Grandfather Mountain State Park
Profile Trail, its parking area, and associated campsites remain closed due to Hurricane Helene damage sustained in fall 2024. Tentative reopening for the upper trail portion is mid-summer 2026. Other campsites remain accessible via Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 299.9. Reservations required for all sites.
Flood Watch issued August 11 at 1:34AM EDT until August 13 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwest North Carolina, including the following areas, Alleghany NC, Ashe and Watauga, Virginia, including the following areas, Alleghany VA, Bath, Bland, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Smyth, Tazewell and Wythe, and southeast West Virginia, including the following areas, Eastern Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Summers and Western Greenbrier. * WHEN...Through Thursday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Possible repeated rounds of thunderstorms in an extremely moist airmass will lead to flash flooding concerns over the next several days. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Grandfather Mountain State Park provides a true backcountry camping experience in the southern Appalachians, with 13 primitive hike-in sites scattered across the mountain's rugged terrain. Sites include Streamside, Hermitage, Storyteller, Refuge, Briar Patch, Profile (currently closed), Daniel Boone, Calloway Gap, Alpine Meadow, Hi-Balsam Shelter, Raven's Roost, Cliffside, and Attic Window. Each individual site accommodates up to 6 campers, while group sites require 7-12 campers. Many sites feature 8x8-foot wooden tent platforms and food storage cables for bear protection. Fire rings are provided at lower elevation sites, though campfires are prohibited at higher elevation locations to protect the fragile ecosystem. Water sources vary by site, with some near streams or springs while others have no water access. Campers must pack out all trash and bring their own drinking water. The terrain is steep and challenging, with hikes ranging from 1.2 miles (Streamside via Boone Fork) to 5.5 miles. The state park is separate from the nearby privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction with the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. The park itself is free to access, though camping requires advance reservations. Trails connect to the larger Blue Ridge Parkway trail system including Tanawha, Daniel Boone Scout, and Nuwati trails.
Directions
Primary access via Boone Fork Parking Area on Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 299.9, accessible from Holloway Mountain Road. The Profile Trailhead parking at 4198 N.C. 105 N. is currently closed. Asutsi Trail Parking is also available on U.S. 221 near Blowing Rock. Park office located at 9872 N.C. 105 S., Suite 6, Banner Elk, NC 28604.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $17 - $37 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (828) 963-9522 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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