Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level
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PLanning Your Visit

Group Tours and Church Tours

Reservations Required

Reservations are essential. To make your visit more enjoyable, Grandfather Mountain will limit the number of groups visiting each day. Contact Kim Rupard at the Grandfather Mountain office at 800-468-7325 or 828-733-2013 as soon as possible to make sure your preferred date is available.

Groups pay by cash, check or credit card upon arrival. Purchase Orders will not be accepted.

Group Admission Rates
Group Adult $12
Group Child $5
Driver & Escort (for motor coach tours) FREE

 

Shuttle Service

Because sharp curves near the top of the mountain restrict commercial motor coaches and some school busses to the lower part of the mountain, Grandfather provides free shuttle service to the top in its own busses.

A $25 deposit is required 30 days in advance of the visit for groups which plan to use the mountain’s shuttle service. The deposit will be applied to your admission fee upon your arrival.

Hours (Ticket Sales End One Hour Before Closing)
Spring 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Summer 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fall 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Winter 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Days of Operation

Open Daily except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, weather permitting in winter.

Length of Stay

Average is 3 hours.  Approximately 1/2 hour to walk through the habitats, 1 hour in the theater/museum/shop, 1/2 hour at Mile High Swinging Bridge/Visitor Center, 1/2 hour lunch. The stay easily can be shorter or longer, depending on group size. The stay will be longer if the group asks for a habitat tour or naturalist program.

Food Service

The 100-seat Nature Museum Restaurant serves hot, tasty food at reasonable prices. Meals ordered in advance will be ready and waiting for you at the time that best fits into your schedule. Ask for a menu. A private dining room is also available.

The Mountain has over 100 picnic tables in scenic locations throughout the park, including a covered picnic area situated next to the Nature Museum. Your group is welcome to bring its own picnic, or our staff will be happy to prepare box lunches for you.

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What People Say…

" It was the first time for me to go to the mountains, so it was a awsome experiance! If you go it will be fun, but make sure to see the bears and otters. See the bridge -- AWSOME! Thanks for all your help to make my school trip a amazing trip!! "

Natascha

Westmoore Elementary School, NC