Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level
Mile High Swinging BridgeWildlife HabitatsNature Walks & Hiking TrailsConservation & InterpretationPlanning Your VisitCalendar of Events

PLanning Your Visit

Reasons to Visit

Grandfather Mountain is:

  • The highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (elevation 5,964 ft)
  • The Mountain is privately owned and is operated as
  • a scenic travel attraction
  • a globally recognized nature preserve

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.

Main Attractions

  • Beautiful mountain scenery
  • Mile High Swinging Bridge
  • Environmental Habitats for native wildlife
  • Black Bears, Bear cubs, 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 naturalist are available for an additional fee

Special Events

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

 
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What People Say…

" We just love coming to Grandfather Mountain. People always talk about the beaches but you can't even compare the two. Once you been to Grandfather you will be hooked for life. Just a peacefull place to spend the day with family and friends. "

Carrie

Winston Salem, NC