Another trip with the Guys, this time to Banner Elk NC. The big hike this year was the Grandfather Mountain Trail from the parking lot at the swinging bridge to the top of Calloway Peak .
Kudo's to Kevin for getting this one off the planning board and into reality. The VRBO that he found had a deck with an incredible view and the place was large enough to fit four families much less four guys for a couple of nights.
Some great hiking and a fantastic dinner in Banner Elk at the Chef's Table at Sorrento's ended a great weekend and another successful Guys trip.
(Pictures: Below are a mix of good pictures from Myself, Kevin, Andy, and Glenn)
The House
Kevin found a wonderful VBRO on the side of the mountain with a wonderful view. As for the statue, I'll just include that without comment.
VBRO
($672 a night with all taxes and fees, which after splitting four ways was on $336 for two nights. Well worth it)
https://www.vrbo.com/723788
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The Grandfather Mt Trail
The Grandfather Trail.
Brutal and somewhat terrifying.
The description of this trail did not do it justice.
Yes I know there is a big sign that very explicitly states "This trail is very difficult". And yes I know, they put the warning in big RED letters, but really, who actually reads these signs? (Or what guy is actually going to believe it? I mean really, these warning are for "other people".) After hiking the trail, I can confirm that they really meant it this time.
It was 9:30am and we were at the trailhead when I said something like "hey guys, this trail is only 4.7 miles long with an 800' elevation gain. We'll be done by 12 noon at the latest, where do you want to go for an early lunch?". Let's just say that five and a half hours later as we dragged ourselves off the mountain we were no longer thinking of an early lunch.
For starters, while the official elevation gain is 800' think more of 2000'. The official elevation gain is only from the parking lot to the last peak and doesn't count the up and down of the route which hits 3 peaks in total.
Next add in the 16 Ladders, the rock chute climb, and 3-4 sections steep enough that they have provided cables to help your climb. If that's still not enough I think this hike has more rocks and roots per square inch than any I've hiked in a long time.
That being said. This is an incredible trail with view that you will not forget. I would highly recommend this trail for those people that know what they are getting into.
Thankfully someone else wore a Go Pro and recorded the climb (cause Tim was hanging on to the ladder and didn't take many pictures during that particular section).
YouTube: Climbing the Ladders at Grandfather Mountain
Climbling the Ladders
Garmin Trace:
4.9 Miles, 5 hrs 21 minutes, Elevation Gain 2,000'
Garmin
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Emerald Wilderness
The Beech Mountain Emerald Wilderness area. A short but nice hike
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Blue Ridge Parkway and other Random Pictures
And some random pictures to end with.
1-6: The Beacon Heights Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 305.2)
7-9: Our night on the town in Banner Elk at the fantastic Chef's Table at Sorrento's and Flat Top Brewery
10-12: Some random pictures on the Blue Ridge Parkway
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