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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
Easy

Profile Trail

Banner Elk, Tennessee · Avery County · lwn · North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation

Profile Trail is a easy hiking trail near Banner Elk in Avery County, Tennessee.. Managed by North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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36.11725, -81.82353
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Profile Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High73°F
Avg Low56°F
Peak Rain Chance18%
Humidity73%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality76 · Moderate
Today
🌧
Heavy Rain
75°/62°
💧 18%🌬 19mph
6:31 AM8:35 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
66°/57°
💧 2%🌬 17mph
6:32 AM8:35 PM
Thu
☀️
Clear
73°/53°
🌬 12mph
6:33 AM8:34 PM
Fri
☁️
Overcast
79°/53°
🌬 5mph
6:33 AM8:33 PM
Sat
🌦
Drizzle
71°/57°
💧 16%🌬 10mph
6:34 AM8:32 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Profile Trail

Profile Trail is a easy hiking trail near Banner Elk in Avery County, Tennessee.. Managed by North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Tennessee

Trail conditions in Tennessee change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Profile Trail?

Profile Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

When is the best time to hike Profile Trail?

Tennessee has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Profile Trail?

Profile Trail is managed by North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation as part of the lwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.