In 1992, Grandfather Mountain was accepted into the international network of biosphere reserves. Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge was built in 1952 at a cost of $15,000. Once inside the park there are numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, bar-b-que pits and grills (bring your own food! Here's the fall view of Grandfather Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway. See the mountain views from the Mile-High Swinging Bridge atop Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. The Woods Walk picnic area located on the right about 1/3 of a mile up the summit road has a water fountain and restrooms. Or you can take the ladders to MacRae Peak and take the Underwood Trail back (it's easier to go up the ladders than go down!). Park Entrance Street GPS Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646. Please note: the Grandfather Mountain attraction (Mile-High Swinging Bridge) is managed by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Several lofty alpine hiking trails begin from this parking area. The Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. It is about 50 yards from the building to the bridge, and a bench is located near the bridge. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast— Cost – $15,000— Dedicated – Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. The bridge doesn’t feel like it’s constantly swinging, but once you stop walking you can feel it lightly swaying back and forth. Yuri wanted to run on the bridge, but we stopped him, so that it wouldn’t disturb other people. Children under the age of four are always free. You should try to drive over the Linville gorge viaduct, which is the finishing piece of the blue ridge parkway. Also, take warmer clothing since it is often 20 degrees cooler on the summit than in Asheville. Grandfather’s Unique Ecology; Sustainability at Grandfather; History of the Mountain; Media; Connect. Drive to the ridgetop with a gift shop and the Swinging Bridge. To go to MacRae Peak, it's a butt-kicking two-mile round-trip hike. Each year, it attracts about 250,000 tourists who spend the day hiking, viewing animals, visiting the nature museum and picnicking. TicketsGrandfather Mountain is open daily, weather permitting, except Thanksgiving & Christmas Day. Linville, NC 28646. This bridge was a highlight in our Grandfather Mountain experience. Mile High Swinging Bridge. Being winter the hiking trails were closed. Guided tours and guided hikes with the Mountain's naturalists are available for an additional fee. While it is not as tall as Mt. Location About the Mile High Swinging Bridge The Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. A true landmark of a pioneering spirit, the Mile High Swinging Bridge welcomes all visitors to admire 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain. 2050 Blowing Rock Highway Mile 5.9 – Across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is the 4th named peak on Grandfather Mountain – Linville Peak (5,295 feet). Grandfather Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (elevation 5,946 ft.), is 70 miles from Asheville, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. An elevator gives visitors in wheelchairs access to the Bridge. The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway. Hiking the Summit TrailsMore than 12 miles of regularly maintained trails range in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges. The route follows the crest of Grandfather Mountain from the Hiker's Parking Area near the summit, about 2.4 miles to Calloway Peak (or do a shorter hike to MacRae Peak). You will definitely want to set aside the whole day for a trip there. About the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Located near the fun small town of Banner Elk, the longtime attraction has many things to do and see. This measure aims to help limit the number of guests in the park at one time, in accordance with the state of North Carolina's social gathering guidelines. If you are hiking at the top, park at the Black Rock parking area near the summit. It's a great spot for a picnic! Please visit their website for their current operating status. — Designed by – Charles Hartman Jr. of Greensboro, N.C.— Construction – Fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. The attraction side of the mountain, which includes the Mile High Swinging Bridge, is accessed via Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road. The new Top Shop provides elevator access to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, making the span accessible to people with disabilities for the first time. It begins as an easy stroll across the Watauga River and through the woods. This challenging hike is about 6.2 miles round-trip, gaining 1,800 ft. in elevation. Viewing areas give you an up-close perspective of the animals. Grandfather’s lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). Surveys show that the journey to the other side is always considered the highlight of a trip to Grandfather Mountain. Grandfather Mountain is a globally-recognized nature preserve and home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. After climbing down from MacRae Peak, continue on the Grandfather Trail about 1/4 of a mile to the Underwood Trail. Part or all of the attraction is sometimes closed due to frequently inclement weather in the late fall, winter, and spring. Purchase tickets at the gate. The bridge was rebuilt using the original towers. There is no charge for accessing the State Park from the trailheads here. The Linn Cove Viaduct is a 1,243 feet (379 m) long, concrete segmental bridge which snakes around Grandfather Mountain in western North Carolina.Completed in 1983 at a cost of $10 million, it was one of the last major construction projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway which runs 469 miles (755 km) linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. [COVID-19 Update: Grandfather Mountain is scheduled to be open during the summer and fall of 2020, but with certain limitations and protocols in place.For full details, see this article. Or continue for 1.5 miles to reach Calloway Peak, the highest point of Grandfather. At Grandfather Mountain, “Wonders Never Cease”. Location: Across from the Peddlin' Pig restaurant - GPS address is 4198 NC Highway 105 N, Banner Elk. It is built around the mountain and is an engineering marvel. The drive to Grandfather Mountain was a beautiful and amazing drive. See the latest on seasonal things to do and events in this High Country town with Grandfather Mountain, ski resorts, restaurants, Wildcat Lake, hiking, wineries, places to stay and more. Guests purchase tickets at the foot of the mountain and drive up the crooked drive. A true landmark of a pioneering spirit, the Mile High Swinging Bridge welcomes all visitors to admire 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain. Menu. The summit is known for extreme weather year-round including high winds (they set a record of 121 MPH in February 2019). Admission for adults (ages 13-59) is $22, seniors $18 and children (ages 4-12) $9 each. A favored activity at Grandfather Golf and Country Club is participating in weekly card games in the clubhouse. Bring your own picnic, or purchase hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, chicken tenders and more to go from Mildred's Grill restaurant at the Nature Museum. Located beside Sugar Mountain (elevation 5,236 feet) is the famous Grandfather Mountain (elevation 5,946 feet) with the popular mile-high swinging bridge. If you're looking for a challenge and hoping to escape the crowds at Grandfather Mountain, this is the hike for you. The mountain attractions are operated by a non-profit foundation and one ticket price includes everything. A aquarium-like area allows you to watch the playful otters above or below the water. To reach Grandfather's highest peak, continue to Calloway Peak for a five-mile round-trip trek. Travels through a spruce-fir forest, up and around rock walls and pinnacles, and through open meadows. What a great trip I had. Join the Bridge Club Enjoy greater access to the wonders of Grandfather Mountain, save on your visits, and help build a bridge to the future so that generations to come can experience nature and beauty the way we do today. The Mile-High Swinging Bridge is the highest suspension footbridge in America constructed so that people could enjoy the spectacular view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. The most scenic route is taking the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville (about 90 miles from downtown, allow 2.5 hours) to Milepost 305 - take the US 221 Highway/Linville exit just before the Linn Cove Viaduct. Cross the bridge to reach Linville Peak. Wildlife Habitats & Nature Museum Grandfather has environmental habitats for black bears, river otters, cougars, eagles and elk. The original Cherokee name for the mountain was “Tanawha,” meaning “a fabulous eagle.” It was named “Grandfather” by pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs. Grandfather Mountain is a popular tourist attraction located atop one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Top Shop has three floors with gift shop and snack bar. Allow two hours for this short hike packed with amazing scenery. Once inside the park there are numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, bar-b-que pits and grills (bring your own food! UN Biosphere ReserveIn 1971, the United Nations began a worldwide program designed to help land managers share scientific knowledge and practical experiences. At the stoplight turn left and follow US 221 North to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain (about 30 miles). Everyone traveling in western North Carolina should visit it once. William B. Umstead. Top Things to Do at Grandfather Mountain. The 360° degree panoramic views from the bridge are mesmerizing. This is probably the most iconic portion of the park! 163 reviews of Grandfather Mountain "Grandfather Mountain is a place that will take your breath away. 168 reviews of Grandfather Mountain "Grandfather Mountain is a place that will take your breath away. In addition to being one of the top scenic attractions in North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is recognized by the United Nations as a nature Biosphere Reserve of global importance. Read above for using this trail as an alternate return from MacRae Peak. Grandfather Mountain supports sixteen distinct ecological communities, each supporting its own unique web of life. However the bridge is only 80 feet above the gap between the parking lot and Linville Peak. This is a favorite photo opportunity for visitors, as is the breathtaking panoramic view it affords. […] The Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. For something sweet, check out the Fudge Shop! While geologists believe that Grandfather Mountain was formed about 300 million years ago, some of the rock formations on Grandfather Mountain are even older than the mountain itself, dating back 1.1 billion years. It was a blustery windy day as well as foggy the higher up into the mountain. Take Exit #85. And don't forget the camera! Whether you cross it to challenge yourself, for the scenery, or to admire this engineering masterpiece, the experience will make your trip to Grandfather complete. Hugh Morton inherited Grandfather Mountain in 1952 with a dream of creating the Mile High Swinging Bridge, according to Our State. The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. Underwood TrailSplitting off the Grandfather Trail near the half mile marker, the Underwood Trail bypasses ladder climbs on MacRae Peak, rejoining the Grandfather Trail at MacRae Gap, about a mile out. It is Grandfather's abrupt rise above the valley floor that causes the change in elevation and climate conditions that supports such a diversity of life. Today the Bridge thrills visitors with its mile-high elevation. The park entrance fee is a little high, about $15 dollars per vehicle, but they do offer AAA discounts. Grandfather Mountain has long been a popular North Carolina destination. Special activities and programs with the Mountain's naturalists are presented daily during the summer months and included in the admission. The Grandfather Mountain attraction borders on Grandfather Mountain State Park. Mile High Swinging Bridge — As the name suggests, the Mile High Swinging Bridge is a mile above sea level and offers you a thrilling platform for admiring the 360-degree panoramic views at Grandfather Mountain. The mile-high swinging bridge has been in place since 1952 and offers 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain. Follows the length of Grandfather Mountain's summit ridge from the Attraction area near the Swinging Bridge to the summit of Calloway Peak. Mitchell, it offers more rugged terrain and dramatic vistas from its rocky summit. The bridge has been in place since 1952, and for just as long it’s excited the thousands who’ve walked across with the thrills of mile-high elevation. For more things to do in the area and places to stay, go to our Banner Elk Guide. Grandfather Mountain is a globally-recognized nature preserve and home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. I loved that upon entry to park they give you a CD to listen to as you drive to the top with information and history at points during your drive. The top section is very strenuous and rocky as you reach Calloway Peak (5,946 ft.) with breathtaking views. The bridge has been in place since 1952 — and for just as long it’s excited the thousands who’ve walked across with the thrills of mile-high elevation. Take hiking shoes with a good grip since you will be walking on rocky surfaces. The bridge is at an exact elevation of 5,280 feet, or 1 mile. While many choose to drive to the summit and take it all in, even the drive can be a bit stomach dropping. — Redesigned by – Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C.— Rebuilt by – Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville, N.C.— Cost of rebuilding – $300,000, © 2021 GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN : Wonders Never Cease. Our favorite hike is going out along Grandfather Trail and returning along Underwood Trail. From witnessing the black bears, to walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge – there’s plenty of easily accessible adventure here. Special Information. What to do at Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge. The name ”Mile High Swinging Bridge” was framed by former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. 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. Arrive by 11 AM if you plan to get in some hiking, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing views. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and go one mile to a stoplight. One of the mountain’s best-known pastimes is a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Banner Elk is a quaint mountain village between the, The first alpine coaster in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains opened in, Opening day for 2020 is November 21st!The village of, Find Updates and Reopenings in Asheville & Western North Carolina. 2020 UPDATE: Due to COVID-19, Grandfather Mountain is requiring that guests book their visit in advance through their online reservation system. Attractions there include the mile high swinging bridge, the nature museum, wildlife walking and habitat viewing, and more. The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. There are several hiking trails at Grandfather, but once you cross the bridge, you mainly just have an amazing view of the Linville gorge. The backcountry of Grandfather is now a North Carolina State Park. As America’s highest suspension footbridge, the Bridge was actually built to provide visitors easy access to the inspiring view from the Grandfather Mountain … While guests will still be able to enjoy Grandfather Mountain’s many wonders, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge, environmental wildlife habitats and hiking, the park will be operating in a modified capacity to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot. Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Free admission to the Grandfather Mountain State Park trails is also available from locations outside of the tourist attraction. Picnics More than 100 picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park. Just down the mountain a bit are environmental habitats and nature museum. Here's the fall view of Grandfather Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Scottish GamesDon't miss the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Receive Our Newsletter; Grandfather Mountain Videos; Reviews Surveys show that the journey to the other side is always considered the highlight of a trip to … Guests at the attraction may access the State Park trail system from the Swinging Bridge. Quite often, fog and clouds cover the summit. When you reach MacRae Peak, climb a short ladder to get atop the rock for 360-degree views. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is the central attraction at Grandfather Mountain. The park entrance fee is a little high, about $15 dollars per vehicle, but they do offer AAA discounts. There is an elevator making it accessible for all and a gift shop at the top. Grandfather TrailAn upper mountain ridge trail of astonishing variety, running in and out of wind-dwarfed spruce and fir, across or around rock walls and pinnacles, and into open spaces with views of mountains unfurling in every direction. The bridge is a mile above sea level and America’s highest suspension footbridge. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge. Everyone traveling in western North Carolina should visit it once. The Mile High Swinging Bridge has captured imaginations since Grandfather Mountain’s original owner, Hugh Morton, installed the suspension bridge in 1952 across a chasm near the peak. All guests and passholders planning a trip to Grandfather Mountain must now purchase their tickets or book a reservation online. What is Grandfather Mountain? Follow the Underwood Trail back to the Swinging Bridge. There are chutes where progress is hand-over-hand and some extra steep sections where you use in-place cables and ladders. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Profile TrailThis popular trail to the top of Grandfather Mountain begins from N.C. Highway 105, near the intersection with N.C. 184 in Banner Elk. The trail makes a steep, rocky loop under the crest line around Raven Rock Cliffs. Admittance fees are charged at the main gate. Club members have the opportunity to enjoy various Bridge games among the company of good friends and make new connections over some friendly … Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. Grandfather Mountain Highlands Region | Linville & Avery County. It’s a truly awe inspiring attraction that’s just close enough to make it a reasonable day trip activity. Phone 828-733-4326 for reservations. It gives you amazing views everywhere you turn. Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name ” Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. Now Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. Located near the fun small town of Banner Elk, the longtime attraction has many things to do and see. This 220 foot suspension bridge over an 80 foot wide cleft will take you up to Linville Peak for a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and mountains. An alternative to taking the ladders up MacRae Peak (5,845 feet) is to opt for the more sheltered Underwood Trail. Getting ThereThe fastest route (70 miles) from Asheville is taking I-40 East to Marion, NC. A short drive from the Parkway on US 221 South is the park entrance.

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