Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level
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About Grandfather Mountain

What is Grandfather Mountain?

Grandfather Mountain is:

  • The highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (elevation 5,964 ft)
  • The Mountain is privately owned and is operated as
  • a scenic travel attraction
  • a globally recognized nature preserve

One ticket price includes everything:

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.

Main Attractions

  • Beautiful mountain scenery
  • Mile High Swinging Bridge
  • Environmental Habitats for native wildlife
      • Black Bears, Bear cubs, River Otters, Cougars, Eagles and Deer
  • Nature Museum
      • excellent exhibits about the natural history of the region
      • theater that shows nature movies made on the Mountain
      • restaurant and gift shop
  • South's best alpine hiking trails
      • More than 12 miles of regularly maintained trails ranging in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges.
  • Picnicking
      • Over 100 picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park. The picnic area located on the right about 1/3 mile up the summit road is equipped with a water fountain and restrooms.
      • Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic. Those who have not planned ahead can purchase fried chicken or sandwiches to go from the Museum restaurant.
  • Naturalist Programs
      • Special activities and programs with the Mountain's naturalists are presented daily during the summer months and are included in the price of admission.
      • Guided tours and guided hikes with the Mountain's naturalists are available for an additional fee. Phone 828-733-4326 for reservations.
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What People Say…

"We have visited Grandfather Mountain many times. Every visit offers something different, unique, and proves to be an adventure no other place offers. We love everything about the mountain and only wish we could visit more often."

Carolyn & Kenneth

Walnut Cove, NC