CALLOWAY PEAK
At 5,946 feet, Calloway Peak provides hikers with perhaps the best view of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll have to earn this view - it is a tough climb up, although not terribly long.
Begin at the trailhead for Tanawha Trail in the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take Tanawha Trail left (south) out of the parking lot for about a half mile where you'll hit the junction for the Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Turn right onto this trail and follow all the way to the summit. About half way up you'll reach Flat Rock View. Take a minute to enjoy this vista point - it should get you excited to reach the peak where the views are even better. The second half of the trail is the steepest and at times somewhat technical, but there are ladders and cables that make it much easier.
You'll need day permits for this hike. Stop by the Grandfather Mountain Market near the junction of Holloway Mountain Road and US 221 to purchase your permits.