Discover the Beauty of Tanawha Trail
Discover the Beauty of Tanawha Trail
Category
Hiking
Typical Duration
7-9 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Nearby Experts
Photo Gallery
Discover the Beauty of Tanawha Trail - Tanawha Trail at Linn Cove Visitor Center
Discover the Beauty of Tanawha Trail - Tanawha Trail at Linn Cove Visitor Center
Discover the Beauty of Tanawha Trail - Tanawha Trail at Linn Cove Visitor Center
About This Landmark
Tanawha Trail: The Grand Traverse of Grandfather Mountain
A Trail That Follows the Sky
Some trails take you into the woods. The Tanawha Trail, running 13.5 miles along the eastern flanks of Grandfather Mountain, does something else entirely—it follows the sky. Named after the Cherokee word for “great hawk,” this trail traces the ridgeline like a bird in flight, weaving through some of the most diverse and dramatic terrain in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Stretching from Beacon Heights to Julian Price Park, the Tanawha Trail offers everything from quiet rhododendron tunnels to jaw-dropping rock outcrops, roaring waterfalls, and sweeping views. The showstopper? The Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that curves along the cliffs of Grandfather Mountain, offering one of the most spectacular roadside views in America.
But to really understand this trail, you have to walk it. The boulder-strewn sections near Rough Ridge feel wild and exposed, while the dense hardwood forests and fern-covered valleys further along offer a quieter kind of beauty. Wildflowers in summer, fiery leaves in fall, and the occasional black bear sighting remind you that this isn’t just a hiking path—it’s a living, breathing piece of the Appalachian wilderness.
Whether you take on the full 13.5-mile trek or opt for a shorter section, the Tanawha Trail is a journey through the very best of Grandfather Mountain—one that constantly changes, surprises, and leaves you wanting more.
Adventure Guide: The Tanawha Trail
Overview
The Tanawha Trail is a 13.5-mile point-to-point trail running parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway from Beacon Heights to Julian Price Park. It features rocky ridges, lush forests, and stunning views, making it one of the most scenic long hikes in North Carolina.
Best Sections & Highlights
🥾 Rough Ridge (Milepost 302.8, 1.5 miles round trip, moderate)
- One of the most iconic views on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Dramatic rock outcrops with sweeping valley and viaduct views.
🏔️ Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304.4, 1 mile, easy to moderate)
- Walk under and alongside this famous Parkway bridge.
- Engineering meets wilderness in an unforgettable setting.
🌲 Boone Fork & Price Lake (Milepost 297, 4-mile loop, easy to moderate)
- Gentle trails through rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and open meadows.
- Perfect for families or casual hikers.
🌄 Full Tanawha Trail Traverse (13.5 miles one way, strenuous)
- A true backcountry adventure with varied terrain and epic views.
- Best done as a shuttle hike with two cars.
What to Expect on the Trail
📷 Best Views & Photography
- Rough Ridge at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light.
- Linn Cove Viaduct in fall when the foliage is at peak color.
🦅 Wildlife & Nature
- Expect to see peregrine falcons, black bears, and white-tailed deer.
- Spring brings mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms.
What to Know Before You Go
- ⏳ Best Season: Spring through fall—sections can be icy in winter.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Varies—some sections are easy, others require rock scrambling.
- 🚗 Parking & Access Points:
- Beacon Heights (Milepost 305.2) – Southernmost trailhead.
- Rough Ridge (Milepost 302.8) – Most popular section, small parking lot.
- Julian Price Park (Milepost 297) – Northern terminus with large parking area.
- 🎟️ Permits: No permit required, but check for weather closures.
Getting There
- From Boone, NC: Access multiple trailheads via the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- From Asheville, NC: Drive about 1.5 hours north on the Parkway to reach the trail.
The Tanawha Trail isn’t just a hike—it’s a journey through the best of Grandfather Mountain, winding past towering cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and ridges that feel like they touch the sky. Whether you hike a mile or the whole thing, this trail stays with you long after you leave.
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Featured Activities
Primary Activity
Hiking
Also Great For
Essential Information
Nearby City
Boone, North Carolina
Protected Areas
Grandfather Mountain State Park, Blue Ridge Parkway
Experience Level
Experience Needed: This natural landmark is recommended for those with some outdoor experience. Good for regular hikers.