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 Grandfather
Mountain North Carolina
Grandfather
Mountain North Carolina is one of the most
visited attractions in all of the
High Country
Mountains. Widely recognized for its unique
rugged peaks that resemble an old man lying
down, Grandfather Mountain in Linville North
Carolina is heaven on Earth for naturalists
and a wonderful family attraction.
 One
of only 529 internationally recognized biosphere reserves
(designated by the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization),
Grandfather Mountain North Carolina had the
distinction of being the only privately owned
preserve. However, in
2008, the State of North
Carolina purchased the property from the late
Hugh Morton’s family. Morton, whose grandfather
had originally purchased the property, was an
avid conservationist and a lover of the North Carolina Mountains.
He refused to comprise his environmental
concerns for the mountain when the
Blue Ridge
Parkway was built in the area, resulting in
the Linville Viaduct which actually skirts the
mountain. In 1952, Morton opened the mountain for hiking and added wildlife habitats and mile high swinging bridge
to complete the attraction. Since then, visitors
have been coming to Grandfather Mountain North
Carolina to make the harrowing walk across the
mile high bridge. Enjoy the views from this
spectacular suspension bridge perched at 5,964
feet!
Grandfather Mountain is located off the
Blue Ridge Parkway in Linville at the
intersection of the Parkway and Highway 221. You
can take either the Blue Ridge Parkway or local
state highways to arrive at the park’s
entrance. The mountain is open to visitors and
hikers for an entrance fee, and upon paying the
fees, visitors can travel up the scenic road to
the top of mountain or begin hiking near the
bottom. Grandfather Mountains 11 hiking trails
vary in difficulty; some are relatively easy,
while others are strenuous for more experienced
hikers.
 With 16 distinct ecosystems, seven environmental
habitats, and over 70 rare or endangered species
calling Grandfather Mountain North Carolina
home, visitors will truly feel the unique nature
of this special mountain. Children especially
love meeting and watching the black bears, white
tailed deer, bald eagles, cougars and adorable
river otters.
Spend the day at Grandfather Mountain in North
Carolina and stay in our Grandfather Mountain
Hotels while on your Boone Vacation. Located
just a short distance away in the High Country
Mountains, our Hotels in Boone NC offer the very
best in accommodations in the area. A wonderful
time to visit Grandfather Mountain North
Carolina is during the fall leaf period, between
Oct. 5th and Oct. 20th. This a very popular time
of year in the High Country so book your trip
and room at our Hotels in Boone North Carolina
today!
Here are a few other events and popular times to
visit the mountain:
- Naturalist Weekend
(May 17-18) A two day event
featuring hiking and presentations on the flora
and fauna of Grandfather Mountain.
- Nature Photography Weekend
(May 30-June 1)
Presentations from many top nature photographers
Richard Bernabe, Jack Daulton, Bill Lea, Charles
Needle and Nancy Rotenberg.
- 84th Annual Singing on the Mountain
(fourth
Sunday in June) A gospel singing and fellowship
event held in MacRae Meadows hosted by the
Greene family.
- 53rd Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are
one of the most beloved
Western
NC Festivals
(July 10-13). Reputed to be the best and most
colorful celebration of Scottish culture in
America. Events such as The Bear: Assault on
Grandfather road race, The Grizzly Bike Ride,
and The Grizzly Marathon (reputed to be the
toughest marathon in America).
-
Kidfest
(Sept. 13) The name says it all. Fun
stuff for kids. Guided hikes, games,
storytellers and music.
- 38th Annual American Girl Scout Day
(Sept.20) As
the name suggests, a fun day for Girl Scouts
only. Free admission with proof of membership.
- Bridge To Bridge Incredible Challenge Bike Ride
(Sept. 21) A grueling 102 mile bike ride which
begins in Lenoir NC and culminates at the Mile
High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain.
If you have any questions or would like more
information, please contact us by
email, or use our
online
request form.
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