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The ultimate mountain race in the Southeast!


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Map Key

13.4

Miles

21.6

KM

72%

Runnable

5,899' 1,798 m

High

3,887' 1,185 m

Low

3,877' 1,182 m

Up

4,032' 1,229 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

60%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is the ultimate mountain race in the Southeast on one of the most iconic mountains in all of Appalachia, Grandfather Mountain. Gnarly trail, 4000+ feet of climbing, fixed ladders and ropes, and the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains at 5,984 feet tall!

Need to Know

Ropes and ladders will be necessary along this route. Extremely technical terrain requiring use of minor scrambling skills. This race is not for beginners! Prior trail race experience required before signing up. You must carry mandatory gear of water bottle, rain shell, and an emergency blanket at all time during the race. Weather conditions can change extremely fast on this mountain.

Description

Start your watch at the kiosk at the Profile Trail. Run Profile Trail as it transitions through mixed hardwood forest to boreal forest as it climbs the mighty mountain. Water can be located approximately 3 miles in at Shanty Spring.

Soon, intersect the Grandfather Trail and turn left to the summit of Calloway Peak, the highest point on Grandfather Mountain. At the summit, enjoy the view then take the Daniel Boone Scout Trail all the way down the other side of the mountain. Fixed ladders and cables run along this trail near the summit and will help guide you safely down the mountain.

Once you intersect with the Tanawha Trail, turn left and follow to the intersection of Nuwati Trail. Turn left onto Nuwati Trail. Soon after turning onto Nuwati Trail, you'll run over a wood covered trough, here is you next clean water source that can be filtered. Continue uphill and Nuwati Trail until reaching Cragway Trail on your left. Turn left onto Cragway Trail and follow it steeply up past multiple views until reaching the intersection of Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Turn right on Daniel Boone Scout Trail and follow it all the way back up the summit of Calloway Peak. After reaching the summit, head down on Grandfather Trail down to Profile Trail. Turn right onto Profile Trail and follow all the way back down the mountain to the finish line at the Profile Trail. The same water source at Shanty Spring on the way up can used again on the way back down.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brandon Thrower

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 8 votes

#926

Overall
  4.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
88%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#926

Overall
16 Views Last Month
3,562 Since Aug 20, 2018
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Photos

The overlook on Cragway Trail looks up to the mighty summit of Calloway Peak.
Jan 24, 2017 near Foscoe, NC
Fun hike in the early morning.
Nov 12, 2019 near Foscoe, NC
Grandfather Mountain in the midst of the early spring foliage (or lack thereof) .
Mar 19, 2019 near Foscoe, NC
Early morning hike to the top of Calloway Peak
Nov 12, 2019 near Foscoe, NC
View from Foscoe View. Signage (not pictured) identifies the peaks in the distance.
Aug 13, 2018 near Foscoe, NC
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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