Tanawha Trail: The Grand Traverse of Grandfather Mountain

A Trail That Follows the Sky

Some trails take you into the woods. The Tanawha Trail, running 13.5 miles along the eastern flanks of Grandfather Mountain, does something else entirely—it follows the sky. Named after the Cherokee word for “great hawk,” this trail traces the ridgeline like a bird in flight, weaving through some of the most diverse and dramatic terrain in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Stretching from Beacon Heights to Julian Price Park, the Tanawha Trail offers everything from quiet rhododendron tunnels to jaw-dropping rock outcrops, roaring waterfalls, and sweeping views. The showstopper? The Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that curves along the cliffs of Grandfather Mountain, offering one of the most spectacular roadside views in America.

But to really understand this trail, you have to walk it. The boulder-strewn sections near Rough Ridge feel wild and exposed, while the dense hardwood forests and fern-covered valleys further along offer a quieter kind of beauty. Wildflowers in summer, fiery leaves in fall, and the occasional black bear sighting remind you that this isn’t just a hiking path—it’s a living, breathing piece of the Appalachian wilderness.

Whether you take on the full 13.5-mile trek or opt for a shorter section, the Tanawha Trail is a journey through the very best of Grandfather Mountain—one that constantly changes, surprises, and leaves you wanting more.