Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level

PLanning Your Visit

Before you Visit

What to wear

You will enjoy your visit most when you are dressed in blue jeans or other casual pants and athletic or walking shoes. We recommend that you bring layers of clothing, such as a jacket or sweater, just in case it is cooler than you expected when you get to the top. Having a water-proof slicker of some kind in the car is never a bad idea in the mountains as our weather can change quickly.

Safety Tips

Do not wear slick-sole shoes or shoes with heels when walking on the cliffs or boulders.

When you arrive

When you arrive you will purchase your tickets at the entrance gate and drive your own vehicle through the park. Setting your own pace, you may stop at overlooks and picnic spots along the way to the Nature Museum and animal habitats (half way up the Mountain) and the Mile High Swinging Bridge (at the summit). Although your visit can be as long or as short as you choose, we recommend that you budget at least 2.5 to 3 hours to see it all.

Motor Homes & Hinged Vehicles

No motor homes longer than 28 feet in length are allowed through the entrance gate.

No hinged vehicles are allowed through the entrance gate. Guests who wish to unhitch trailers and leave them at the entrance gate may drive through in the tow vehicle.

No Walking or Biking on the Summit Road

Due to the steep grades and curves in the roadways, walking on the roadways is not permitted. Bicycling is not permitted on the roadways or on the trails.
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What People Say…

" I have visited several mountain peaks in the area and Grandfather Mountain was my favorite. The landscape is awesome. The hikes was like none I have ever been on. The bridge was a experience in itself. You have to see it for yourself to appreciate the splendor there. "

Lisa

Bristol, TN