Grandfather Mountain
North Carolina, NC, 28646
While Colorado has Pike’s Peak, North Carolina has Grandfather Mountain. Though the 5,946-foot (1,806-meter) peak would be an attraction enough in itself, Grandfather Mountain also has a mile-high swinging bridge, wildlife experiences, an on-site restaurant, a narrated scenic drive, and much more. Truly, this is one ancient mountain that has become a modern destination for all ages.
The basics
Think of Grandfather Mountain as like a miniature national park. Visitors go through the entrance gate—where they’re given audio-tour materials—and start their 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) climb up the mountain. Along the way are overlooks, picnic areas, gardens, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, and various wildlife habitats home to creatures like bears, cougars, elk, and more.
At the top, a maze of hiking and walking trails covers the mountainsides, but the most famous experience is crossing the mile-high swinging bridge. With so much to do, Grandfather Mountain is a great stop on any Blue Ridge Parkway tour, offering views that are just about as high as it gets east of the Mississippi River.
Things to know before you go
It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. All tickets are timed.
The Wilson Center includes a museum with interactive displays, a restaurant, a theater, a gift shop, and more.
The majority of the mountain, including the swinging bridge, is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
Bring a jacket if you’re ascending the mountain—it’s chillier and windier at the top.
How to get there
Most folks will visit Grandfather Mountain as part of a scenic drive down North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway—it’s about a mile off the parkway on US Highway 221. There’s plenty of on-site parking for those with tickets. Otherwise, another great way to visit is via organized tour: The mountain is often included on Blue Ridge Parkway tour itineraries.
When to get there
Grandfather Mountain is typically open every day of the year, save major holidays and during severe weather. However, the entire park—including trails and the swinging bridge—typically closes around 5pm. Since this is such a huge place to explore, aim to come early for a full day of experiences.
Drive the viaduct
The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is just off the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile (754-kilometer) scenic drive through North Carolina and Virginia. In fact, one of the parkway’s most famous scenes is just a few minutes from Grandfather Mountain’s entrance: The Linn Cove Viaduct, a snaking road hanging off the side of a mountain, clings to Grandfather Mountain himself. It’s a two-for-one special.
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