Hiking at Grandfather Mountain NC Saturday after July 4th (july 7th)

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Several of us will be camping for the week at Starlite Campground so
please feel free to contact the campground for accomidations -- the
campground is a gay owned facility.

We will leave Starlite at 9AM to drive up to Grandfather mountain. We
will meet others who are just participating in the hike at the welcome
center / and parking in the "hiking" parking lot (download a trailmap
from here http://www.grandfather.com/nature_walks/rates_and_hiking_permits.php
)

Hike will begin at the visitors center and progress around the Mile
High swinging bridge. (elevation 5295ft). we will then take
Grandfather trail to McCrae Peak (elevation 5949ft) Then continue to
Callaway peak (5957 ft) the hike will double back the way we came to
the parking area.

Water, day pack with layered clothing. The weather can change quickly.
warm/cold and sunny to rain so plan accordingly. Broken in and
confortable hiking shoes

the main entrance to Grandfather mountain is off NC 221 between
Linville and Blowing Rock. This is close to Blue Ridge parkway Mile
Post 308. (take the Linvile Exit off the BRP as that is the closest
way to get to the main entrance)

We will leave from Starlite Lodge at 9AM and arrive at the welcome
center of Grandfather mountain at 10AM. We will begin our hike close
to 10:30AM. We should be finished around 2-3PM. We will also plan to
have lunch at Canyons Restaurant in Blowing Rock after the hike.
Camping (RV or Tent) is awesome at Starlite Lodge in Blowing Rock
check out the website ( http://www.starlitelodge.com 828-757-0933) and
make your reservations. There is a pool, nice lodge, lake with canoes/
kyacks, many trails on the campground land as well.