Proceeds from admission tickets benefit theGrandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the park for future generations. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. We look forward to having you and yours back on the mountain in the future. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration. Ticketholders are also welcome to gift their passes to friends or family. Take care, Not enough room and it's almost best if they were put down instead of being rescued and put in this environment. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. On weekends, tickets will only be available online. More than 640 million years old, Sphinx Rock and Split Rock are on the right side of the road on your way up the mountain, before the Forrest Gump Curve. There are picnic areas, stunning vistas, hiking . There are multiple ways to enter Grandfather Mountain State Park. Hi, there. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. You can also access the Grandfather Trail from the Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads via the Profile Trail (western side) or the Daniel Boone Scout Trail (eastern side). Donald MacRaes grandson Hugh Morton inherited Grandfather Mountain in the 1950s. Whats the temperature there? There is an additional $3 cancellation fee to cancel a reservation, so it costs $6 to cancel per site per night. To get to the mile high swinging bridge you can take the stairs or use the elevator. Home; Places; North America; United States; North Carolina; Banner Elk; Things To Do In Banner Elk; Grandfather Mountain State Park; Grandfather Mountain State Park 4.8 38 Votes Currently Open. The attraction is open year-round (weather permitting), except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. 100+ of the Best Hiking Trails in North Carolina, The Wild and Wonderful WNC Nature Center in Asheville. The park is open weather permitting in the winter months. We sincerely appreciate your taking the time to share such positive feedback, but more so, we appreciate your visit. State Government websites value user privacy. at a charming Tuscan farmhouse, to a Caribbean beach vacation, or a glamorous city apartment in the Big Apple to a mountain retreat in Colorado. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646. Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. The bridge is 228 feet long and spreads across an 80-foot chasm, which offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Prices were reasonable and the food was excellent. Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. They are currently working on improving areas around the mountain so people need to have patience. The April Dollar Day promotion applies to residents that live,work or attend a school/university in the following NC counties: Ashe, Avery, Alleghany, Mitchell, Watauga and Wilkes. Arriving at the gate will not guarantee admission. Director of Marketing & Communications Marketing & Communications Associate Read More About Our Journey! The state park encompasses almost 4,000 acres and even has a 228-foot swinging bridge for the fearless. We are travelling through this area from the UK next month en route to Bristol. padding-left: 10px !important; /***Move Back to Top Button***/ The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects. For a great weekend in the park, bring everyone you know to Grandfather Mountain's park, a favorite for the area. Thanks. @media (max-width: 767px) { An official website of the State of North Carolina. Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots. In 2008, the state parks system to acquire 2,456 acres of Grandfather Mountain from the Morton family. Smaller cars were being gently lifted in the gusts. Thanks again. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Simply forward your confirmation email (tickets will be attached) to that person. As of Nov. 1, 2020, Grandfather Mountain admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. The High Country has an abundance of opportunities for folks to enjoy the great outdoors. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Join us for an evening with Grammy Nominated Berklee Indian Ensemble bringing their genre-bending musical experience to Asheville! Private Boutique Blue Ridge Parkway Full Day Tour, Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist, Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville, Carolina Waterfalls and Highlands Private VIP Boutique Tour, Horse and Carriage Ride through Moses H. Cone Park, French Broad Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip, Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views, Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour, French Broad River Kayak Tour in Asheville. The real reason for getting there early is so you can hike to MacRae's peak without interruption (lots of areas where it's 1 way, narrow trail or ladders, cables where you have to yield or wait for others to pass). 1-800-468-7325. "source": "woocommerce", Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. Managed by the National Park Service Heres a breakdown: Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Im not exactly sure but I did see discounts offered. You can connect to the Grandfather Trail via the strenuous Profile Trail (3.6 miles), starting from the Profile Trail Parking Area. We do, however, offer numerous discounts, such as AAA, military, senior citizen, etc., which can apply to every member of one's party. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { . For more information about the attraction, please visit the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation website. .archive .content-area a { There is a nature center and also abundant hikes and sights on the way up, before you get to the main attraction. We are so glad we did! Ceud mile failte to you and your family as you join us in celebrating the history of our Scottish ancestry and cheer as you watch the clans compete on MacRae Meadows. If you want to move to a date in a different price tier, simply request a refund and then purchase new tickets. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Backcountry campsites, located 1 to 2 miles into a cover forest with beautiful . Linville, NC 28646. We're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and appreciate your pointers for future guests. The Linville Volunteer Fire Department says efforts are still underway to contain the fire near Grandfather Mountain in N.C. LINVILLE Firefighters are monitoring a . text-decoration: none 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. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Hi, there. Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646. Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. } Member of Southern Highlands . There is also a gift shop at the top so be sure to grab a souvenir of your trip up this beautiful mountain. Take the time and explore the area. Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots. /***Underline Links***/ 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 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. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); The mountains original name was Tanawha, which means a fabulous hawk or eagle in. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, 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. (10 a.m. ticket allows admittance until 11 a.m.). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Its believed that these rock formations sat at a much higher elevation before tumbling down. Adult: $22 Member of Southern Highlands . 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. US 221 between Blowing Rock and Linville is also known as the Little Parkway. Guests wishing to visit Grandfather Mountain must purchase their tickets and book their visit online. } //-->. Grandfather Mountain Linville, North Carolina postal code 28646. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Grandfather Mountain may appear taller than its neighbors, with an elevation of 5,946 feet above sea level. The ladder can range from somewhat cheesy to downright terrible, but this was not the case at all. While running solo until this point, his scene running around this iconic curve is the first sequence with a crowd of followers. As of Nov. 1, 2020, Grandfather Mountain admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. Note that the bridge at Grandfather Mountain may close due to extreme weather conditions because of the elevation. Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the park for future generations. According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), it is generally unlawful to park a commercial vehicle on a public street or alley in a residential area for more than 24 consecutive hours, unless it is being actively loaded or unloaded, or it is providing a service such as construction or utility work.. 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. Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and helpful review! With walk-in tickets, no discounts may be applied. Grandfather Mountain (Linville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. My husband and I liked staying in the town of Blowing Rock. "version": "7.4.0", I was impressed that they had seasoned meteorologist at the top, and they were hyper sensitive to safety. They are not permitted inside buildings. In addition, many park trails are steep and not recommended for pets, so please review the Trails page and plan accordingly. No discounts are given at the Gate. Its only a short clip but a great reminder that sometimes you need some support to put your past behind you. ({{packageItem.quantity}}) {{packageItem.itemName}}{{packageItem.passInfoLinkEl.text}}, Redeem{{item.price}} {{subCategory.pluPointsHeader}}, Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum, GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. No kidding! BUT..the views are completely worth the drive and the scary walk across the bridge. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. Enter Location. We dont have time to visit all that is on Grandfather mountain just wanted to see the road from the film. 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. No discounts are given at the Gate. 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. Nice. Just visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park a few hours away and see all the free roaming elk you desire. Director of Marketing & Communications Guests wishing to visit Grandfather Mountain must purchase their tickets and book their visit online. And the nature musuem/center was closed for renovations - which to be fair was posted on the website - but we didn't realize constituted most of what there is to do. Along the way, youll pass the entrance to Grandfather Mountain. 20+ Delicious Restaurants in Boone for Your Next Meal Out! While he oversaw much of Grandfather Mountains development (and North Carolinas tourism development), Morton was also a prolific photographer. Members must present a valid Bridge Club membership card upon arrival. Grandfather Mountain's Educator Workshop series invites educators to take advantage of the mountain's classroom in . In 1993, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Grandfather Mountain as an International Biosphere Reserve. Sincerely, Read More: Amazing Hikes near Boone and Blowing Rock (45 of the Best!). ({{packageItem.Quantity}}) {{packageItem.Name}}y. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . For more information or assistance, please call 828-733-4337. You must purchase tickets online, and entrance times are spaced out. 1-800-468-7325. Enter Keyword. "Grandfather Glows" viewing nights will take place on June 26, June 29, and July 1 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Blue Ridge Parkway, 15.71 million visits. } Prime parking and what a treat with no screaming school kids or massive crowds. She just handed it me and I wasnt sure what it was for until I had a chance to stop and read it. } Hours Daily 8am-7pm. 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. Natalie Brunner Hodges Theater will be closed all day on March 14 due to a special event. We would like to stay at a hotel nearby where we can walk to dinner to restaurants. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646 1-800-468-7325. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park . }); There is no charge to access the trails within the state park from Highway 105 and or from the parkway, at Boone Fork Parking Area at Milepost . . .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} What can I do while I wait for her? Base Days: These are quieter days, mostly in the winter months. Located in Watauga County 11 miles north of Boone, Elk Knob State Park was established in 2003 to protect the mountain and the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River. In addition to our use of MacRae Meadows, the GMSF supplies direct assistance with important activities for our Games each year. For this section, we will include things to do at Grandfather Mountain, including the famed Mile High Swinging Bridge. We actually felt sad for the confined male elk that was bugling. During the busier times of year, we also offer daily nature programs, an eco-friendly fudge shop and special events, also all included with admission. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. 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. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ On weekends, tickets will only be available online. That was my only complaint about this experience. The park is open during all other holidays. Grandfather Mountain - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC. Then you may stay as long as you want within park operating hours! Member of Southern Highlands Attractions. height: 100%; We wish to especially recognize the contributions of Gordon Warburton and Jesse Pope to our Games. Join, volunteer, or donate! Read More: The Wild and Wonderful WNC Nature Center in Asheville. Where are good places to stay around this area? Brown | Hikers using rope on a steep climb, C. Peek | Pinkshell azalea, vulnerable species endemic to Grandfather Mountain, J. Mickey | McRae Peak, C. Peek | Yonahlosse salamander, a large species first described at Grandfather Mountain, B. Goff, 9872 N.C. 105 S. If you decide to do that, make sure you are right in town. Embark on a Family River Expedition, unlike any other in the Americas! 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. To see Grandfather Mountains Wildlife Habitats, youll park in the same lot as the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. I'm so sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your visit to Grandfather Mountain. } ); We got to enjoy the scenery and watch the clouds move in and out (completely covering the bridge and mountain to having a clear view of everything). ReserveAmerica website or call 1-877-722-6762. 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. By that time, it was too late. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. text-decoration: none Tickets are $21 a person (not cheap). A very limited number of tickets may be available at the entrance gate drive-through booths during weekday hours. for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. My little kids (7-9) loved the Junior Naturalist Program and were so excited to earn their badge. If you plan to walk to the other side of the bridge, we HIGHLY recommend rubbed soled enclosed shoes. About Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather Mountain is a mountain, a non-profit attraction, and a North Carolina state park near Linville, North Carolina. Constructed in 1952 (and since reconstructed), the Swinging Bridge is Americas highest suspension footbridge, with an elevation of 5,305 feet. Tickets are required to enter the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation section, also known as the Grandfather Mountain attraction. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Fees; Park Rules; Find a Park; Jobs; Volunteer; Newsroom; Webstore; NC Trails Website; Contact a Park. High School Basketball State Playoffs - 3rd Round . Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. 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. Discover a selection of 4,000 vacation rentals in Grandfather Mountain, US that are perfect for your trip. The terrain is rugged and can be challenging. Dine in the restaurant or find a scenic picnic spot, browse the nature museum, wander the trails, go behind the scenes of the animal habitats, visit with knowledgeable naturalists, and stop for a treat at the fudge shop. However, Grandfather Mountain will honor the monetary value of one's ticket(s) for a future visit. VIP pass holders and those with pre-paid or complimentary tickets are also not required to book a time-slot. Our crew included writers, scientists, film-makers and chefs. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } ADMISSION RATESWe have three tiers of daily ticket rates. While Andre Michaux studied the mountains ecology in 1794, he reached Calloway Peak and mistakenly thought that Grandfather Mountain was the highest point in North America. If you decide to do the hike, use the Grandfather trail to go up. Grandfather Mountain State Park is currently accepting applications for 2023 seasonal positions. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback. ***Note: Due to reduced winter admission rates, if you will be visiting the Park before . Let us know about your favorite things to do in the comments section or email us. All the trails were well marked, nicely shaded, and had beautiful scenery. On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Grandfather Mountain will be closed, to reopen Dec. 26, weather permitting. They have a few enclosures where you can see black bears, bald eagles, elk, otters, mountain lions. Admission tickets are needed to visit Grandfather Mountain. Ticket proceeds are used to preserve and protect Grandfather Mountain for future generations. There are reduced rates for seniors, veterans and kids. } This year we've added 5 new venues in the walkable Foundy Street area MAP We're hosting 2 different short film screenings at Grail Moviehouse on Monday, March 20 4 different groups of artists are taking over Art Garden for 8 fully immersive performances Come out on Saturday afternoon and hang all day . 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. Without a valid Bridge Club membership card, guests must pay full price. Boone Fork Parking Area (Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 299.9), Banner Elk, NC 28604, The strenuous Daniel Boone Scout Trail (3 miles) begins here, at the 13-mile Tanawha Trail leading to. LINVILLE Grandfather Mountain, the nonprofit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has shifted to a new ticketing system featuring a dynamic pricing structure . Prices are as follows: To accommodate early hikers, park gates are not closed on a daily basis. Be aware, that all of the trails we went on were almost exclusively over rocks & roots. I highly recommend getting there earlybecause it gets really, really busy later on. The following are other parking areas for trails inside Grandfather Mountain State Park. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. The state park offers spots for picnicking, camping and hiking. The Profile Trail doesnt involve ladders but is an uphill trek that leads to Foscoe View and Profile View. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Thank you so much for the fantastic review! } Opening dates, availability and operating procedures are subject to change. As such, I'm sorry you weren't able to enjoy the full experience. We do offer other activities, however, including environmental wildlife habitats, which are home to rescued black bears, cougars, elk, river otters and bald eagles; access to 12+ miles of hiking for practically any skill level; a Junior Ranger program for the kids; 100+ picnic areas; a restaurant; gift shops and more, all included with admission. The selected Membership has no available benefits at this time. Dollar Days guests must book their tickets online and choose the Dollar Days admission rate when reserving their visit. Mile marker: 299.9, Blue Ridge Parkway, Banner Elk, NC 28604 It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. .inside-article{ We decided to arrive when they first open at 8am. The Grandfather Mountain View overlook offers a spectacular view of the southern end of iconic Grandfather Mountain. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 6 May 2023, at Westminster Abbey.Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II.. What hotels are near Grandfather Mountain? Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page. Our staff is always wearing masks and take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our guests. Within a short walk on an accessible pathway, you can see bears, otters, cougars, elk, and bald eagles in their element. There is always something spectacular happening at Grandfather Mountain! {{subCategory.addToCartEl.value | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{viewModel.collectVisitDateSelectedDateFormatted}}. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Beware there are 7 ladders (almost straight vertical to get up some big rocks) and a couple of cables. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { [CDATA[// >