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Jun 21, 2020 — Grandfather Mountain State Park has some great trails leading up to the high point, Calloway Peak, this being the most interesting, and definitely also the most popular. There are three trails, one from the east via the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, one from the north, the Profile Trail, and this one from the southwest, via the Grandfather Trail. It costs too much to park at the Grandfather Trail trailhead, but apparently this fee is not for the Grandfather Mountain State Park, but for private property (or some other bureaucratic nonsense). To avoid the fee, I ascended the Profile Trail, went down the Grandfather Trail, and then went back. It made for a nice day out, but I am describing this trip report as if I started from the Grandfather Trail trailhead.
Before starting up to Grandfather Mountain, I took the "Mile High Swinging Bridge" to check out Linville Peak, as was everyone and their grandmother- er... grandfather. The views were nice, but the crowds were not. I headed up the trail, quickly encountering the first Class 2 obstacle, and then continuing onward up ladders and small scrambles, some of the steeper sections aided by cables. They aren't necessary, but many people seem happy to have them. Despite the crowdedness of the trail leading up to MacRae Peak (a sub-peak along the way), the ladders and other constructed contraptions made this a unique and fun trail. Additionally, the views were outstanding, and the cliffy north side of the ridge added some spice that you wouldn't expect on a trail this popular. A ladder and Class 2 scramble led to the summit block of MacRae Peak, where views toward Grandfather Mountain in the distance were enticing. However, a rock outcropping known as Attic Window Peak was first, and it looked really interesting from MacRae's summit.
Some more ladders, cables, and a short talus cave stroll led to the base of Attic Window Peak's talus Class 2 scramble, which brought me through a minor notch to gain the summit. It had a distinctively non-southeast hiking feel, which made it all the more fun.
Attic Window Peak had some nice views, but I didn't linger, instead enjoying the ridgeline and short scrambling sections as I headed down to the saddle of Attic Window Peak and Calloway Peak. The last stretch up to Grandfather Mountain was mostly trail and minimal obstacles, until a final few ladders brought me to the summit view. I would also recommend making the short detour to Watagua View.
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