Grandfather Mountain, NC
November 6–8, 2026
KEY FACTS
- Departure: Friday, November 6, at 3:45 PM from the Scout hut – the bus departs promptly at 4:00 PM
- Uniform: Class A’s
- Return: Sunday, November 8, around 1:00 PM to the Scout hut
- Cost: $25 per person
ABOUT THE TRIP
Join us for an exciting weekend of hiking and camping at Grandfather Mountain! This is one of the region’s most adventurous hikes, and a great opportunity for Scouts to challenge themselves, enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, and work together as a team. Troop 1 last climbed Grandfather in 2012, check out the photos on SmugMug!
FRIDAY – GRANDFATHER CAMPGROUND
Please arrive at the Scout hut on time with all gear packed and ready to go. We’ll head to the mountains and set up camp at Grandfather Campground for the weekend.
SATURDAY – PROFILE TRAIL TO CALLOWAY PEAK
We’ll have an early breakfast and hike the Profile Trail to Calloway Gap, with a side trip to Calloway Peak (5,946 ft), the highest point on Grandfather Mountain – a climb of nearly 2,000 feet from the trailhead. From there, we’ll follow the Grandfather Trail along the ridge, with its cables and ladders, to the Top Shop parking area near the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where the bus will pick us up.
Although the full hike is roughly 5.8 miles and takes about 5½ to 7 hours, plan on a full day – the route includes ladders, steep sections, and rock scrambling that take extra time and care. We expect to finish early-to-mid afternoon.
Weather on the mountain can be colder and more unpredictable than at lower elevations, so extra layers are imperative. Good hiking shoes are also important.
LADDERS AND ROCK SCRAMBLING
The ridge section of this hike includes ladders, cables, and exposed rocky areas, and the group will take these one Scout at a time. It’s a memorable adventure and a great chance for Scouts to build confidence and support one another. If your Scout is nervous about heights or has concerns about climbing ladders, please let us know ahead of time.
MEALS
Scouts need to provide their own food for one breakfast, one lunch, and two dinners:
- Friday – dinner
- Saturday – breakfast, bag lunch for hiking, dinner, snacks for the trail
- Sunday – breakfast on the way home at Famous Louise’s Rock House Restaurant
ADULTS
If you’re an adult interested in joining us, please contact Tim Satterfield.
WHAT TO PACK
- Good hiking boots and socks
- Lightweight stove (or make arrangements to share)
- Rain gear
- Day pack to hold water, lunch, and extra clothing layers
- Extra layers of clothing including a warm layer, synthetics next to the skin to wick
- Gloves and warm headgear
- Sleeping bag (plan for much cooler nights than Spartanburg)
- Water Bottle (have at least 2-3 liters)
- Lightweight shelter (Scouts should share and plan in advance)
- Water filter or tablets (may share; make arrangements in advance. Be prepared by having at least 2 liters of water with you)
- Cookware
- Food (see MEALS)
- Sleeping pad (optional)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Biodegradable soap for cleaning dishes
- Toiletries, TP
- Compass
- Fire starter (not everyone needs this)
For a more comprehensive packing list, click here.
REGISTRATION
Click here to register!