Grandfather Mountain Winter Hike March 13, 2018

The Snow Gods were generous this March. On this solo outing I parked at the Profile Trailhead off NC 105 and made my way up to Calloway Peak then headed back across the ridge to spend the night tucked under my favorite rock overhang at Attic Window Peak. There was no one else on the mountain beyond Calloway Gap and I was blessed with untouched snow across the mountain. Fresh tracks galore!
I spent exactly 28hours on the mountain starting at the Profile Trailhead Tuesday afternoon and returning on Wednesday evening. I've added a couple links below for more information on this amazing and completely unique place. Grandfather Mountain is my favorite mountain. Thanks for watching and enjoy the vid!
climate.ncsu.ed...
www.resortcams....
randyjohnsonboo...
Music:
ODEZA- Don't Stop
Lemaitre- Closer (Feat. Jennie A.)

[@KeeFrHikes]

My favorite KZbin video in a very long time. Mad props to you for vlogging this in the winter. Grandfather Mountain is amazing, and it’s nice to see all of the Grandfather Trail in snow.

[@MTNPANTS]

KeeFr Hikes wow what a complement. Thank you!

[@Offroadviking]

Been watching a ton of backpacking videos lately....this is by far the best one I’ve seen so far! Great work and really cool to see Grandfather Mountain covered in snow. 👍

[@MTNPANTS]

Daniel Engle Enduro Films awesome glad you liked it! I can’t wait to make another.

[@reggiepadgett2258]

Totally awesome and doing all that this coming weekend. Thanks for the Beta throughout the video.

[@MTNPANTS]

howard padgett thanks I’d love to know how your hike goes. Trail possibly iced over in spots. Good luck and be safe!

[@jarondavis2353]

Really enjoyed that video thank you

[@MTNPANTS]

jaron davis my pleasure man, I wish I could do these more often!

[@suzannetowry-pourroy8509]

That was awesome. I’m originally from CA and spent a lot of time in the Sierras hiking at mostly 12,000ft plus with lots of elevation gain where winter crampons and snowshoes are a must. It’s the first time I’ve seen a video of hiking out here in the south that looked adventurous and thrilling. Kudos to you for braving the cold and solo even! You give me hope.

[@MTNPANTS]

Suzanne Towry-Pourroy thanks and I’m glad my video stirred your inner mountain soul! I grew up in Colorado and Montana but it didn’t take me long to find old man winter in NC, he’s just not out as often. Black Balsam, Mt. Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain are my go-to places when winter weather hits. Be prepared and good luck!

[@Ranger24]

Good Lord, man. That was awesome!

[@randyjohnsonbooks]

Congrats on a great video! Really communicates the alpine character of our favorite mountain. You picked a great time to climb, illustrating that winter can claim Gfather anytime between October and April. Also, easy to imagine what it's like when there's really big snow up there-which happens a lot. For anybody wanting to follow you, you show how important it is to have great gear and experience when you tackle this summit. Thanks! Brought back great memories. Thanks for recommending my Grandfather book!

[@MTNPANTS]

randy johnson thank you, as you know it is an amazing place!

[@randyjohnsonbooks]

Drew can you drop me an e-mail? I lost your address. Please get in touch.

[@chlr1ne]

Greetings from Elizabethton, TN! I visited Grandfather Mountain around the end of 2017. It was soooo cold. I live near Grandfather Mountain, about an hour or two. It's so pretty, we had to get season passes just to go back in the summer and fall!

[@lakshmanankka]

very nice adventure with snow and mountain combo very Wonderfull

[@Nerding4Nature]

Greg, Outdoors sent me. Great video. Loved the wakeup scene. It reminded me of an animal holed up in a snowstorm. There were so many amazing shots in this.

[@MTNPANTS]

Thanks, yea I’ve been up in colder and windier conditions but this one takes the cake for snowfall!

[@JamesTingley222]

Great video and camera work.

[@MTNPANTS]

Thanks you James, making the video is a major part of the trip when it comes to doing one like this. I’ve gone up there in similar conditions and only take. A few snapshots. I aimed to share the experience the best I could through video.

[@JamesTingley222]

@@MTNPANTS Was great looking forward to seeing more will subscribe.

[@SmackDab]

Amazing!! Thanks for putting in the work for the rest of us!

[@MTNPANTS]

Smack Dab thanks for watching!

[@marshallbonnette2606]

Some great footage, great winter scenes. The music isn’t bad, but as outdoor lovers it’d be great to hear the sound of the snow crunch and the wind! Even no music at all would still be great.

[@MTNPANTS]

Marshall Bonnette thanks for the comment- agreed, I love the sound which is why I set the intro without music, I especially like the sound of my crampons crunching in the ice and snow (0:34) but the rest of the time it was 30mph + winds which only max out the proprietary mics unless using an external mic with a huge “dead cat” on it. Rule 1 when doing video in these conditions: keep gear to an absolute minimum. 👍 I’ll be sure to keep your suggestion in mind and plan accordingly on the next adventure so keep an eye out and thanks!

[@blagow1]

Absolutely impressive! We just hiked to Macrae Peak yesterday and it was by far my favorite hike ever! I can't even imagine doing this in the winter.... new bucket list item haha!

[@MTNPANTS]

Thanks blagow1, it is a challenging mountaineering experience.

[@BrianSWoods]

Well-earned video!

[@MountainStorz]

Really cool video!!

[@dougharker8520]

UNCLEDOUG HERE I LIVE HERE AND HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE Mt BUT NEVER LIKE THAT !! HATS OFF TO YOU

[@ThisScenicLife]

Cool video man - well done! Makes me want to give it a try...

[@MTNPANTS]

This Scenic Life thanks, I checked out some of your vids too. I love how you chose to post the south rim drive of Linville Gorge that’s great! Sometimes I take that part of a trip for granted 👍 I grew up in Boulder but have been enjoying the Appalachian mountains as well since ‘98.

[@Studio_419]

Epic! ...nice visit to a familiar winter campsite huh? lol! ...winds looked a little calmer this time around. Great edit and incredible footage/views.

[@MTNPANTS]

Thank you Greg, Outdoors. Pisgah is a wonderful place!

[@jeremiahloughner]

Talk about a trespassing moment when on the bridge!!

[@tinawu7146]

It’s absolutely beautiful and insane! Love it

[@robgrubb420]

this video was so sick! please do a gear list so we can see what your layering system and sleep system was!

[@rogeryang5664]

Man you are crazy... but this is super cool to hike it in the snow.

[@MTNPANTS]

Roger Yang haha, no, I’m not normal 😁. Thanks for checking it out!

[@2bskyhi868]

AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@piercecallahan6537]

That's awesome! Do you know if there is a little bit of dusting of snow everyday of winter on the peak or not? I love snow and wabt to be somwhere with snow everyday on the ground

[@MTNPANTS]

Pierce Callahan the weather on GFM is unique to the southeast and can vary drastically in 24 hours. Watching the forecast is key, and knowing what the conditions on the summit will be based on the forecast in Boone. If you haven’t hiked the entire mountain in fair weather, I highly recommend before attempting to cross the ridge in snowy conditions. That being said, Roan Mountain is another great place to find snow.

[@KrizAkoni]

Awesome! Found your channel from over at Greg, Outdoors. That's some cold stuff! Awesome - Subscribed. 😎

[@MTNPANTS]

Thanks! Can’t put out vids like this as often as others but I sure love making them.

[@antoniofmartin2]

Heading there next weekend. Just not sure what trail we will take

[@MTNPANTS]

How was it?

[@davidmauldin9995]

Hey Drew, can you tell me what boots and clothing you are wearing? You and I are a lot alike. Love this place and love it in the winter! It would be cool to do a hike together sometime. Hopefully my fiance would let me, Lol. She has back issues and can't do this stuff anymore. I'm in Mt. Airy, about 2 hrs. from GM. Anyway, awesome video! Best one of GM I have seen!

[@MTNPANTS]

David Mauldin Hey David thanks! I wear Vasque bitter root full leather boots for my winter hikes. I definitely have some good winter hikes planned let’s get together!

[@kprhok]

@@MTNPANTS Considering the temps/conditions and the very slim look of the apparel, it would be great to know how you prepared in terms of layering, shell, etc, brands? I am hiking the area this winter and would love to have recommendations on protective clothing others would recommend. I enjoyed your video very much!

[@boulder89984]

You beat the crowd! Nice video, mind blowing shots. What are the two songs?

[@MTNPANTS]

boulder89984 Does your KZbin name mean you live in Boulder CO? That’s where I grew up ;) Artist-Song ODEZA- Don’t Stop Lemaitre- Closer (Feat Jennie A.)

[@Jacobparris]

I don't think people understand how crazy this is.

[@MTNPANTS]

😆👏💀

[@MountainStorz]

Which model Kestrel is that?

[@MTNPANTS]

Ryan www.weathershack.com/product/kestrel-2500.html 👍

[@warrengould4051]

Just finished a solo hike 1/14/20 up the Profile trail to Grandfather Gap. Now as much snow, only six inches, but plenty of ice. Two nights camping at Cliffside. Did it in microspikes, but crampons would have been better. The chute was very icy and I wish I had fixed a rope. It is a long tumble down if you slip.

[@MTNPANTS]

Ha! I wish you could see the smile on my face. That’s awesome. How was the trail between Alpine meadow and attic window? There’s supposed to be a group of four guys from Florida somewhere out there headed in from profile trail head.

[@warrengould4051]

@@MTNPANTS The trail was icy but not terrible. Had to do a couple of butt scouches on the steeper parts going down and hands and knees going up in places. Going up and down the chute was definitely the worst. First time on the trail so I don't have all the locations nailed down. Didn't see anyone else on the Grandfather trail at all and there weren't any fresh tracks.

[@Cheyla]

Wow! is there usually that much snow in March?

[@MTNPANTS]

Cheyla Buck no, in fact I had no idea I was going to wake up to 5” of fresh powder. Nice surprise, every couple of years there’s a storm that will drop a foot of snow usually some time in February or March.

[@MarcBrittniMcCann]

This is the best Grandfather Mountain Video up! Seriously! I can't believe you did this in the snow, couldn't even imagine doing that...I hate snow! Haha. We just did this trip and posted a video as well, but it was MUCH warmer!!! :) Such an awesome video - just Subscribed!

[@MTNPANTS]

Haha thank you.

[@MarcBrittniMcCann]

@@MTNPANTS months later and I still tell my friends about this video! So cool!!

[@MG-ze3lf]

Great video man. I did Callaway last year in the spring and would love to do this in the snow. Can you tell me the exact route you took and back? 👍

[@MTNPANTS]

Profile Trail from 105 to Ridge trail to Attic Window for the night. Then From Attic window to the Bridge via overwood trail, then returned via underwood trail all the way back down profile to 105 and back to Charlotte! long trip but oh so worth it!

[@yukonrasputon8314]

Cool video, I was on the other side of the Roans during that storm, on the A T

[@MTNPANTS]

Yukon Rasputon good times. On Overmountain? How were the conditions?

[@yukonrasputon8314]

No, I was near Unaka Mt, cherry gap shelter. It snowed another 6" the night of the 13th, 14th the drifts where 2 to 3' in places no one on the trail.

[@MTNPANTS]

Yukon Rasputon Perfect!

[@msburrage74]

So me and my wife are planning on hiking this and several other trails the week of Dec. 29th. We have done several winter hikes in the Smokey Mountains and have had snow in several occasions but nothing like what’s in your video. We day hike only and don’t camp out. What would be your biggest recommendations incase we have weather like that as far as clothing, food, and gear? Also I heard it’s $23 a person if we leave from grandfather mountain where the bridge is. Looked like it was closed in your video We are pretty good with being prepared, but again that’s a different animal. Thanks for any tips!

[@MTNPANTS]

Hi M&M, Looks like we’re in for some good winter weather soon! The Profile Trailhead is an excellent starting point for Grandfather Mountain and is where I start my hikes from on Grandfather. You can find it in Banner Elk directly off Hwy 105 near the Lowes Foods. It starts off very gradually along the headwaters of the Watauga River and then heads upwards at a gradually increasing intensity. Shatley Springs is a clearly marked feature on the trail roughly an hour to 1.5hrs into the hike depending on speed. After that things get steep, rocky, and icy. I highly recommend hiking poles and sturdy ice traction for your boots such as a hiking crampon.

[@msburrage74]

@@MTNPANTS thankyou man! I really appreciate the response and tips! Yea we have poles and micro spikes and also a extra pair of micro spikes just in case. We will likely do the profile trail via grandfather. How was the roads with all that snow? Do they close the roads and I drive a Jeep Wrangler and hope that it will perform well if roads are bad. Also your video is absolutely awesome! Great footage and editing.

[@blueridgebackwoods4231]

Nice footage, nice editing, what editing app do you use? and what camera. winter is truly the best time to hike, few will ever know the feeling that can only come from it.

[@MTNPANTS]

Global departure well said and thank you. I use iMovie and am teaching myself to use PremierePro. I shot this video using the Olympus OM-D E-M1 mkii with the 7-14mm 2.8 on a manfrotto Befree aluminum tripod and a GoPro Session on my hiking pole.

[@orlandoamyda7467]

Ayoooo. This is soo cool🔥🔥. It’s Orlando from camp and all three (me. Rj. Rioden) of us were amazed. We just wanted to say wassup and see how you doing.

[@MTNPANTS]

Yo what’s up Orlando! Awesome glad you got to check it out :) I got some motorcycle footage I need to be posting. It’s subscribe for me so you can check it out. It was awesome meeting you guys thanks for hitting me up 👍✌️

[@orlandoamyda7467]

@@MTNPANTS always. Can’t wait to see more. Stay safe out there👌✌️oh yea. Everyone got kicked out of camp after you left but we still had a great time😂

[@MTNPANTS]

@@orlandoamyda7467 damn dude! Why’d they kick y’all out?

[@orlandoamyda7467]

@@MTNPANTS they told us we weren’t supposed to camp 1000 ft from the road

[@amjkodaz]

Appalachians might be low in height, but we got the weather of the rockies

[@MTNPANTS]

No doubt. The Apps can hold their own.

[@msburrage74]

Also Curious as to where you parked at and was the roads closed???

[@MTNPANTS]

Parked at trail head in Banner Elk. No roads were closed.

[@WolfPacks]

Badass!

[@MTNPANTS]

Haha thanks!

[@neilson1105]

Is it typical for this much snow to be on the peaks at the beginning of March? I'm moving to eastern Tennessee early next year for a new job and this is one of the hikes that is high up on my list. If I have friends come out to visit the first week of March, should I expect similar conditions?

[@MTNPANTS]

Neil Solan I just got Back from a trip to Boone and we got 10” in town. I could only guess what it was like up on the mountain- epic I’m sure! Usually the best bet for snow is January and February but lately it’s jut a matter of being opportunistic.

[@rorypinkerton9143]

It’s not uncommon for Western NC/Eastern TN to have that much snow in March. I live in Boone and Frebruary and March are the biggest snow months.

[@t.mitchell9135]

I don’t live up there, but visited GSMNP in the middle of March this year. It was probably around 55 or 60 F when we summited Thunderhead Mountain (~5500 asl) just before midday. The week before, they had snow and highs below freezing. I suppose it’s just very variable.

[@adventuresofadam1302]

SO that is how Grandfather Mountain looks with a lot of white snow! Watch my video when you get a chance. Subscribe to my Channel.... Love your hiking journey through the snowy mountains.

[@choppythechimp1567]

I'm sure he was very disapointed to find the gift shop closed.

[@MTNPANTS]

choppy thechimp I could have used a cup of coffee

[@jeremiahloughner]

He's lucky he didn't get a trespassing ticket!!