This Just Might Be The Most Dangerous Hiking Trail In North Carolina
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OnlyInYourState Staff
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Grandfather Mountain has long been a popular North Carolina destination. From witnessing the black bears, to walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge – there’s plenty of easily accessible adventure here. While many choose to drive to the summit and take it all in, even the drive can be a bit stomach dropping. How about climbing your way to the top? Perhaps the most extreme, challenging trail in North Carolina is right here on Grandfather Mountain – the Grandfather Mountain Trail.
The first indication of the Grandfather Trail is a bright red sign indicating the difficulty of the trail, the involvement of ladders, cables, scaling rocks and cliffs. Not to mention, the weather can change frequently and in an instant. The trail is not advised for the novice hiker. You can climb the Alps, Yosemite, the Tetons...and you still might find yourself turning away at some point on the trail.
The 2.4-mile stretch can be reached from multiple access points. Referred to as a Crest Trail, it's one of the oldest trails on the mountain. The endpoint is Calloway Peak, one of the highest points in the Blue Ridge at 5,946 ft.
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The trail consists of 16 ladders, some shorter, others stretching 15 rungs scaling rocky peaks.
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Some people turn away due to a fear of heights, others navigate the trail as means to conquer that fear.
While people mainly focus on the daring rock faces, ladders, and cables - the hike itself offers breathtaking landscape variety. You navigate through dense spruce-fir forest, to the edge of a cliff that leaves you simply dangling off Grandfather.
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The trail offers so much variety, even sections of the trail have their own nicknames. Like "The Chute" where you'll find yourself, at points, possibly on hands and knees navigating the skinny rock face. It's best not to look down.
The trail also offers free hanging cables in sections that allow you to find your balance as you walk up smooth boulders.
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While a stomach dropping experience for many, it's also a bucket list experience. If you find yourself frequently hiking, and ready for a next grand adventure - the Grandfather Trail is a must do. While the climb in and of itself is basically terrifying, it's all about the endpoint.
Just saying you've conquered Grandfather Trail is an accomplishment. On comment threads about the hike, some even mention it wasn't as difficult as expected, but to each their own. While a hike that isn't for everyone, it might just be the most terrifying yet most stunning hike you'll ever experience on the east coast and possibly America.
Wow! Absolutely terrifying yet also exhilarating, I don’t think you’d find me scaling any ladders on a side of a mountain – maybe one day though. What do you think of this trail, would you ever do it or have you done it before?
If you’re looking for more timid hikes – these 10 are easy, accessible, and bucket list worthy!
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