Teenager's "Dream Comes True" Crossing The Mile High Swinging Bridge

Luke Wilcox of Vilas, NC realized a dream recently when the elevator in the new Top Shop made it possible for for him to cross the Swinging Bridge in his wheelchair. Luke had not crossed the bridge in several years since he became too large for his parents to carry up the 50 stairs between the parking lot and the bridge. Read more.

Bark Siding On Ticket Booths Celebrates Grandfather Mountain's Heritage

Architect Henry Bacon was the first to use Chestnut bark shingles as siding, and the first application was on a home he designed for the family that opened Grandfather Mountain to the public. The Great American Chestnut tree has been extinct since the 1930s, but the use of poplar bark as siding has had a great resurgence in the Linville area during the past decade. Read more about it.

Designers, Contractors and Grandfather Mountain Staff Reflect on the Task of Building A Mile Above Sea Level

When the project started builders hoped to have the Top Shop completed in a year, but the challenges of mile-high construction set in and the building did not get "in the dry" before the first winter. Interior work did progress during the second winter...on the few days when carpenters could reach the summit. But now the job is complete and the designers and builders can look back with nostalgia. Read more about it.