The State Park is located adjacent to our nature preserve that is home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, Wildlife Habitats and Nature Museum, which is owned by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. We would like to visit in late June. Grandfather Mountain State Park trails connect to the Asutsi Trail, 0.4 miles, and the Tanawha Trail, 13 miles. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. } Not enough room and it's almost best if they were put down instead of being rescued and put in this environment. On weekends, tickets will only be available online. } We leave for 2 weeks in Europe on Thursday, starting and ending in London where I grew up. The road also passes Westglow and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, two interesting historical spots. They are separated from views by nets, moats, or high retaining walls. Embark on a Family River Expedition, unlike any other in the Americas! Growing up, she spent a lot of time with him, so it was special to see . There is an admission fee to enter the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Your tickets will be valid for 1 hour after the selected entry time to allow for traffic, etc. . You can get two free airline tickets when you book a stay with Villas of Distinction. Beware there are 7 ladders (almost straight vertical to get up some big rocks) and a couple of cables. As others have noted YOU MUST BUY TICKETS ONLINE - in advance of your planned visit. Book Your Reservation Today. The park is open during all other holidays. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Bridge Clubmembers will continue to receive complimentary admission, per their membership agreement, and are notrequired to book a time-slot. Once inside the park, you will be unrestricted as to the amount of time you wish to spend. Click here to see daily rates & book your visit. Opening dates, availability and operating procedures are subject to change. To get to the mile high swinging bridge you can take the stairs or use the elevator. Morton made improvements to the trail that led to the top of Grandfather Mountain and led the construction of the 228-foot Mile-High Swinging Bridge. A lock icon or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. There is an additional $3 cancellation fee to cancel a reservation, so it costs $6 to cancel per site per night. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { } ); The sheer size can seem overwhelming, and we hope our guide helps you navigate this iconic attraction. The bridge itself is really narrow. 3. Please check the local forecast (Linville, NC 28646) prior to making travel decisions. they give you an audio guide for the drive up the mountain which is informative, and let you know that there is a LOT there. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. The park is very well maintained. Even my wife who doesnt like suspension bridges was glad that she did it, even though there was a 20 mph wind when we crossed one way and 40 mph wind on the way back. You may also access the state park trails for day hikes from our Black Rock Parking Area just below the summit. The acquisition was arranged with the help of The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy, which holds conservation easements on the mountain covering nearly 4,000 acres (read more). Grandfather Mountain State Park is currently accepting applications for 2023 seasonal positions. A very limited number of tickets may be available at the entrance gate drive-through booths during weekday hours. Asheville Ideas Fest 2023 June of 2022 was a watershed moment: 450 friends from around the country came together with world-class thinkers and doers like Fareed Zakaria, Jon Meacham and Gov. Tickets may be moved to a date within the same price tier. #right-sidebar { 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. Adult: $22 They have a few enclosures where you can see black bears, bald eagles, elk, otters, mountain lions. Biography submission guide. The website is pretty easy to use. Ticketholders are also welcome to gift their passes to friends or family. It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has . Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park . Senior (age 60+): $20 Dates: March 29, 2023. The MacRae family led the Linville Improvement Company, which included projects such as Yonahlossee Road between Linville and Blowing Rock. Arriving at the gate will not guarantee admission. padding-left: 10px !important; Grandfather Mountain State Park Camping Make a Camping Reservation Find and book a campsite online at ncparks.gov/reservations or call: 1-877-722-6762 Available Camping Facilities Backcountry Backpack Camping and Group Camping Camping is allowed with a permit at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail system, including the Hi-Balsam Shelter. Nowhere in the New World is there a place more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than the home of America's grandest Highland GamesGrandfather Mountain, North Carolina. During the busier times of year, we also offer daily nature programs, an eco-friendly fudge shop and special events, also all included with admission. Ceud mile failte to you and your family as you join us in celebrating the history of our Scottish ancestry and cheer as you watch the clans compete on MacRae Meadows . To see Grandfather Mountains Wildlife Habitats, youll park in the same lot as the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Member of Southern Highlands . The Friends of High Country State Parks promotes, supports, and advocates for Grandfather Mountain, Elk Knob, and New River state parks, and Mount Jefferson State Natural Area through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} An error occurred on this page that requires attention. No kidding! About Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather Mountain is a mountain, a non-profit attraction, and a North Carolina state park near Linville, North Carolina. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Thank you so much for the fantastic review! Senior (age 60+): $20 AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card) Military get a $2 discount and seniors get $1 off the $22 admission cost. Li. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 15.64 million. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} We do limit our total number of guests in the park due to the COVID-19 restrictions. However, it's worth noting that our admission fee is actually $22 per adult and $9 per child, along with various discounts offered for senior citizens, military, AAA, etc. ), How to Find Wisemans View of the Linville Gorge Wilderness, 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Boone (within 2 Hours), 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), Setrock Creek Falls at the Foot of Mount Mitchell (How to Reach this Gorgeous Waterfall! Buy Tickets. In addition to our use of MacRae Meadows, the GMSF supplies direct assistance with important activities for our Games each year. It is a bit pricey, however, it is a day trip and they provide a CD with a tour to guide you through the mountain. This is a well maintained out-and-back trail with 960 feet of elevation gain. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Please contact us for special arrangements beyond one year from your ticket purchase date. padding-right: 10px !important; If you want to move to a date in a different price tier, simply request a refund and then purchase new tickets. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the world's most diverse nature preserves. The mountain has a long proud heritage of private ownership, and they have done a good job to accentuate the views and nature at every opportunity. We actually felt sad for the confined male elk that was bugling. You do need to purchase tickets ahead and pick an entry time. Be sure and get the booklet at the start of your visit because a lot of the question pertain to things you see in discovery center or animal habitats. Linville, NC 28646. If you book a discounted ticket for AAA or military, you must show your AAA card or military ID at the gate. Ticketholders are also welcome to gift their passes to friends or family. Learn about the natural history, flora, fauna, geology, and weather phenomena on the mountain. We looked forward to the Wildlife Habitats however when we arrived at 9 AM most of the habitats were closed for cleaning. These benefits are available on your membership but are not available for redemption online at this time. We decided to arrive when they first open at 8am. Unused tickets will be valid for one (1) year from the original visitation date printed on the tickets. Again, thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. Heres a quick individual breakdown of each rock: The acclaimed movie Forrest Gump used locations across the United States, but a critical scene was filmed in North Carolina! looking down a vertical ladder is going to be a lot togher) then go DOWN using the Underwood trail (only 2 ladders). Be aware though that to access those overlooks you have to climb up large rocks via a ladder and/or cable. The animal exhibits were not impressive at all. This area is a more rugged hiking experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646 1-800-468-7325. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. Afterward, visitors began arriving via Yonahlossee Road to climb Grandfather Mountain. The state park offers spots for picnicking, camping and hiking. However, Grandfather Mountain will honor the monetary value of one's ticket(s) for a future visit. Hotels near Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Linville. We also took the time to have lunch at Mildred's Grill. You can also access the Grandfather Trail from the Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads via the Profile Trail (western side) or the Daniel Boone Scout Trail (eastern side). for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. The top 10 for 2022 (numbers are rounded): 1. Please contact us for special arrangements beyond one year from your ticket purchase date. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } One tip. Ticket proceeds are used to preserve and protect Grandfather Mountain for future generations. Grandfather Mountain State Park discounts - what to see at Watauga - check out reviews and photos for Grandfather Mountain State Park - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Grandfather Mountain State Park The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects. These are rock formations that have been here longer than Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain View overlook offers a spectacular view of the southern end of iconic Grandfather Mountain. Regarding the animals not showing up, you may be interested to know that they reside in environmental wildlife habitats, most of which are built around actual native environment, offering the animals acres to roam as they please even if that means being out of sight for a bit of privacy. Bridge Clubmembers will continue to receive complimentary admission, per their membership agreement, and are notrequired to book a time-slot. That was my only complaint about this experience. Take the time and explore the area. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the worlds most diverse nature preserves. If you have visited the state park and need your NC State Parks Passport booklet stamped after park office hours, a sticker can be requested by emailing the state park. 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Barbecue Gluten Free Options, $$ - $$$ Cafe Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wishes to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation in staging our annual Gathering. What restaurants are near Grandfather Mountain? Not the best with children as with the top it can get tricky. Unfortunately masks in the NC area are not mandatory anywhere! Heres a breakdown: Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). However, more than 20 mountains in. About halfway up there is parking for the wildlife park and museum but we decided to go there on the way back down. They close the bridge when it gets to 50 mph. } Secure websites use HTTPS certificates. We also do require masks for guests as well and keep social distancing signs scattered throughout the park to ensure safety. To purchase tickets, make reservations and get the latest info, go to the Grandfather Mountain website. {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[0] || 'Su'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[1] || 'Mo'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[2] || 'Tu'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[3] || 'We'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[4] || 'Th'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[5] || 'Fr'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[6] || 'Sa'}}, {{state.addToCartPending.subCategory.addToCartEl.value | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{shared.selectDateTimeText | htmlToPlaintext}} {{shared.eventTypeName | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{shared.eventTypeName | htmlToPlaintext}} {{shared.selectedDateTime | htmlToPlaintext}}. Trailheads are near 3,800' in elevation and Calloway . So, you can imagine how surprised Dr. Clyde Sorenson, a professor of entomology at N.C. State University, was by what he saw when he spent the night on Grandfather Mountain in June 2019. .inside-article{ Bridge Club annual members receive complimentary admission for a year. Nice. Just visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park a few hours away and see all the free roaming elk you desire. We break down the privately-owned attraction side from the entrance gate of Grandfather Mountain up to the top. 1-800-468-7325. This product cannot be purchased at this time. Andre Michaux (French botanist and explorer). I'd recommend bringing snacks or lunch if staying a while. Be aware, that all of the trails we went on were almost exclusively over rocks & roots. Don't miss the pictures in the small gallery showing some of the construction. ADMISSION RATESWe have three tiers of daily ticket rates. Parking at the top is limited and can get full on a busy day. As for our prices, you may be interested to know that we're a nonprofit organization, with a mission of inspiring conservation of the natural world. @media (max-width: 767px) { 96% of travelers recommend this experience. I can't because of restrictions from Chemo and radiation. There are places to have picnics and grill and you can check out Forrest Gump curve while you are there. About two thirds of the wild and undeveloped "backcountry" sections of Grandfather Mountain are owned by the state of North Carolina. On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Grandfather Mountain will be closed, to reopen Dec. 26, weather permitting. There are no events available for your current selection. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Theres so much to uncover about Grandfather Mountain that weve organized this guide into the following sections: Whether youre a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, were leaving no detail behind. 1-800-468-7325, Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 286461-800-468-7325. Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Boone (Hikes, Eats, and More in App Town). The state parkland sits between privately owned Grandfather Mountain attraction (admission fee charged) and Blue Ridge Parkway trails managed by the National Park Service. - Indian Rocks Beach, Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening), Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temples And More, A Walk Through The Book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting, The Castle of Bellver Audio Tour: A History of Resistance, See all 1 Grandfather Mountain tours on Tripadvisor, Bluegreen Vacations Blue Ridge Village, an Ascend Resort, Best Western Mountain Lodge At Banner Elk, Mountain Paradise inside Grandfather Golf and Country Club Resort, View all hotels near Grandfather Mountain on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Grandfather Mountain on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Grandfather Mountain on Tripadvisor. However, Grandfather Mountain will honor the monetary value of one's ticket(s) for a future visit. Without a valid Bridge Club membership card, guests must pay full price. Managed by the National Park Service Fees are charged for camping and certain event permits. The state park is free to access, while the attraction charges an entrance fee. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Grandfather Mountain - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC. Youll also find that the temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than at the entrance gate and in surrounding towns! We heard one of the guides saying how mad the male elk always are. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum, GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 286461-800-468-7325, Owned & operated byGrandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information.Member ofSouthern Highlands Attractions. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Grandfather Mountain - Reservations. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646. Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. //-->. By visiting Grandfather, you've helped support our nonprofit mission of inspiring conservation of the natural world and it sounds like you had a great time doing so! On weekdays only, a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase in-person at the Entrance Gate. Thank you so much for such a kind, thoughtful and generous review! On weekends, tickets will only be available online. Grandfather Mountain State Park, NC 102 Ratings See or Upload Photos All 13 individual campsites in the state park are located along the trail system and are hike-in backcountry, primitive sites; there is no car-camping. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. You may also access the state park trails for day hikes . Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback. In the Black Rock Hikers Parking Lot, look for the large sign at the far end that marks the trailhead. Almost every visitor to Grandfather Mountain has one goalto cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge! Again, thank you for sharing such positive feedback. Take care, Mildred was recaptured and placed in an enclosed habitat, completed in 1973. Guests must purchase tickets online to guarantee admission. However, they may close due to weather conditions. /***Underline Links***/ Home; Places; North America; United States; North Carolina; Banner Elk; Things To Do In Banner Elk; Grandfather Mountain State Park; Grandfather Mountain State Park 4.8 38 Votes Currently Open. Here are addresses to each parking area and trails that start from them: Note that hike distances are one way unless otherwise stated. Mr. Morton also acquired two black bears, one of which (Mildred) could not adapt to the wild. Our staff is always wearing masks and take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our guests. ({{packageItem.Quantity}}) {{packageItem.Name}}y. Once inside the park, you will be unrestricted as to the amount of time you wish to spend. Grandfather Mountain Videos; Reviews; Visit Menu Item. Grandfather Mountain, Linville 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Directions +18287334337 View Website Whether you prefer to run or walk, Grandfather Mountain is a popular spot for getting outdoor exercise in Linville, NC. At the bottom of your confirmation email is a link to change time and date to look up tickets by order number. By that time, it was too late. Regarding weather, we'll close the bridge and top area when gusts reach a certain level, and it sounds like the day you visited must have been close. Whats the temperature there? {{viewModel.submitEl.value | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{viewModel.enrollLinkEl.text | htmlToPlaintext}}. Once inside the park there are numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, bar-b-que pits and grills (bring your own food! lastly we toured theyre a little museum on the second floor, which had tons of info and great pictures on the history of the mountain over the decades.