Guide to Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina
My grandparents lived in Asheville (I’ve spoken about this a lot!) and I spent much of my childhood exploring everything those mountains had to offer. I did everything but actually go to school there–it’s the closest to feeling like home that I got. I love that we now live near enough that I can take my kids to some of my favorite spots, revisit favorite memories, and see what has changed.
If you’ve considered spending time in the Asheville, North Carolina area or are visiting the Biltmore Estate, be sure to add Grandfather Mountain to your travel itinerary. Part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Mountain is home to an impressive swinging bridge, nature center, wildlife sanctuary, and, of course, countless opportunities for outdoor activities. Check out my guide to Grandfather Mountain to help you plan your next trip.
Guide to Grandfather Mountain
Just under two hours from the Biltmore Estate, Grandfather Mountain is the perfect day trip if you’re exploring Western North Carolina. The drive itself is part of the appeal, as you’ll travel through the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The mountain, which is approximately 300 million years old, contains rock formations that scientists estimate date back 1.2 billion years.
Fun Fact: Grandfather Mountain was depicted in the movie Forrest Gump, so if you enjoy movie-based travel destinations, you may want to check out Forrest Gump Curve.
Visiting Grandfather Mountain
If you’re planning to visit Grandfather Mountain, there are plenty of things to do beyond taking in the stunning views. From fireflies to scenic drives, everyone in your party will find something that resonates. The Mile-High Swinging Bridge is the country’s highest suspension footbridge. Situated at 5,305 feet above sea level, it’s a two-mile scenic ride to the bridge, dotted with overlooks and a nature museum.
Both Half Moon Overlook and Sheer Bluff Overlook offer visitors picture-perfect views that look as though they were pulled from an upscale travel magazine. Once at the parking area, guests to Grandfather Mountain can take the stairs or the elevator to reach the pathway to the bridge; the site is fully accessible.
Educational Activities at Grandfather Mountain
Don’t forget to explore the wildlife habitats as well for an intimate encounter with animals native to the region. Here you’ll find river otters, cougars, elk, and more in enclosures that represent their natural habitat. Take advantage of educational opportunities with daily talks from the animal keepers; a great option if you’re traveling with young kids or enjoy animals yourself.
Naturalists host interpretive programs throughout the day as well, including talks on local flora and fauna. Each summer, the site hosts a summertime evening event called Grandfather Glows, where visitors can purchase tickets via a lottery system to see the mountain light up with fireflies.
Explore Nature at Grandfather Mountain
Keeping with the wild animal theme, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is an interactive museum that explores the mountain’s geology, cultural history, and ecology. This is a great stop for a midday break, especially if it starts to rain or you need to cool off in the air conditioning. The adjacent restaurant, Mildred’s Grill, is located inside and is named for a bear that once lived on the mountain (she was around when I visited as a kid–I had a Mildred the Bear shirt that I wore *all* the time). Here you can fill up on sandwiches, burgers, and dessert to fuel your visit to the mountain.
Hiking and Walking Trails
The peak offers hiking opportunities for people of all abilities, from family-friendly to physically demanding trails. The Grandfather Trail is a 2.4-mile challenging trail that includes steep ladders and chutes, and will take experienced hikers four or more hours to complete. Be ready to scramble on this one! Check out the list of walking and hiking trails before your trip to ensure you choose the one that matches your group’s interests and capabilities. As always, check trail conditions before you travel, pack appropriately, and know your limits.
Of course, Grandfather Mountain is known for its iconic bridge, stunning views and hiking opportunities, but what many may not realize is that the area features 16 distinct habitats and is home to 73 rare or endangered species. UNESCO lists Grandfather Mountain as part of its international network of biosphere reserves. From the southern water shrew to the spruce-fir moss spider and several plant species, Grandfather Mountain is an ecologically significant site.
The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation helps people connect with the mountain in a hands-on, meaningful way while making sure its natural beauty and ecosystems stay protected for future generations.
Visiting Grandfather Mountain State Park
While you can’t reach the Mile-High Bridge from Grandfather Mountain State Park, you will be able to access additional trailheads. The park is open year-round with the exception of Christmas, and of course, road conditions can change quickly, so be sure to check. Expect to spend about three to four hours exploring the park or longer, depending on what you are planning to do.
I recommend booking tickets online ahead of your visit. The ticket price goes directly to keeping Grandfather Mountain beautiful and accessible. The ticket is good for everything within Grandfather Mountain. These tickets have timed entries (with a little leeway), so please be aware of what yours says. You can book tickets here.
How to Get There
Accessible off the Blue Ridge Parkway at US 221, Grandfather Mountain is located between the towns of Linville and Banner Elk. Upon arrival, expect to encounter a steep, though scenic, 20-mile road up to the bridge parking lot.
Whether you’re chasing panoramic views, wildlife encounters, or a real-deal mountain hike, Grandfather Mountain offers a little bit of everything in one unforgettable spot. It’s one of those rare places where both casual visitors and hardcore adventurers can find something that sticks with them long after the trip is over. If you’re heading to the North Carolina mountains, this one belongs on your list. Here’s a picture of me and my Pops in the 80s–it was my first time visiting and Grandfather Mountain has held a place in my heart ever since.
