Hike leader, Jim Pritchett dubs this "Grandfather Light" since it is a relatively easy hike to the top of this magnificent mountain. Now a North Carolina State Park, Grandfather Mountain is the a wonderful unspoiled jewel set in Northwestern North Carolina. Views, limited somewhat today, extend south to the Blacks and north to the Virginia Highlands with Roan to the west.
Spring bloom was in its earliest stage. A few trout lilies, chickweed, wake robin trillium, halbred violet, lilies of the valley and lots of spring beauties were trailside.
This very rough and steep terrain is easily traversed with the help of some cable and several wood ladder. Lunch space on the top was limited as there were several other parties making the trek. Hold onto everything, it was windy.
Below the peak there is the wreckage of a twin engine cessna which crashed in September 1979 killing the pilot. It appears the wings sheared off and the fuselage continued another 100 feet.
On the return we hiked down Cragway and Nuwati trails back to the vehicles on the BRP. Passing the Tanawha Trail near the parkway, it looked like it needed considerable maintenance.
More Photos of this Hike
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