A very limited number of tickets may be available at the entrance gate drive-through booths during weekday hours. Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including WiFi and fireplaces. Not enough room and it's almost best if they were put down instead of being rescued and put in this environment. 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. Adult: $22 While driving up Grandfather Mountain, a fun stop is Split Rock and Spinx Rock. In addition, Green Mountain Creek Falls, a beautiful roadside waterfall, also sits along this way and is worthy of a stop. As others have noted YOU MUST BUY TICKETS ONLINE - in advance of your planned visit. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You can take an elevator to access the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Copyright Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. {{viewModel.footer.redemptionPoints}} [LoyaltyRedmptionPointsLabel], {{pluItemPaymentPlan.pluItemPaymentPlanEl.text}}. 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. This is a well maintained out-and-back trail with 960 feet of elevation gain. 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. Map View. There are places to have picnics and grill and you can check out Forrest Gump curve while you are there. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 286461-800-468-7325. } Grandfather came later, after western explorers noticed an old mans face on the mountain. What can I do while I wait for her? There are technically more than a dozen Grandfather Mountain hiking trails, with most of them on the state park side. We leave for 2 weeks in Europe on Thursday, starting and ending in London where I grew up. We would like to visit in late June. } } Theres also a section dedicated to tips for the Grandfather Mountain State Park section since the two are intertwined historically and today. Attraction Grandfather Mountain State Park Website (828) 737-9522 Directions Map Grandfather Mountain has been an icon in North Carolina's landscape for generations, offering stunning scenery and unmatched ecological diversity. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the worlds most diverse nature preserves. These things to do at Grandfather Mountain will require multiple visits, which we hope youll make time to pull off! Youll also find that the temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than at the entrance gate and in surrounding towns! Frank Ruggiero We also did the Grandfather Trail Loop which consists of the Bridge Trail, Grandfather Trail, & Grandfather Extension Trail. Sincerely, To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. We ask that individuals who are feeling ill stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants and Grandfather Mountain staff. It was painfully windy at the top the day we went, making actually walking out on the bridge impossible. Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646. There are no facilities. Thanks so much for taking the time to share such positive feedback! We wish to especially recognize the contributions of Gordon Warburton and Jesse Pope to our Games. Tickets and Hours The price of tickets range from $9 to $22, with children under 4 free. You may also access the state park trails for day hikes . Don't miss the pictures in the small gallery showing some of the construction. We will always come early in the a.m. again. Bridge Clubmembers will continue to receive complimentary admission, per their membership agreement, and are notrequired to book a time-slot. Before you reach the top of Grandfather Mountain, you can stop at one or all of its roadside overlooks. Read More: Summer in North Carolina (and 50+ Great Events!). Thank you so much for such a kind, thoughtful and generous review! Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. You can vist the animals and gift shop and get lost in all the views of the blue ridge mountains, there is an elevator up to the suspension bridge and the walk across is not that far, I'm not sure how much you are able to do but if your going to wait and enjoy the view I would go in much warmer weather. Since its such a massive mountain, home to rare wildlife, and essential to its surroundings, we created this guide as a tribute and to show your around. Andre Michaux (French botanist and explorer). Sign upfor updates about GMHG news such as events, Covid Procedures, Registrations and more. Again, many thanks. As of now, reservations are only available through Feb. 28, 2022. These NC travel guides mention things to do at Grandfather Mountain and nearby! The park is open weather permitting in the winter months. Are the restaurants/shops nearby requiring guests to wear masks? .right-sidebar .content-area { We look forward to having you and yours back on the mountain in the future. @media (max-width: 767px) { When we got there at 8:30 am, there was maybe 10-15 people there which allowed us to get nice views & pics of the mountain from the bridge. Can anyone tell me if the location of the forrest gump curve is on a public highway or is it within the area of the park for which you have to pay an entrance fee. This hike utilizes three trails. Guests must purchase tickets online to guarantee admission. text-decoration: none .generate-back-to-top:visited { Guests wishing to visit Grandfather Mountain must purchase their tickets and book their visit online. An official website of the State of North Carolina. {{viewModel.calendar.continueButton.text | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{item.quantityInputEl.quantityRemaining}}, {{item.quantityInputEl.benefitQtyInCart}}, {{item.accrualPoints}} {{subCategory.pluAccrualPointsHeader}}, {{item.selectedDateEl.text | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{packageItem.eventDateTime | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{item.price}} {{subCategory.pluPointsHeader}}. Thank you for your review! This is a dialog that is appearing over the content of the page. What is the best time to visit to see fall colors/foliage in October ? The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is on US 221, which many people reach via intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 294.6. That was my only complaint about this experience. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. } ); Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. The park is open weather permitting in the winter months. As of Nov. 1, 2020, Grandfather Mountain admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. State Park Office Email:grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov, Park office address:9872 N.C. 105 S. Suite 6,Banner Elk, NC 28604, Profile Trail parking area:4198 N.C. 105 N.,Banner Elk, NC 28604, 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 byGrandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information.Member ofSouthern Highlands Attractions, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, General Overview of Grandfather Backcountry Hiking. Pets are not allowed to enter the Wildlife Habitat section of Grandfather Mountain. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. .wp-block-button a { About Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather Mountain is a mountain, a non-profit attraction, and a North Carolina state park near Linville, North Carolina. 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. ), 25+ Wonderful Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock (within 2 Hours), Grandfather Mountain Facts (History and Ecology), How to Visit Today (Grandfather Mountain Attraction vs. On those days, tickets are only available at the gate. 1-800-468-7325, Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Weather conditions are still fairly rough at Grandfather Mountain, even though its not the tallest. Students attending a local college or university are also eligible for the discount. Simply forward your confirmation email (tickets will be attached) to that person. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects. Throughout the four day weekend you and your family will sample Scottish music, dancing, foods, costumes, field games and much more, and you can shop for tartans and kilts in the vendors tents. Refund Policy Black History at North Carolina State Parks, Visitors with limited mobility or disabilities, Hiking (13 miles) free permits are required and must be filled out at the trailhead prior to hiking. Regarding weather, we'll close the bridge and top area when gusts reach a certain level, and it sounds like the day you visited must have been close. } This short and curvy scenic road connects the two mountain towns via Grandfather Mountain. 31 of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wishes to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation in staging our annual Gathering. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Heres a quick individual breakdown of each rock: The acclaimed movie Forrest Gump used locations across the United States, but a critical scene was filmed in North Carolina! Only 200 tickets will be available for each nighttime viewing event. We arrived Friday Sept 23 at 0900 and the parking lot was near empty! Proceeds from admission tickets benefit the. VIP pass holders and those with pre-paid or complimentary tickets are also not required to book a time-slot. Tickets may be moved to a date within the same price tier. Select your ticket choice below for more details. Check out the special events calendar for more happening at Grandfather Mountain, including the Grandfather Presents speaker series! 2050 Blowing Rock Highway Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. The MacRae family led the Linville Improvement Company, which included projects such as Yonahlossee Road between Linville and Blowing Rock. Click here to see daily rates & book your visit. To see Grandfather Mountains Wildlife Habitats, youll park in the same lot as the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. It is non-refundable, except when refunds are issued due to park closures. When booking this future visit, please call the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate at 828-733-4337 with your reservation number to exchange your booking for a future time and date. On Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, Grandfather Mountain will be closed, to reopen Nov. 26, weather permitting. Frank Ruggiero Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. We apologize for the missing information on some of our website pages. Not the best with children as with the top it can get tricky. You can connect to the Grandfather Trail via the strenuous Profile Trail (3.6 miles), starting from the Profile Trail Parking Area. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, ticket sales will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the park closing at 4 p.m. Nowhere in the New World is there a place more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than the home of Americas grandest Highland GamesGrandfather Mountain, North Carolina. On Thursday, Dec. 2, ticket sales will end at 2:30 p.m. and the park will close at 4 p.m. to prepare for the company holiday party. Its only a short clip but a great reminder that sometimes you need some support to put your past behind you. Unfortunately masks in the NC area are not mandatory anywhere! fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { No discounts are given at the Gate. Let us know how your hike on the Grandfather Trail goes! No discounts are given at the Gate. {{packageItem.event.formattedEventInfo | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{viewModel.itemSelected.event.formattedEventInfo | htmlToPlaintext}}, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Here are addresses to each parking area and trails that start from them: Note that hike distances are one way unless otherwise stated. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Grandfather Mountain State Park Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews. 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. STAY UPDATEDSign upfor updates about GMHG news such as events, Covid Procedures, Registrations and more. It was the first privately owned property to receive this recognition. My daughter and I are visiting Grandfather Mountain. Please check the local forecast (Linville, NC 28646) prior to making travel decisions. 9872 N.C. 105 S., Suite 6, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Mildred was recaptured and placed in an enclosed habitat, completed in 1973. Grandfather Mountain's pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. The private attraction (with the Mile High Swinging Bridge) is the closest parking area to a few trails and charges entrance fees. Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots. } Thanks. Prices are as follows: Dates: March 29, 2023. By visiting Grandfather, you've helped support our nonprofit mission of inspiring conservation of the natural world and it sounds like you had a great time doing so! 2. Note that the bridge at Grandfather Mountain may close due to extreme weather conditions because of the elevation. Times: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Again, thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. We are working hard on restoring the content as quickly as possible. 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. ), Grassy Creek Falls in Little Switzerland: A Short Walk to A Most Beautiful Waterfall, Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. [CDATA[// >