Storyteller Rock is tucked away at the end of Nuwati Trail on Grandfather Mountain. The colors today were not widespread, but they were vibrant! Maples and huckleberry shrubs are showing their seasonal hues against the backdrop of yellow-green. The elevation of the spot in the featured photo is about 4400 feet. As expected this early in the season, color is spotty but clearly on the way quickly at this elevation. If you plan to take this trail, we’d recommend a weekday excursion as the season gets busier. We arrived early enough in the day to have a few minutes to ourselves on Storyteller Rock, with just the quiet of the cove and the warmth of the autumn sun, surrounded by vibrant pops of color. It was incredibly memorable.
The Nuwati Trail is inside Grandfather Mountain State Park, and is most easily accessed via the Tanawha Trail. It’s not a very long trail, nor is the ascent very steep so it’s rated as an easy hike. But the footing can be tough at times, with loads of roots on the trail, several stream crossings. and rocky paths to traverse. When it comes to getting atop Storyteller Rock, a scramble up the last several feet of rock is required. Hikers must wear shoes that have excellent grip! Access is free but a permit is required for hiking the backcountry trails- both for your safety and for tracking usage inside the State Park. The permits are available at trailheads and intersections.
More photos from the trail:
This bridge is near the Boone Fork Parking Area, on the way to Nuwati Trail.
View from the bridge.
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