BANNER ELK, N.C. (828newsNOW) — One of the most iconic hiking trails in Western North Carolina has reached a major restoration milestone since Tropical Storm Helene swept through the region in September 2024. The Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail, a 3.6-mile, 1,775-feet climb up the paternal peak, has partially reopened.
Grandfather Mountain State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Banner Elk, N.C.
What sections of the Profile Trail are back open?
On June 5, 2026, three major components of the Profile Trail reopened, including:
- the Profile Trail parking area, located at 4198 N.C. Hwy 105 N., Banner Elk, N.C.
- the Profile Trail campsite, located around 2.5 miles from the parking area
- the Profile Trail Upper Loop
A lower section of the trail remains closed for restoration.
In a blog post about the reopening, Grandfather Mountain State Park urged visitors to keep out of closed areas…