Interpretive Rangers Available To Lead Guided Hikes
Now that Grandfather’s backcountry trail system is maintained and patrolled by North Carolina state park rangers, the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is funneling its trails staff toward a more educational, interpretive role.
Grandfather’s Interpretive Rangers team with the Mountain’s Naturalists to provide opportunities for guests to find more safe, fun ways to get closer to nature.
“Interpretive rangers will frequently be on hand near the Swinging Bridge to visit with guests and answer questions about the mountains,” said Grandfather Mountain’s Chief Interpretive Ranger Gabe Taylor. “Also we will be available by appointment to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups who want to delve deeper into the outdoors.”
In addition to leading guided hikes by appointment at any time of the year, the rangers have scheduled guided hikes of varying length and difficulty for one weekend each month during May through August.
To Request a Guided Hike
Interpretive Rangers are available year round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:
- MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
- Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
- Calloway Peak ($35 + half price park admission)
Reservations and a minimum of four (4) participants per hike are required. For more info: 828-737-0833.
Scheduled Hikes
May 5, 6
Spring To MacRae Hike
“Spring To MacRae” is designed to offer participants both the excitement of a trip to MacRae Peak as well as the opportunity to witness life coming back to Grandfather after a long winter slumber. Hikers will traverse .9 miles, using cables and seven ladders to gain almost 600 feet in elevation. This half-day hike begins at 9 a.m. Cost per person: Park admission + $15 guided hike fee.
Space limited and reservations required: 828-737-0833.
June 16, 17
Ridgeline of Diversity Hike
The “Ridgeline of Diversity” hike gives participants the full Grandfather Mountain ridgeline experience while showcasing the incredible diversity of plant and animal life present across this unique area. This guided hike provides participants with a full panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Hikers will travel 2.4 miles while navigating over and around large boulders, climbing ladders and gaining 700 feet in elevation. This is not for the inexperienced hiker. The trail is very rugged and requires agility and confident footing. This all-day hike begins at 9 a.m. Cost per person: Half price park admission + $35 guided hike fee.
Space limited and reservations required: 828-737-0833.
July 28, 29
Grandfather’s Attic Hike
“A Trip to the Attic” provides an exciting hike to Attic Window Peak and Indian House Cave over the most rugged terrain on Grandfather Mountain. During the hike, interpretive rangers will share the story of the Mountain and past historic and significant events that have shaped Grandfather Mountain into what it is today. Participants will gain almost 600 feet in 1.2 miles, using ladders and cables and navigating over and around large boulders to reach the destination. This half-day hike begins at 9 a.m. Cost per person: Park admission + $25 guided hike fee.
Space limited and reservations required: 828-737-0833.
August 25, 26
Nature On The Edge
This hike showcases survival in adverse conditions for both plants and animals. Throughout the hike, interpretive rangers will discuss the needs for habitat and point out signs of survival. This hike travels to MacRae Peak. Participants will traverse .9 miles, using cables and seven ladders to gain almost 600 feet in elevation. This half-day hike begins at 9 a.m. Cost per person: Park admission + $15 guided hike fee.
Space limited and reservations required: 828-737-0833.
