May 17 Grandfather Mountain - Calloway & MacRae

MacRae Peak from Calloway Peak

Today's PHOC hike is led by Debby Harris. Photos displayed here are from Shari Altman.

The hike originates at the Boone Fork Parking Area along the BRP, at MP 300. We are to hike up Calloway, then to MacRae, continue onto the swinging bridge, and return along the same route. Temperatures are quite chilly for May. We expect mid fifties at the base and high forties on the mountain. A chance of rain is forecast late in the day and low wind speeds.

Before we encounter the first ladders on the ascent to Calloway, there is one rock which always demands caution. It is easy to slide on it in wet or icy conditions. There was no problem today. I noticed some wire flagging bypassing this rock and followed the flagged route. It took longer to walk around it but it will provide a safer route in poor conditions. 

A few of us stopped briefly at the 1979 wreckage of a twin Cessna aircraft. In true PHOC style, we had to hike double time to catch to the others.

There was a brief stop on top of Calloway, 5946 feet in elevation. Now we can head downhill for a bit.

Negotiating the chute 

Above, we are heading down the chute as we call it. The chute is well over 100 feet in elevation difference. Once at the bottom, you enter my favorite spot on the trail, the rock jumble. I still find it hard to believe someone found a way to get through here. 

Looking west near MacRae

It was far too windy on MacRae to stay there. We had to move on. Heading toward Swinging Bridge from here, we encountered very strong winds. So strong in fact, three of us turned back at one of the ladders. I was losing my balance walking in the area. 

Ladder to MacRae

These ladders were placed here by the Grandfather Mountain attraction, before the area became a state park. The attraction still maintains the "tourist" area of the mountain but not the backcountry.

Between MacRae and Profile Gap

Clouds thicken