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Grandfather Mountain State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,696 Google reviews · Running trail in Banner Elk, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Grandfather Mountain State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Expansive mountain park with challenging trails, rocky cliffs, scenic views & camping (with permit).
What runners say about Grandfather Mountain State Park
“I feel like it's a little overpriced but the place is certainly well maintained and you will have a nice day here for sure.”
“Great views and great facilities but the highlight of the experience was undoubtedly Doug!”
Staff at this park are top notch!! They were friendly and informative. They give you maps and a CD so you can have a “guided tour” using your radio in your car. They are conveniently stationed throughout the park. It is worth every penny to visit!!
Definitely worth visiting. It's certainly neat to stroll across a suspension bridge at 1 mile above sea level. I feel like it's a little overpriced but the place is certainly well maintained and you will have a nice day here for sure.
Nice outdoor activity to do for the whole family. The guided tour by CD or USB was nice to play while driving up. The animal center was nice, of course animals are animals and you really only have 1 viewing angle with plenty of places not visible from the viewing area.
Much better than expected. NOT a state park, but held in trust, managed by a foundation (that's why there is an admission. PLAN the visit: 1)Recommend getting on-line timed reservation; 2) a Park guide (online) shows all trails and their difficulties; 3)don't even think of wearing sandals,̈ crocs, or open-toed shoes;…
Trail conditions & character
“Great views and great facilities but the highlight of the experience was undoubtedly Doug!”
“Nice restaurant, restrooms, and souvenir shops as well!”
Plan your run at Grandfather Mountain State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitencparks.gov
- Phone(828) 963-9522
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Banner Elk
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Waterfalls Park
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Bass Lake Trail
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