Grandfather Mountain

Cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge between two rocky peaks, see bears, otters and elk, and hike high mountain trails.

2050 Blowing Rock Hwy · Linville, NC

About Grandfather Mountain

The Mile High Swinging Bridge, built in 1952, links two rocky peaks on this 5,946-foot mountain and is known for swaying in high winds. Nearby environmental habitats hold black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles and elk, beside the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Trails range from nature walks to strenuous treks across rugged peaks, and daily programs are included with admission. The attraction is owned and run by the nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

#swinging bridge
#hiking
#wildlife habitats
#mountain views
#nature park

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Grandfather Mountain, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sports & Outdoors
Grandfather Mountain State Park
No admission fee
A state park on a rugged mountain with cliffs, cables, and ladders on challenging trails.
4.8 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Julian Price Memorial Park
Check prices
A 4,200-acre recreation area on the Blue Ridge Parkway built around 47-acre Price Lake in Watauga County.
6.4 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Check prices
Former summer estate of textile magnate Moses Cone and his wife, now a National Park Service site on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
8.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Attractions
Family Favorite
Tweetsie Railroad
$50+
Ride a three-mile loop behind a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive at a Wild West theme park in the Blue Ridge.
11 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
Museums
Hickory Ridge History Museum
Under $25
A living-history museum of historic log cabins in Daniel Boone Park, run by the Southern Appalachian Historical Association in Boone.
12 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Lake James State Park
No admission fee
Swim from a sandy lake beach, ride mountain bike loops and camp at paddle-in sites on a big Blue Ridge foothills lake east of Asheville.
24 mi awayMore like this