Grandfather Mountain is no longer selling its 12-month hiking permits. The company expects to close its deal to sell the backcountry to the State of North Carolina this spring. Permits will not be required once the backcountry becomes state property, so from now on permits will only be sold to cover one day hike at a time.
For similar reasons, Grandfather Mountain hiking permits will no longer be available from off-site outlets such as Footsloggers and Mast General Store. Beginning February 1, permits for day hikes can only be purchased at the Grandfather Mountain ticket gate.
For the time being, hikers who wish to access the trails from off-mountain trailheads (such as the Profile Trail on NC 105 or the Boone Fork Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway) will need to obtain a hiking permit from the Grandfather ticket gate. After the sale to the state closes, no permits will be required to access the property from the off-mountain trailheads.
"Since there will be no hiking fee once the state purchases the backcountry, this is the simplest solution for a seamless transition," explained Grandfather President Crae Morton. "We anticipate minimal inconvenience, as we have much less hiking in the months of February and March."
Access to Grandfather's network of backcountry trails from trailheads along the toll roll to the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in the attraction's $14 general admission price and is not affected by this decision. Visitors to the tourist attraction will continue to be able to hike the backcountry as always.
For 2009 the trails will be maintained and monitored by both Grandfather Mountain trails staff and state rangers.
For more information on Grandfather Mountain please visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.
