Welcome to Calloway Peak!
Trail to Transformation
Hiking for Hope & Healing
In preparation for my Appalachian Trail thru hike in 2025, I took a week-long hiking and backpacking journey to the North Carolina High Country!
Not the Most Dangerous Peak on Grandfather Mountain; Definitely a Climb -
Calloway Peak
Regardless if you take the Upper or Lower Loop of Profile Trail, you hike towards Calloway Peak. But once you're there, you know you're there. It's a rocky, narrow, muscle-burning climb to the top! Both novice and experienced hikes are in for a workout!
Day 2 & 3: I had great weather on Day 2, so I took a bunch of pictures. I went back on Day 3 . . . it rained (thunder and lightening). No pics, but a brief video at the top.
You will need every ounce of intestinal fortitude to make it to the top. But the climb is well worth the effort. If you are ready to camp, the peak has a camping location and a shelter. There is an additional camp site at its base (Profile Trail).
Grandfather Mountain - Calloway Peak via Profile Trail
Challenges
Steep climbing conditions up dirt and rock paths
Higher the elevation, the greater the challenge
Reward: Two different views from the top!
A Better You is What You Need
Grow, learn, and build friendships - the way friendships should be created . . . through trust, actively helping, and encouraging the people around you. This is an opportunity for US Service Member Veterans to challenge themselves, expand thier world, and become a better version of themsleves.
Backpacking
Day pack to full pack, learn to carry your equipment to successfully accomplish the mission. What's in your pack? Be ready for what life brings you!
Camping
Investing in yourself takes effort. Embody the whole person you want to become, and allow the path of life guide the way forward.
Decision Making
What is your compass? Your values? Your destination? Where are you going in life? How will you know you arrived? Don't be left behind.
Meditation
Know thyself! And know how the universe around you works. Harmonize you with your environment to become the best version of yourself.
Climbing Calloway Peak is a Challenge for Every Backpacker!
Steep Slopes - Narrow Passage Ways - And LOTS of Rocks
Nothing But Rock
Reaching Calloway Peak is about endurance, stamina, and perseverance. And a lot of sweat! I climbed it on my own with full pack, twice - once on two back-to-back days. Destroyed my quadriceps! Lesson Learned: Need trekking poles for this hike!
Are We There Yet?
This is a question you will probably ask yourself (or your companions) often. Reason: Every turn is another upward battle to climb. There are quite a few twists and turns, and the rocks can be slippery, even on a dry day. Motivation: Don't give up! The climb is worth it!
Stairway to Heaven
Just like MacRae Peak (via Grandfather Trail), you must climb on ladder to reach the summit of Calloway Peak. Maybe another 12 to 15 feet will get you to the top. All good! And no worries! If you made it this far, the last 15 feet is not a problem. Now you can ask: Are we there yet?
A Walk Into the Unknown
To be honest, if I had known just how strenuous the climb up Profile Trail (Lower Loop) all the way to the top of Calloway Peak was going to be, I might not have done it. But I'm training for the Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2025. That's 2,193 miles up and down mountains. So I had to do this summit.
But where is the top? And how do I get there? The further up you go, the less clear the path is. It just goes into the distance! Turning this way, then that way. Climbing up rocks and more rocks. Bring your hiking poles - you will need them!
And bring a day pack with food and lots of water! And a first aid kit. I banged up my arms a few times slipping off the rocks. And to keep me from falling of the mountain, I held on to a tree or two!
7.4 Mile Hike
Challenging
Route to the Top
Out & Back
2,122 ft.
Elevation Gain from Parking Lot
Taking on the Challenge
What does it take to take on one of the most dangerous peaks (not the tallest, just one of the more dangerous) in the Southeastern United States? A deep breathe and a steady focus on what you came here to do. With this as my intent, I went on to traverse the obstacles, climb the cliff face, and hold on for dear life!
Test Your Limits
Why Do We Climb Mountains?
Expand Your Horizons
Why Do We Climb Mountains?
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