Boone Memorial Weekend: Grandfather Profile Trail

On Sunday, we decided to hike the Grandfather Profile Trail-- one that we've been wanting to try for a while. This trail goes from a parking lot off hwy 105, all the way up to the swinging bridge with great views of the Grandfather profile itself.  The trail begins pretty easy and then turns into straight boulder climbing for a little.  We had hopes of making it all the way to the swinging bridge but had to turn around just a little before then because of all the ladders & ropes to help you up the rocks (poor Tyson couldn't climb them obviously!).

The trail started out pretty easy, winding back and forth by little creeks, which Em loved.

Pretty in the forest:

Then the sharper switch backs started happening:

Then we saw all the hand laid rock for part of the trail:

Then came the straight rock & boulder climbing.  It's impossible to tell how steep they are in the picture-- but it was definitely a quad workout (and I wasn't the one carrying Emery on my back)!

Before long we had made it to Watauga View:

It was really windy, so we hunkered down in some trees and had a picnic lunch:

And a couple more view shots:

The trail goes right along the ridge, so pretty:

Our stopping point as we heard there were a lot more ladders after this view, and it would have been too hard with Tyson.

And a video from the top:

 
Look at the view of Grandfather we had!  See the profile of "his" face?

The way back Em crashed out... she does so well in the backpack!

After 9 miles of hiking,  we were all excited to dip our feet in the creek and watched Tyson swim for a little!  What a fun day.

We went home to the cabin that night, roasted some marshmallows and were all asleep by 8:30.  Long day of hiking but wouldn't want it any other way!

Emery keeps asking us when we are going back to the cabin to do more hiking.  So glad she loves Boonetown!