If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. We heard one of the guides saying how mad the male elk always are. See 12 social pages including Facebook and Twitter, Hours, Phone, Fax, Email, Website and more for this business. Note that the bridge at Grandfather Mountain may close due to extreme weather conditions because of the elevation. Suite 6 We've done a lot of hiking & MacRae's peak & Grandfather trail was an entirely different experience and well worth the work (3.5 hrs. 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. Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. Grandfather Mountain State Park is currently accepting applications for 2023 seasonal positions. Tickets will be sold from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the park closing at 5 p.m. Trails close at 4 p.m. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Constructed in 1952 (and since reconstructed), the Swinging Bridge is Americas highest suspension footbridge, with an elevation of 5,305 feet. At the bottom of your confirmation email is a link to change time and date to look up tickets by order number. Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. Review on Cybo. Guests wishing to visit Grandfather Mountain must purchase their tickets and book their visit online. 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. Youll also find that the temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than at the entrance gate and in surrounding towns! "version": "7.4.0", Pressing the Esc key will close the dialog and return you to your previous location on the page. Full day adventure in Horses + ATV + Ziplines + Rappel + Cenotes + Lunch, Whale Shark Swimming & Isla Mujeres Beach Visit, Half-Day Private Boating On The Tahoe Funship! Free access to 12 miles of trails and backpack camping sites is from the Profile Trail parking area on N.C. 105 or trailheads along the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway (Boone Fork Parking Area at MP 299.9). 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. Base Days: These are quieter days, mostly in the winter months. Grandfather Mountains rugged peaks are always around the corner, whether youre driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville or staying in nearby Banner Elk. On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Grandfather Mountain will be closed, to reopen Dec. 26, weather permitting. We wish to especially recognize the contributions of Gordon Warburton and Jesse Pope to our Games. Hours Daily 8am-7pm. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646 1-800-468-7325. Grandfather Mountain North Carolina You're rewarded with 360 degree views when you reach the top We can't get enough of these awesome views! Explore different ways to experience this place. The MacRae family led the Linville Improvement Company, which included projects such as Yonahlossee Road between Linville and Blowing Rock. } Admission tickets are needed to visit Grandfather Mountain. The drive to the top is also a worthwhile experience. Compared with previous coronations, the ceremony will undergo some alterations to represent multiple . Hi, there. It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src='https://weatherwidget.io/js/widget.min.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,'script','weatherwidget-io-js'); Natalie Brunner For current rates, reserve your ticket at https://grandfather.com/tickets/ The Grandfather Mountain Trail runs the length of the summit ridge from the Grandfather Mountain attraction to Calloway Peak and Watauga Viewpoint. 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 by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information.Member of Southern Highlands Attractions, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Sorry I can't answer that, as the first time we have been down there and not sure when it would be a good time, but I'm sure that someone else can answer it! The ladder can range from somewhat cheesy to downright terrible, but this was not the case at all. . AAA Adult: $20 (must present valid AAA card) Frank Ruggiero We are working hard on restoring the content as quickly as possible. We would like to stay at a hotel nearby where we can walk to dinner to restaurants. We liked going out during the day to hike and explore and being able to walk to restaurants in the evening. Hi, there. For more information or assistance, please call 828-733-4337. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Member of Southern Highlands Attractions. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and recommendations. From inside the Top Shop, there is an elevator and a 50-yard paved path to the bridge. Trapped and no females. Once inside the park, you will be unrestricted as to the amount of time you wish to spend. Child (ages 4-12): $9 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. Free access to 12 miles of trails and backpack camping sites is from the Profile Trail parking area on N.C. 105 or trailheads along the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway (Boone Fork Parking Area at MP 299.9). Located in Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga counties 13 miles southwest of Boone, Grandfather Mountain State Park showcases a stunning mountain known for severe weather and challenging terrain that has hikers scrambling along cliffs, gripping cables, and climbing up ladders. If youre hungry at Grandfather Mountain, Mildreds Grill is a 140-seat restaurant named for Mildred the Bear and ready to serve delicious, family-friendly favorites. or a healthier salad, but make sure you save room for some freshly made fudge and ice cream! Your current membership allows the following members: Are you interested in adding another individual to the membership? Opening dates, availability and operating procedures are subject to change. 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. Adult: $22 That said, the mountain features a stark temperature difference from the base to the top, so we always advise bringing a sweatshirt or jacket, even during summer. Read More About Our Journey! As others have noted YOU MUST BUY TICKETS ONLINE - in advance of your planned visit. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. Visit Event Website. Before you reach the top of Grandfather Mountain, you can stop at one or all of its roadside overlooks. Tickets do sell out on some days, so we recommend you purchase them 2 to 3 weeks in advance to guarantee entrance to this popular North Carolina attraction. Formed about 300 million years ago, the mountain soars to an elevation of 5,939. . There are multiple ways to enter Grandfather Mountain State Park. Blowing Rock Highway / U.S. 221, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Shortly after our walk around the top, they started herding people off the mountain because a storm was coming and lightning strikes are a big deal there. On the second floor, youll find a great photo exhibition covering the life and work of Hugh Morton. Please be prepared to show proof of residency/employment/student ID at the Entrance Gate. Buy Tickets. Guests wishing to visit Grandfather Mountain must purchase their tickets and book their visit online. Your ticket reservation is valid for entry for up to one hour after time slot. They are not permitted inside buildings. We recommend booking Grandfather Mountain tours ahead of time to secure your spot. As others have responded, it is well worth the cost for the spectacular views and the experience of crossing the bridge. Ticketholders are also welcome to gift their passes to friends or family. .sidebar a { As of Nov. 1, 2020, Grandfather Mountain admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. About. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. 2050 Blowing Rock Highway What attractions are near Grandfather Mountain? GPS: 36.1163, -81.7773, Fee charged at attraction In the Black Rock Hikers Parking Lot, look for the large sign at the far end that marks the trailhead. On weekdays only, a limited number of tickets. Times: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); There are picnic areas, stunning vistas, hiking . For your next visit, I'd suggest checking out an animal encounter, during which our habitats staff will deliver a brief presentation on a particular animal before giving them an enrichment, which can be a special treat, favorite food or unfamiliar scent basically something interesting to break up their day and keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Weather conditions are still fairly rough at Grandfather Mountain, even though its not the tallest. Managed by the National Park Service .generate-back-to-top:visited { 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. Where are good places to stay around this area? For more information or assistance, please call (828) 733-2013 or (828) 733-4337. Multiple animals live in enclosed habitats, including black bears, elk, cougars, and river otters. I wish the attendant who gave us the CD wouldve explained to us to put it in our CD player right then because we missed out on that part of the experience. Unused tickets will be valid for one (1) year from the original visitation date printed on the tickets. Our crew included writers, scientists, film-makers and chefs. Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects. Enjoy a Mile High Burger (chili on a burger!) } Take the time and explore the area. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the world's most diverse nature preserves. Member of Southern Highlands . 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. High School Basketball State Playoffs - 3rd Round . The descendants of Revolutionary War General William Lenoir owned land that included Grandfather Mountain for much of the 1800s. 3/11/2023 10/29/2023. The park entrance fee is a little high, about $15 dollars per vehicle, but they do offer AAA discounts. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Hiking trails close at least one hour before the park closes. We plan to go Grandfather mountain during the week April 03 to April 07. Prices were reasonable and the food was excellent. There are places to have picnics and grill and you can check out Forrest Gump curve while you are there. To guarantee admission, visitors must book online in advance. Mid-Level Days: These include most, not all, April-October dates and feature extra experiences in the park, such as Grandfathers schedule of Daily Programs during these months. Join us for an evening with Grammy Nominated Berklee Indian Ensemble bringing their genre-bending musical experience to Asheville! The attraction is open year-round (weather permitting), except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Grandfather Mountain Changes Ticket System. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. We apologize for the missing information on some of our website pages. There is a nature center and also abundant hikes and sights on the way up, before you get to the main attraction. I was impressed that they had seasoned meteorologist at the top, and they were hyper sensitive to safety. } While driving up Grandfather Mountain, a fun stop is Split Rock and Spinx Rock. Read More: 31 of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! } While Forrest is running across America, Grandfather Mountain appears halfway through his trek. At 5,946 feet, it is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the major chains of the Appalachian Mountains. Prices are as follows: visitors must book online in advance. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. ), 20 of the Best Day Trips from Boone (Within a 2-Hour Drive), Summer in North Carolina (and 50+ Great Events! We had Grammy winners, a National Book Award winning author, and the freshly-minted James Beard Award Winning "Top . Others have mentioned bypassing the ladders by using Underwood trail BUT you will miss some AWESOME views and rock formations so if you can handle the vertical challenge, DO Grandfather trail on the way UP (if you're afraid of heights you definitely don't want to take this trail down i.e. I can't because of restrictions from Chemo and radiation. Easy walking across the suspension bridge and plenty of photo ops without heads in the way. Copyright Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. {{viewModel.footer.redemptionPoints}} [LoyaltyRedmptionPointsLabel], {{pluItemPaymentPlan.pluItemPaymentPlanEl.text}}. Grandfather Mountain State Park trails connect to the Asutsi Trail, 0.4 miles, and the Tanawha Trail, 13 miles. Read More: Amazing Hikes near Boone and Blowing Rock (45 of the Best!). It's always tough to predict what weather will be like in April, as there's still usually a mix of cool and warm. Going to great depths to reach NEW heights, Mystic River Falls is an epic rafting journey where adventurous families explore Ozark waterwaysonly at Silver Dollar City! Be exhilarated by the altitude and panoramic views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge; stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars and otters in natural habitats. 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 We look forward to having you and yours back on the mountain in the future. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Don't miss the pictures in the small gallery showing some of the construction. There is also a gift shop at the top so be sure to grab a souvenir of your trip up this beautiful mountain. .generate-back-to-top, You can connect to the Grandfather Trail via the strenuous Profile Trail (3.6 miles), starting from the Profile Trail Parking Area. It was the first privately owned property to receive this recognition. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646 1-800-468-7325. As such, all of our funding is derived from admission, souvenir sales, food and beverage sales, and donations, and every single dollar goes right back into maintaining and preserving the mountain for future generations. What is the best time to visit to see fall colors/foliage in October ? 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. You could easily spend a day here or a few hours depending on what you want to do. Grandfather Mountain is in Avery County, in the northwestern corner of North Carolina. Prices are as follows: By that time, it was too late. The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is on US 221, which many people reach via intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 294.6. You do need to purchase tickets ahead and pick an entry time. We are so glad we did! 99% of travelers recommend this experience. 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.