 6,000 feet above sea level, revealing unrivaled landscapes that calm any hikers spirit. A pristine haven for diverse wildlife and rugged topography, the mountain will expand your horizons and protect your peace of mind, too. This is a must do hike and we definitely recommend a visit to Grandfather Mountain.

2012-09-03 02:20:12

Source: http://abhiking.blogspot.com/2012/09/grandfather-mountain-macrea-peak.html