Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Grandfather Mountain
Clip: Special | 2m 23sVideo has Closed Captions
Try the Daniel Boone Scout Trail to hike to Grandfather Mountain’s iconic peak.
The majestic peak of Grandfather Mountain makes up one of North Carolina’s most iconic vistas, and the Daniel Boone Scout Trail is arguably the best route for hikers looking to climb to the top. The trail offers an abundance of biodiversity and scenic views the whole way up. Set off on the trail with local author and avid hiker Randy Johnson, who helped build and manage the mountain’s trails.
Ten to Try is a local public television program presented by PBS NC
The series was produced in partnership with the Great Trails State Coalition for the NC Year of the Trail and with generous support from the SECU Foundation.
Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Grandfather Mountain
Clip: Special | 2m 23sVideo has Closed Captions
The majestic peak of Grandfather Mountain makes up one of North Carolina’s most iconic vistas, and the Daniel Boone Scout Trail is arguably the best route for hikers looking to climb to the top. The trail offers an abundance of biodiversity and scenic views the whole way up. Set off on the trail with local author and avid hiker Randy Johnson, who helped build and manage the mountain’s trails.
How to Watch Ten to Try
Ten to Try is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Related to This Clip
[uplifting music] - [Narrator] Towering high above the Blue Ridge Parkway, the majestic peaks of Grandfather Mountain make up one of North Carolina's most revered vistas.
[uplifting music continues] With several routes to choose from, the only question is, which way up?
[uplifting music continues] Packed with views and rich in biodiversity, Grandfather Mountain State Park's Daniel Boone Scout Trail has a little something for everyone.
[uplifting music continues] - [Randy] Grandfather Mountain is definitely my favorite mountain and the place has been a backdrop to my life - [Narrator] Beyond its sheer grandeur and beauty, Grandfather Mountain stands out as an internationally-recognized biosphere reserve, boasting 16 unique ecological zones from base to the summit.
[uplifting music continues] Halfway up, a dense and damp hardwood forest opens to wind-flagged groves of red spruce and Fraser fir only found in the highest elevations of the Appalachians.
[uplifting music continues] [birds chirping] - [Randy] Getting out into nature is therapeutic.
You can't appreciate the natural environment you live in unless you get out and experience it.
[uplifting music continues] - [Narrator] Flat Rock Lookout offers the perfect rest spot and the first of many incredible views along the trail.
Nearing the top, the historic Hi Balsam Shelter has protected campers for 80 years.
[uplifting music continues] Just beyond, a set of fixed ladders assist hikers on the steepest section of the route and the final push to the summit of Calloway Peak.
[uplifting music continues] It's a great place to pause and take in the incredible beauty of Grandfather Mountain before heading back down the 2 1/2 mile, 2,000 foot descent to the trailhead.
[uplifting music continues] [birds chirping]
Video has Closed Captions
Caitlin Gooch is a lifelong equestrian, literacy coach and founder of Saddle Up and Read. (1m 46s)
Video has Closed Captions
Cathy Meyer is a writer and naturalist who has walked the entire North Carolina shoreline. (1m 51s)
Video has Closed Captions
Local river guide Heber Coltrain has been boating on the Roanoke River his whole life. (1m 42s)
Video has Closed Captions
Jennifer Michelle advocates for more women of color to explore outdoor spaces and trails. (1m 38s)
Video has Closed Captions
Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver is a nature lover who values our public outdoor spaces. (1m 34s)
Video has Closed Captions
Charlotte native Kim Olige believes exercise can be an outlet to help kids learn and grow. (1m 46s)
Video has Closed Captions
Laura Blythe and Jeremy Hyatt ride Fire Mountain’s Spearfinger Trail whenever they can. (1m 44s)
Little Sugar Creek Greenway, Charlotte
Video has Closed Captions
Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Charlotte is wildly popular with outdoor lovers. (2m 12s)
Longleaf Pine Trail, Carvers Creek State Park
Video has Closed Captions
The Longleaf Pine Trail is a wide, flat and shaded multiuse trail perfect for equestrians. (2m 19s)
Occoneechee Speedway Trail, Hillsborough
Video has Closed Captions
The Occoneechee Speedway Trail offers a unique mix of nature, exercise and NASCAR history. (2m 14s)
Video has Closed Captions
Paula Gillikin is site manager of the Rachel Carson Reserve and paddles there regularly. (1m 42s)
Video has Closed Captions
North Carolina, “The Great Trails State,” offers unique trail experiences for everyone. (30s)
Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail, Beaufort
Video has Closed Captions
The Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail explores coastal waters teeming with wildlife. (2m 19s)
Video has Closed Captions
Photographer/author Randy Johnson helped build and manage Grandfather Mountain's trails. (1m 50s)
Video has Closed Captions
The Roanoke River Paddle Trail features 16 unique camping platforms for multiday trips. (2m 31s)
Spearfinger at Fire Mountain Trails
Video has Closed Captions
The Spearfinger Trail offers fun and flowy downhill mountain biking for all riding levels. (2m 27s)
Sugarloaf Trail, Carolina Beach State Park
Video has Closed Captions
Take a walk along the sandy paths, riverbanks and boardwalks of the Sugarloaf Trail. (2m 17s)
Three Waterfalls Hike, DuPont State Forest
Video has Closed Captions
The Three Waterfalls Hike at DuPont State Forest is a dream trail for waterfall chasers. (2m 23s)
Video has Closed Captions
The Piedmont’s 30-mile Uwharrie Trail can be tackled in sections or from end to end. (2m 11s)
Video has Closed Captions
Outdoor advocate Vivianette Ortiz Caraballo is the cofounder of a Latinx hiking club. (1m 35s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Ten to Try is a local public television program presented by PBS NC
The series was produced in partnership with the Great Trails State Coalition for the NC Year of the Trail and with generous support from the SECU Foundation.