23 Beacon Heights Trail (Milepost 305.2)
A short and popular leg-stretcher affords spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain and its nearly vertical-mile drop to the Piedmont.
Parkway milepost: 305.2
Distance: 0.7 mile out and back
Elevation gain: About 120 feet
Maps: USGS Grandfather Mountain; Parkway map available online at www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/brochures.htm and in season at Linn Cove Visitor Center. Grandfather Mountain hiking map shows the trail best and is available free at Grandfather Mountain entrance (north 0.1 mile to US 221 exit; right 1 mile to entrance).
Finding the trailhead: The Parkway trailhead is located at Milepost 305.2, 0.1 mile south of the US 221 entrance to the Parkway, 3 miles east of Linville.
The Hike
This is one of the Parkway’s best leg-stretchers. The grades are gradual, the footing isn’t very difficult, and the views are outstanding.
From the trailhead—at 4,220 feet—walk across a state road that parallels the Parkway (NC 1513) and enter the woods where the sign says TANAWHA TRAIL BEACON HEIGHTS 0.2. The path climbs gradually to a junction. Where the Tanawha Trail starts to the left, turn right onto the Mountains-to-Sea Trail—that’s also the Beacon Heights Trail to the top. You’ll pass an overhanging rock on the left that makes an excellent rain shelter. There’s a bench on the right before the steepest, rockiest part of the trail.
At a signed junction at 0.2 mile, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail goes right where the Beacon Heights Trail switchbacks left. At about 0.3 mile the Beacon Heights Trail reaches the crest, a bench, and a junction.
To the right, the path emerges on top of a south-facing exfoliated dome with great views to the Piedmont and the high peaks south along the Parkway, including Mount Mitchell and the Linville Gorge. To the left, the path ascends stone steps to spectacular views of the eastern flank of Grandfather Mountain, the Parkway north toward Blowing Rock, and the rippled, waterfall-filled Pisgah National Forest to the east. Retrace your steps to the bottom.
Key Points
0.0Shortly after starting out, go right on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail where Tanawha Trail goes left.
0.2Go left. Mountains-to-Sea Trail goes right.
0.3Reach crest. In another 250 feet, enjoy summit views.
0.7Arrive back at parking area.