Sights & Sounds

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Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain, near Linville, North Carolina, is famous for its "Mile High Swinging Bridge," panoramic vistas, wildlife, and superb alpine hiking. A wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve, it is the only privately-owned park in the world designated by the United Nations as an international biosphere reserve.

While geologists believe that Grandfather Mountain was created about 730 million years ago, some of the rock formations on Grandfather Mountain are even older than the mountain itself, dating back 1.1 billion years. The original Cherokee name for the mountain was "Tanawha," meaning "a fabulous hawk or eagle." It was named "Grandfather" by pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs.

Visitors are drawn to Grandfather Mountain's seven "environmental habitats," large enclosed areas in which animals live in their natural surroundings, yet are more visible than in the wild. These habitats are home for black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, golden eagles, and white-tailed deer. A Nature Museum houses exhibits about the natural history of the region and a theater that shows nature movies made on the Grandfather Mountain.

A highlight of a visit to Grandfather Mountain is crossing the "Mile High Swinging Bridge," a 228-foot suspension bridge that spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. This is a favorite photo opportunity for visitors, as is the breathtaking panoramic view it affords. Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks. A permit is required for hiking. Special events are scheduled throughout the spring and summer months. Pets on a leash are welcome.

Hours of Operation

Spring: 8 am - 6 pm
Summer: 8 am - 7 pm
Fall: 8 am - 6 pm
Winter: 9 am - 5 pm

Ticket sales end one hour before closing. The Nature Museum closes one hour before the rest of the preserve.

Admission Fees

Adults (ages 13-59):$ 15
Seniors (ages 60+): $13
Children (ages 4-12): $7
Children under 3: free

Groups of 20 or more are asked to phone for reservations (800-468-7325).

Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. Contact directly for most current information.

Location

Grandfather Mountain is located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville, NC, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 305).

Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC 28646
800-468-7325