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Pretty amazing views and a nice hike that was rated as strenuous but I think it really wasn't that bad. If you have kids who are used to hiking it shouldn't be too challenging. Their pricing to get in is rather steep, so if you can park in an alternate lot and walk over, that's probably your best bet. The park is rather big and includes a small zoo with bears, otters, bald eagles, and more!
Lived here in North Carolina for so many years and just found out about this mountain. We came here for the bridge. I must say I recommend it! I just wish the admission was cheaper as I would love to come here often for the picnic and view..
We visited during peak season, so admission came to $69.38, which is definitely on the pricey side -- but honestly, we felt it was worth it. This isn't like going to a random unmanned park. The property is very well maintained and staffed. There are bathrooms, gift shops, restaurants, and plenty of staff around if you need help or directions, which made the experience feel more organized and comfortable. There are a few different trails to choose from -- we did two of them and had a great time. The views are absolutely beautiful and make the hiking well worth the effort. They also have a small wildlife "zoo" area on site. We didn't go through that portion because it isn't pet-friendly -- but the rest of the mountain and trails are pet friendly, which is a huge plus for us when traveling with Luna. Overall, yes -- it's a splurge, especially in peak season -- but between the views, trail options, amenities, and overall experience, we'd definitely go back.
If you're anywhere close to Grandfather Mountain and have never visited this area it's definitely worth your time. We arrived mid morning the skies were clear and the temperatures were absolutely perfect for some moderate hiking to the top. The views are spectacular and fortunately there weren't very many people here during our visiting which made access to the mile high swinging bridge that much better. I was a little surprised by the amount of access available after crossing the foot bridge, the improved path ended and although the hiking became a little riskier they allow you to climb the rock shelves which a maze of fairly steep boulders that you can transverse at your own risk - there are no steps or handrails and it can be a little intimidating to some but if you're up for it, it's well worth the effort. We were given a flash drive to plug into our radio at the entrance for the audio tour up the mountain which allows you explore everything at your own pace stopping and starting the audio tour as needed. This is really a well put together attraction and definitely worth the price of admission there's something interesting around every curve with plenty of places to pull over and get out of your vehicle to take it all in. The facilities and ammenties are well taken care of and the staff is amazing and work hard to ensure you enjoy the experience. I'm sure I only saw a glimpse of what's available in the few hours we were here so it's a place I'd return to again and again...
Despite the colder than expected weather and the wind, my wife and I had a great time exploring Grandfather Mountain. The park is so nicely maintained, well mark, and cleared hiking trails for all skill levels. The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is an amazing add on with so much fun, and educational info for all ages. The Wilson center also has a cafe, offering reasonably priced "ball park" cuisine, well maintained bathrooms and a souvenir shop. Next to the Wilson Center is the Mildred The Bear Environmental Habitats where you can get up close and learn about some of the species that call this area home. Consider it a miniature zoo with habitats for some animals needing rehab. We were able to see some bears, bald eagles, river otters, and elk, OH MY! Each area had signs posted for ranger talks, which we caught for the river otters. They tell you about the animals, and and answer any questions people have. After exploring the Wilson Center and habitats, we continued our trek up on the mountain to the swing bridge, and that's when the wind really kicked in...with wind gusts, the temp dropped quickly, with a wind chill of -9degrees, but we trudged on, and made the most of it. In the end, we had a great time, and look forward to returning to explore more of the trails. Based on other reviews, some may feel that the $35 ticket price per person may be a bit much at the main entry, but it's a small cost of maintaining such an amazing resource. If you enjoy being outside, hiking, and exploring, this is a must visit NC destination
Definitely a must visit when you're in Boone! It's ~$30 for a day pass, but it's worth it. We drove to the very top and walked to the overlook, which has some beautiful views; there's also a gift shop there. Then, we drove down to the animal conservatory, where there were bears, eagles, elk, and otters. There were also keeper talks at regular intervals with fun tidbits about all the animals. Lots of things to do with family and friends! Amazing ambiance, service not applicable. Lots of free parking everywhere. 10/10 would recommend!
First off, it is a wonderful nature area, yet with a new gathering place, a building with a gift shop, large cafe, and many nature displays in two large rooms. There is the Mile High Bridge which is not a mile from the top of the ground below to the bridge, but the mile is the elevation. Lots of time and space to explore nature, to look around the natural enclosures for elk, a bear, and even the majestic bald eagle. Even after all that, I took one (1) star off due to the cost, which was $30 per person for seniors. NOTE that it is best to pay in advance online and go through the entrance gates in less than a minute if there are no vehicles in front of you. NOTE ALSO this is Grandfather Mountain itself where it overlooks the meadow way below where the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are held each year.
This was a beautiful, scenic, place. It was kid friendly and easy to navigate. It's worth hiking over the mile high swinging bridge. There is an entrance fee which seems a little pricey and detracts a star.
Grandfather Mountain can be a cool stop but be ready to pay a premium price tag . Knocking a star off for the steep pricing of a natural wonder. It's best to purchase tickets online because you have to reserve a time and you can apply discounts online only. An adult single ticket ranges from $20 - $30 depending on how busy the park is . As of September 2024 , they categorize the pricing by : Peak Day - Adult Admission = $30.00 Mid-Level Day - Adult Admission = $25.00 Base Day - Adult Admission = $20.00 You also have to reserve a time so the park can better manage crowds. If you buy online you can apply discounts like AAA , senior and military . Your admission includes a CD or usb drive that you can listen to as you drive through the park . Once inside the park you have access to the swinging bridge and gift shop , wilson center for nature discovery ( museum ), the wildlife habitats and hiking trails . If you are Mobility challenged there is an elevator available to take you to the top of the mountain to access the swinging bridge (it's inside the gift shop). If you are a pressed penny collector , there's a machine inside both the gift shop at the swinging bridge and the Wilson center for nature discovery . If you are a passport stamp collector , sadly the park NO LONGER offers the stamp for the NC State Parks Passport which is asinine IMHO . The ladies in the gift shop stated they used to have a stamp but no longer do . The reason they explained is the touristy parts of grandfather mountain are privately owned and not within the state park . The hiking trails and less touristy parts are within the state park . Does not make sense not to offer the stamp at the gift shop or discovery center since these spots are the most logical place to store it as hubs for visitors . Knocking a star off for this . One more critique : inside the discovery center is a theatre . The park totally missed the mark on this as they show a literal promotional video / ad to visitors who obviously have already paid to visit ! This makes no sense . We were hoping it would be an educational video of the history of the park . They could even offer a video on the best hiking trails , what not to miss , highlight the animals etc . Visitors don't want to watch a video that just features random people saying " I am grandfather mountain " it's weird and doesn't add to the visitor experience . The highlight of the visit was the wildlife habitats . The habitats are home to bears , elk , otters , eagles and cougars . DO make sure to find out the time of the ranger talks . Through the ranger talks , not only do you get to learn about the individual wildlife living here but you get to watch enrichment and see the furbabies engage . Watching an adult cougar attack a roll of toilet paper will be something you'll never forget ! Too cute ! For food : there are snacks inside the gift shop at the swinging bridge and there is a very casual restaurant called Mildred's Grill inside the Wilson center for nature discovery . To really make the most of your visit I recommend planning to spend most of the day here between the bridge , ranger talks , discovery center and hiking trails. And go on a weekday so it is less crowded .
Sunday, Tony Vanoy and I went to Grandfather Mountain Mile High Bridge and Animal Habitate. It cost $25 per adult. It is advised to buy your tickets only, but you can buy at the entrance gate. I was able to drive over 5,000 feet up the winding road. It took my breathe because there is no guard rails. In fact, once I went to leave the upper parking lot, I hesitated at the top. It was like being in the front seat of a Rollercoaster. It was a little overwhelming for a second, but I took a deep breathe and here we go!!! I wish I video taped that!! We climbed the stairs to the upper deck to walk out to the Aluminum Metal material Mile High Bridge & the large climbing rocks..it was extremely exhilarating!! There is a Gift shop and restroom in the building I highly recommend you go here, definitely a new buckey list trip off my list!
We love grandfather mountain! 4 stars because it is expensive at $28/person and only offers a veterans discount of $3 off - and veterans discount tickets must be purchased online. Other than that, the swinging bridge is incredible, getting to walk out onto open cliff face is super cool, and we loved taking my parents here to see views they would not otherwise have access to. The gift shop is super cute and reasonably priced. The hiking trails are really great, and we really enjoyed the challenge of the ladders. We love visiting the zoo - the bears, elk, otters and eagles are really unique and captivating to see. Overall we will continue to visit, but wish the entry prices would come down a bit, at least for locals, and particularly while the profile trail remains closed.
This is a paid private park just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. So the question at hand is whether it's worth paying for. Not really, in my estimation. For one thing, when I actually went online and bought a ticket, I never received the ticket in email. And when I got there, they had a database and my name wasn't in it. Thankfully, I saved the confirmation page and they let me in. My card was definitely charged. Ultimately, I received confirmation of my ticket purchase four days later. Given how they emphasize that they want you to prepurchase timed tickets online to manage capacity and speed entry, I would expect the system to actually work. So what does paying the robust entry fee get you? The suspended bridge is cool if you can handle heights. There's a couple of modestly sized museums. There's a bit of an outdoor zoo, but unfortunately most of the animals, while they seemed well taken care of, did not seem to be interested in presenting themselves for photography. I stopped in for the movie which was playing in their museum, but it was basically a tourism ad with little content of interest, which was bizarre in the sense that there is no need to advertise to people who are already there. A ranger talk I caught was quite brief, only fifteen minutes or so. There were some substantial trails; depending on how far you want to hike, you could theoretically enter the state park for free and walk up this way. Don't get me wrong, the sights are grand. Spectacular, really. Thing is, the sights are also fantastic from any number of other spots along the parkway that do not charge anything. Paying to get in here gets some amenities that didn't add a ton in my book, as well as a lot of crowded spots with dubious touristy behavior. I would recommend heading to the national park land on the parkway or numerous state parks in the vicinity.
2nd highest mountain in NC I think. Because of the swing bridge, it is very popular spot for tourists. Summer time is very crowded but once weather is colder and wind speed pick up, there are much less people. I wish there are snow and ice at 5000ft. But NC haven't been snowing much last 2 years that the winter view is missing some white. Swing bridge is fun, when it is windy it does move and sway a little bit. Plenty of spots for pictures. Visitor center, gift shop and bathroom is in Wilson center in the middle of the mountain road. There is nothing at the peak so be ready
5 months ago
Worth It 10 Times Over $30.42 Grandfather Mountain was the highlight of my trip to the North Carolina mountains and worth every penny. The experience starts the moment you arrive. The staff is organized, friendly, and efficient. They provide a map and a self-guided audio tour that plugs right into your car, making it easy to learn about the mountain as you drive from stop to stop. My advice: arrive before 11 a.m. and check Blue Ridge Parkway closures before you leave. There are still detours and road closures that can add significant time to your drive, and you don't want to miss your entry time. I headed straight to the top for the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The weather was classic mountain weather--cool temperatures in the 50s and 60s with fog drifting across the peaks. Even with the clouds rolling through, the views were absolutely stunning. If stairs are a concern, there's an elevator that takes visitors up to the bridge level. Afterward, I worked my way down the mountain, stopping at Split Rock before exploring the Wildlife Habitats. This area exceeded my expectations. I saw black bears, elk, a cougar, bald eagles, river otters, and plenty of butterflies. The botanical gardens were beautiful and everything was clearly marked and easy to navigate. The entire property is exceptionally well maintained. Clean restrooms at both the summit and wildlife center were an added bonus. I arrived around 10:30 a.m. and left shortly after noon, which gave me plenty of time to see everything at a comfortable pace. You could easily spend longer if you enjoy hiking or lingering at the exhibits. As someone escaping the summer heat in Charlotte, the cool mountain air alone was worth the drive. If you're visiting western North Carolina, put Grandfather Mountain on your bucket list. The scenery, wildlife, organization, and educational experience make it one of the best attractions in the region. There's a big world out there to explore. This is one place that's absolutely worth the trip. read more
6 months ago
Nice park and mountain, but $37 PER PERSON? With NO signage/pricing posted anywhere ... yikes I could understand for something like Yosemite or Yellowstone, but just a state park ...tough pill to swallow especially when it's not posted anywhere. I was planning to hike with some friends and we were going to start at one of the other lots but the roads were closed leaving us no choice but to enter the park. I really just wish the pricing/fees were posted somewhere-anywhere- because they weren't online or on the park signs out front. Had to pull up to the gate/window and even then the park ranger seemed to want to withhold that information as long as possible. The actual park is beautiful and well maintained- and you do get an audio guide plus map upon entry. But the lack of transparency here is a hard no for me. @azfitfoodfun read more
I bought tickets ahead of time which I highly recommend because it can congested at the entrance. If you don't buy tickets online, you have to park and go inside and the parking lot isn't very big. The general admission ticket gives you access to the Discovery Museum, gift shops, wildlife habitats, and up to the top to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. When we first got there, the top wasn't open due to strong winds so we did the Discovery Museum and Wildlife Habitats first. That was really cool, they have 2 mountain lions, 2 black bears, 2 bald eagles, 2 elk, and 1 otter. We came at the right time because it was feeding time for the mountain lions which was neat to see. The otter was my second favorite. We got lunch at the restaurant there and it was good, I did the chicken tenders meal which came with fries and a drink. After lunch, we were told the top opened up which was perfect so we got to go up to the Mile High Bridge and there's another gift shop up there. It was so cool and there's also multiple hiking trails all over the site itself. I got a coffee mug as a souvenir. Such a cool place, highly recommend it! read more
Pretty amazing views and a nice hike that was rated as strenuous but I think it really wasn't that bad. If you have kids who are used to hiking it shouldn't be too challenging. Their pricing to get in is rather steep, so if you can park in an alternate lot and walk over, that's probably your best bet. The park is rather big and includes a small zoo with bears, otters, bald eagles, and more! read more
Lived here in North Carolina for so many years and just found out about this mountain. We came here for the bridge. I must say I recommend it! I just wish the admission was cheaper as I would love to come here often for the picnic and view.. read more
9 months ago
We visited during peak season, so admission came to $69.38, which is definitely on the pricey side -- but honestly, we felt it was worth it. This isn't like going to a random unmanned park. The property is very well maintained and staffed. There are bathrooms, gift shops, restaurants, and plenty of staff around if you need help or directions, which made the experience feel more organized and comfortable. There are a few different trails to choose from -- we did two of them and had a great time. The views are absolutely beautiful and make the hiking well worth the effort. They also have a small wildlife "zoo" area on site. We didn't go through that portion because it isn't pet-friendly -- but the rest of the mountain and trails are pet friendly, which is a huge plus for us when traveling with Luna. Overall, yes -- it's a splurge, especially in peak season -- but between the views, trail options, amenities, and overall experience, we'd definitely go back. read more
If you're anywhere close to Grandfather Mountain and have never visited this area it's definitely worth your time. We arrived mid morning the skies were clear and the temperatures were absolutely perfect for some moderate hiking to the top. The views are spectacular and fortunately there weren't very many people here during our visiting which made access to the mile high swinging bridge that much better. I was a little surprised by the amount of access available after crossing the foot bridge, the improved path ended and although the hiking became a little riskier they allow you to climb the rock shelves which a maze of fairly steep boulders that you can transverse at your own risk - there are no steps or handrails and it can be a little intimidating to some but if you're up for it, it's well worth the effort. We were given a flash drive to plug into our radio at the entrance for the audio tour up the mountain which allows you explore everything at your own pace stopping and starting the audio tour as needed. This is really a well put together attraction and definitely worth the price of admission there's something interesting around every curve with plenty of places to pull over and get out of your vehicle to take it all in. The facilities and ammenties are well taken care of and the staff is amazing and work hard to ensure you enjoy the experience. I'm sure I only saw a glimpse of what's available in the few hours we were here so it's a place I'd return to again and again... read more
Despite the colder than expected weather and the wind, my wife and I had a great time exploring Grandfather Mountain. The park is so nicely maintained, well mark, and cleared hiking trails for all skill levels. The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is an amazing add on with so much fun, and educational info for all ages. The Wilson center also has a cafe, offering reasonably priced "ball park" cuisine, well maintained bathrooms and a souvenir shop. Next to the Wilson Center is the Mildred The Bear Environmental Habitats where you can get up close and learn about some of the species that call this area home. Consider it a miniature zoo with habitats for some animals needing rehab. We were able to see some bears, bald eagles, river otters, and elk, OH MY! Each area had signs posted for ranger talks, which we caught for the river otters. They tell you about the animals, and and answer any questions people have. After exploring the Wilson Center and habitats, we continued our trek up on the mountain to the swing bridge, and that's when the wind really kicked in...with wind gusts, the temp dropped quickly, with a wind chill of -9degrees, but we trudged on, and made the most of it. In the end, we had a great time, and look forward to returning to explore more of the trails. Based on other reviews, some may feel that the $35 ticket price per person may be a bit much at the main entry, but it's a small cost of maintaining such an amazing resource. If you enjoy being outside, hiking, and exploring, this is a must visit NC destination read more
Definitely a must visit when you're in Boone! It's ~$30 for a day pass, but it's worth it. We drove to the very top and walked to the overlook, which has some beautiful views; there's also a gift shop there. Then, we drove down to the animal conservatory, where there were bears, eagles, elk, and otters. There were also keeper talks at regular intervals with fun tidbits about all the animals. Lots of things to do with family and friends! Amazing ambiance, service not applicable. Lots of free parking everywhere. 10/10 would recommend! read more
1 month ago
First off, it is a wonderful nature area, yet with a new gathering place, a building with a gift shop, large cafe, and many nature displays in two large rooms. There is the Mile High Bridge which is not a mile from the top of the ground below to the bridge, but the mile is the elevation. Lots of time and space to explore nature, to look around the natural enclosures for elk, a bear, and even the majestic bald eagle. Even after all that, I took one (1) star off due to the cost, which was $30 per person for seniors. NOTE that it is best to pay in advance online and go through the entrance gates in less than a minute if there are no vehicles in front of you. NOTE ALSO this is Grandfather Mountain itself where it overlooks the meadow way below where the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are held each year. read more
4 months ago
Grandfather Mountain can be a cool stop but be ready to pay a premium price tag . Knocking a star off for the steep pricing of a natural wonder. It's best to purchase tickets online because you have to reserve a time and you can apply discounts online only. An adult single ticket ranges from $20 - $30 depending on how busy the park is . As of September 2024 , they categorize the pricing by : Peak Day - Adult Admission = $30.00 Mid-Level Day - Adult Admission = $25.00 Base Day - Adult Admission = $20.00 You also have to reserve a time so the park can better manage crowds. If you buy online you can apply discounts like AAA , senior and military . Your admission includes a CD or usb drive that you can listen to as you drive through the park . Once inside the park you have access to the swinging bridge and gift shop , wilson center for nature discovery ( museum ), the wildlife habitats and hiking trails . If you are Mobility challenged there is an elevator available to take you to the top of the mountain to access the swinging bridge (it's inside the gift shop). If you are a pressed penny collector , there's a machine inside both the gift shop at the swinging bridge and the Wilson center for nature discovery . If you are a passport stamp collector , sadly the park NO LONGER offers the stamp for the NC State Parks Passport which is asinine IMHO . The ladies in the gift shop stated they used to have a stamp but no longer do . The reason they explained is the touristy parts of grandfather mountain are privately owned and not within the state park . The hiking trails and less touristy parts are within the state park . Does not make sense not to offer the stamp at the gift shop or discovery center since these spots are the most logical place to store it as hubs for visitors . Knocking a star off for this . One more critique : inside the discovery center is a theatre . The park totally missed the mark on this as they show a literal promotional video / ad to visitors who obviously have already paid to visit ! This makes no sense . We were hoping it would be an educational video of the history of the park . They could even offer a video on the best hiking trails , what not to miss , highlight the animals etc . Visitors don't want to watch a video that just features random people saying " I am grandfather mountain " it's weird and doesn't add to the visitor experience . The highlight of the visit was the wildlife habitats . The habitats are home to bears , elk , otters , eagles and cougars . DO make sure to find out the time of the ranger talks . Through the ranger talks , not only do you get to learn about the individual wildlife living here but you get to watch enrichment and see the furbabies engage . Watching an adult cougar attack a roll of toilet paper will be something you'll never forget ! Too cute ! For food : there are snacks inside the gift shop at the swinging bridge and there is a very casual restaurant called Mildred's Grill inside the Wilson center for nature discovery . To really make the most of your visit I recommend planning to spend most of the day here between the bridge , ranger talks , discovery center and hiking trails. And go on a weekday so it is less crowded . read more
2 years ago
Sunday, Tony Vanoy and I went to Grandfather Mountain Mile High Bridge and Animal Habitate. It cost $25 per adult. It is advised to buy your tickets only, but you can buy at the entrance gate. I was able to drive over 5,000 feet up the winding road. It took my breathe because there is no guard rails. In fact, once I went to leave the upper parking lot, I hesitated at the top. It was like being in the front seat of a Rollercoaster. It was a little overwhelming for a second, but I took a deep breathe and here we go!!! I wish I video taped that!! We climbed the stairs to the upper deck to walk out to the Aluminum Metal material Mile High Bridge & the large climbing rocks..it was extremely exhilarating!! There is a Gift shop and restroom in the building I highly recommend you go here, definitely a new buckey list trip off my list! read more
We love grandfather mountain! 4 stars because it is expensive at $28/person and only offers a veterans discount of $3 off - and veterans discount tickets must be purchased online. Other than that, the swinging bridge is incredible, getting to walk out onto open cliff face is super cool, and we loved taking my parents here to see views they would not otherwise have access to. The gift shop is super cute and reasonably priced. The hiking trails are really great, and we really enjoyed the challenge of the ladders. We love visiting the zoo - the bears, elk, otters and eagles are really unique and captivating to see. Overall we will continue to visit, but wish the entry prices would come down a bit, at least for locals, and particularly while the profile trail remains closed. read more
This is a paid private park just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. So the question at hand is whether it's worth paying for. Not really, in my estimation. For one thing, when I actually went online and bought a ticket, I never received the ticket in email. And when I got there, they had a database and my name wasn't in it. Thankfully, I saved the confirmation page and they let me in. My card was definitely charged. Ultimately, I received confirmation of my ticket purchase four days later. Given how they emphasize that they want you to prepurchase timed tickets online to manage capacity and speed entry, I would expect the system to actually work. So what does paying the robust entry fee get you? The suspended bridge is cool if you can handle heights. There's a couple of modestly sized museums. There's a bit of an outdoor zoo, but unfortunately most of the animals, while they seemed well taken care of, did not seem to be interested in presenting themselves for photography. I stopped in for the movie which was playing in their museum, but it was basically a tourism ad with little content of interest, which was bizarre in the sense that there is no need to advertise to people who are already there. A ranger talk I caught was quite brief, only fifteen minutes or so. There were some substantial trails; depending on how far you want to hike, you could theoretically enter the state park for free and walk up this way. Don't get me wrong, the sights are grand. Spectacular, really. Thing is, the sights are also fantastic from any number of other spots along the parkway that do not charge anything. Paying to get in here gets some amenities that didn't add a ton in my book, as well as a lot of crowded spots with dubious touristy behavior. I would recommend heading to the national park land on the parkway or numerous state parks in the vicinity. read more
3 years ago
2nd highest mountain in NC I think. Because of the swing bridge, it is very popular spot for tourists. Summer time is very crowded but once weather is colder and wind speed pick up, there are much less people. I wish there are snow and ice at 5000ft. But NC haven't been snowing much last 2 years that the winter view is missing some white. Swing bridge is fun, when it is windy it does move and sway a little bit. Plenty of spots for pictures. Visitor center, gift shop and bathroom is in Wilson center in the middle of the mountain road. There is nothing at the peak so be ready read more
1 year ago
The drive to Grandfather Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful scenic drives I've ever experienced. I enjoyed taking it a step further by driving into the Grandfather Mountain park and hiking over the mile-high swinging bridge for the majestic views and seeing the small zoo on-site. A good pit stop for families as there is a restaurant, bathrooms and a small kid-friendly exhibit inside. Lots of tourists from all over. The drive to the top is kind of nerve-wracking so just use a low gear and take your time. Going down felt easier. Entrance fee is about $30, which I think is a lot for this 1-2 hour visit. read more
2 years ago
Love this place. We got to see bears, an Eagle, a pair of Cougars, a River Otter and an Elk. Definitely worth visiting if you are in North Carolina. read more
6 months ago
Incredibly beautiful place with surreal landscapes and impressive rock outcrops. Included in the cost of admission is your choice of CD or USB that provides a well-narrated tour of the park. There are multiple stops along the way to the top where you can pull off for a scenic photo. We went straight to the upper parking lot where you can access the swinging bridge and short walk to the summit. There's a quaint little gift shop, photo gallery, and restrooms at the upper lot. It was extremely windy when we first arrived so the bridge was closely. Apparently it's not unusual... fortunately, the staff opened the gate when the wind subsided. Highly recommend the Grandfather Trail Loop. It's a 1.2-mile loop and rated as a moderate hike on All Trails. It's an incredibly unique hike that takes you past all sorts of interesting rock formations. Bring good hiking shoes and trekking poles as the trail can get muddy/slippery on a wet day. There's one section where you may have to grab on to a fixed line on a steep grade going up or down the trail depending on the direction of travel (up for counter-clockwise loop and down for clockwise loop). read more
Visited Grandfather Mountain with friends. The views were breathtaking. Once you park your car you take a small hike to the bridge. Cross the bridge and enjoy the view. There's hiking trails for all level of hikers. It was cold the day I visited but it was well worth it. read more
1 year ago
This place was amazing has a little hike but if you dont want to hike you can also drive! They also have a mini zoo! read more
3 years ago
OMG what an amazing experience at grandfather mountain. From the sights to the staff to the views we were in LaLa mountain land. First time hike for us so by asking tons of questions the staff were especially helpful. Reservations are required at the entrance of each trail to make sure they log all hikers that are out. We chose the grandfather loop. An approx 4 mile hike around the summit and midway takes you to their infamous mile high swinging bridge, a fabulous tourist attraction that takes you across grandfather summit to enjoy their spectacular 360 degree views. The grandfather is a good hike however beware if you're a novice as it can get challenging at times. We came across some families wearing crocs....a definite no no if you're not wanting any injuries. I cannot wait to return it was worth every minute hugging the clouds at grandfather mountain. read more
5 years ago
While most state parks in NC are free, this one is not. Not only is it not free, it costs $22/person for adults. This seems incredibly expensive to me. The hours aren't great either. Most of the year they don't open until 9am. In the summer they open at 8am. As someone who likes to start early to beat the crowds, this isn't ideal. We went on a weekday morning last fall and it was a zoo. The mile high swinging bridge is cool, but also attracts most of the crowds. The crowds die off on most of the other trails. I'd recommend avoiding the main part of the park and hiking the Profile Trail to Calloway Peak. It starts at a different location and you don't have to pay. It's also much less crowded. read more
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Lauren C.
Hi, Jacqueline! We are glad that you visited Grandfather Mountain.…
3 years ago
Grandfather Mountain Getting up here was the hard part. Deep drops and curvy roads with small cement paths! Seriously. Are you people trying to terrify us? Really! Expand the roads, etc. Really! Even in CA, the roads are a little bigger through the mountains. Besides the crazy roads, the store up here is great. Good to know you don't need to travel far for the bathroom and parking. The bridge is a simple walk away. NO killer hill to climb or steep walk through the jungles. Simple access. Some ideals: food shop or food truck! How about guard rails!!! OMG. Replace some walk panels on the bridge with glass. Everyone is doing this. Tennessee and Michigan bridges already have this glass. Very busy on holidays. I'm told on normal days, it's very light. Highly Recommended. read more
5 years ago
AAAAAAAHHHHHH-mazing! What a great view and experience right here in the Eastern United States. I had no idea we had mountains like this in NC. Be careful on your drive up the mountain very narrow and snakelike. Also be careful out on the rocks, as sh&t could indeed happen. There are no guardrails or fencing. It was crowded for a windy cold day early spring. I enjoyed watching people try to get pictures of their dogs out on the rocks. The dogs were not amused. There are plenty of trails and things to see and do. I enjoyed the animals tremendously. The little museum is going thru some renovations. Well groomed and they give you a little usb to plug into your car so you can get a guided tour and some info. LOVED IT. Do you know there was a scene in Forrest Gump that was filmed here? Now ya do! read more
5 years ago
If ever in North Carolina, make sure you take a visit to Grandfather Mountain. This beauty is home of the mile high swinging bridge which is 5,280 feet above sea level. Not only can you hike and view the bridge, but there is also a museum, fudge shop and you can view the animals in their natural habitat. Such an amazing experience, you can't miss out. The pictures do not do enough justice for nature's beauty! |Tips|: Purchase tickets in advance, view visiting hours, you can drive through mountain and audio is given to you to deceive as you drive up the trail, DRESS WARM (Audio mentions when you at the top temperature drops and feels like Canada), take pictures read more
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Lauren C.
Thank you for the wonderful review! We sincerely appreciate your…
4 years ago
Very touristy and busy and beautiful. Parking here was one of the most stressful experiences ever. I'd suggest you drive up if there's no spaces below. If you do that, though, you risk waiting in line. It's really over saturated to the point that it's hard to enjoy. The car listening option was actually cool. Just wish they could have made it more eco friendly- why did I pay so much and keep the recording? Not something I'd listen to again. The views are great. Nice map system. Great facilities like gift shop and bathroom. Hikes for all ages and skills. Very beautiful views. Excellently marked trails. The staff is a bit intense- if you are anywhere near the side of the road they track you down and ask you to move. Staff also at the beginning of the long hike to deter those who have unrealistic goals. They are nice but they are plentiful. Takes a bit from the nature. The accessibility of this park seems nice but when you couple it with the cost ($25 per person!) and crowd, it's not worth it to me. Always a fan of nature but this is definitely more of a business. read more
5 years ago
If you're driving the Blue Ridge Parkway - this is a must see place (along with the Linn Cove viaduct). Grandfather Mountain is one of the highest mountains on the East Coast and is very accessible by car. The park itself has a few things to do besides hiking trails - you can check out the Mile High Bridge and the animal sanctuary. The admission price is a little bit high though ($22 per adult) and you have to book tickets online before visiting since there may not be any tickets available at the gate. Overall, it's a beautiful area to visit if you're in North Carolina and you'll experience breathtaking views. Make sure to bring some warm clothes as it can be foggy, windy, and 40F even at the end of May. read more
Had a great time here yesterday! I haven't been here in over 20 years since I was a kid. So it was great to experience it again. They provide a CD or usb that provides a tour for you to listen to. We slowly drove to the top making photographic stops. I even made a snow man from some of the snow left on the ground. We stopped by to see some of the animals which we enjoyed. I even stopped in at the gift shop and bought myself a coffee mug. I loved the fact that it wasn't over crowded and had just the right amount of people. Once we made it to the top we quickly walked along the bridge and along the rocks further down to get some amazing views. It's such a cool, peaceful experience. I recommend anyone checking it out if you're in the area. read more
$100 for four of us and my husband had to stay in our 24' motorhome. The guy at the gate told us that there were staff members that would guide & tell us whether or not we'd be able to make it up and back. They weren't there so we parked at the lower parking lot and my daughter, her friend and I hiked up the moderate/vigorous 0.4 mile trail with a sign posted that said to be back to your vehicle by 5 because the trail will be closed. It was 4:45. My went up anyway as we figured they'd provide transport down. Otherwise, why would they sell tickets at 3:30, 4:30, etc? We made it up and it was extremely windy and busy. The gift shop has packed and the view from the bridge is beautiful. It's incredibly windy so be prepared with layers and protection for your baby and pets. We advised the store manager we needed to walk back down and wanted to verify the trail is ok. He became agitated and explained they have no shuttle service so take the trail but be fast. The store had a huge variety of trinkets & collectibles. read more
4 years ago
We've lived in the area for 3+ years... never been. Family was in town so we decided to take them up. WOW! Have we been missing out. We've attended The Highland Games, but have never been to the top or Swinging Bridge. Awesome views, clean facilities, good "museum/activity center", nice video, animal viewing area... All in all, we had a GREAT time and will return! read more
2 years ago
Grandfather Mountain is truly amazing. Despite the extremely unusually cold temperatures (in the 40s all day on May 30th!) we had a blast. We drove up and parked near the fudge shop. You walk past the Sphinx Rock and Split Rock to get from the parking to the fudge shop. It's a short walk to the animal habitats, museum, restaurant, and gift shop. We got some shirts as souvenirs, but we didn't get to try the delicious smelling food as we had lunch beforehand. We went on the Rhododendron Ramble tour which was super interesting. We made our way up to the next parking lot where you can access a lot of trails. We didn't know much about the park, and I hadn't done much hiking. We chose Blowing Rock Trail since it's moderate difficulty and 1 mile each way. It was challenging for me as a novice, but we made it and the views were worth it! That is where the attached pictures were taken. We would choose something shorter and/or easier if you have children, small dogs, or any mobility concerns. Unfortunately by the time we reached the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a misty rain was falling (it was 40 degrees, 28 mile an hour winds, and 30 degree wind chill!). We couldn't see much up that high! The Top Shop photo exhibit was really interesting, and they have another gift shop there, as well. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Love Grandfather Mountain! My parents have their second home in the area and Grandfather is a must visit every time I am in the area. I love their animal refuge center. Normally I see the bears and the otters but this time they were probably napping or attending to something out of visibility range. I did however get to see the cougar up close and personal, which was phenomenal! They are normally in hiding when I visit but this time around they made the trip worthwhile as they were the only animal to be seen. Also enjoyed the spectacular view from the top at the Mile High Swinging Bridge. I am a bit of a chicken little when it comes to heights so I did not cross it. I have already done that in 2013 so I can say I have done it once, which is enough for me- no need to unnecessarily risk my life a second time read more
This was neat, but beware of high admission costs ($20 per person with AAA discount). There is not necessarily $20 worth of things to do once you get there. Try to go early to beat crowds and get the most of your time at the park. Advance ticket purchase required during COVID19 and easy to do. Ask for hiking trails map at the gate, otherwise they won't give it to you. Drive all the way to the top first and do the swinging mile high bridge. The line will only get longer as the day progresses. Hikes are relatively intense, even at only 2-3 mile distances, so be prepared with proper hiking boots, plenty of water, and snacks. We unfortunately got rained out and because the trails are super rocky, it was too dangerous to hike in the rain due to slippery fall risk. read more
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More info about Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock Hwy
Linville, NC 28646
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(800) 468-7325
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https://grandfather.com
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Ask the Community - Grandfather Mountain
Is the mile high swinging bridge handicaps accessible?
Yes There is an elevator in the back of the gift shop and it's a pretty smooth path up to the swinging Bridge.…
Review Highlights - Grandfather Mountain
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