Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level

PLanning Your Visit

Reasons to Visit

Towering above Northwest North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is the region’s premier and most ecologically diverse nature preserve; a vast wild place, where knowledgeable guides and modern conveniences make a personal mountain adventure accessible to all.

One ticket price includes everything:

Guests purchase tickets (one ticket per person) and drive their own vehicles through the park, stopping along the way to enjoy a variety of activities.

Proceeds from your ticket are used to preserve and protect Grandfather Mountain for future generations:

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation which was established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest, and participate in educational and research activities. All proceeds from sales of tickets and souvenirs go toward caring for and presenting Grandfather Mountain in a manner that inspires good stewardship in others.

Main Attractions

  • Lofty altitude gives guests the exhilarating sense of being above the surrounding mountains
  • Beautiful mountain scenery
  • Mile High Swinging Bridge
  • Environmental Habitats for native wildlife
  • Black Bears, River Otters, Cougars, Eagles and Deer
  • Nature Museum
  • excellent exhibits about the natural history of the region
  • theater that shows nature movies made on the Mountain
  • restaurant and gift shop
  • South's best alpine hiking trails
  • More than 12 miles of regularly maintained trails ranging in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges.
  • Picnicking
  • Over 100 picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park. The picnic area located on the right about 1/3 mile up the summit road is equipped with a water fountain and restrooms.
  • Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic. Those who have not planned ahead can purchase fried chicken or sandwiches to go from the Museum restaurant.
  • Naturalist Programs
  • special activities, programs and guided tours with the Mountain's naturalists

Special Events

  • Nature Photography Weekend (weekend after Memorial Day)
  • Singing on the Mountain all day gospel sing (4th Sunday in June)
  • The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games & Gathering of the Scottish Clans (2nd full weekend in July)
  • Professional and Amateur Camera Clinic (third weekend in August)
  • Kidfest (2nd Saturday in September)

 
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What People Say…

"We recently visited Grandfather mountain. The experience was awesome. It was as if we were in a wonderland. It felt as though we visited a special place created by God. The mountains looked like as though god has sprinkled colors on them from the heavens. The best ever feeling in our lifetime. "

Padma

Morrisville, NC