It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has . Admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. Grandfather Mountain State Park), Grandfather Mountain State Park Things to Do, Things to Do Nearby (Blue Ridge Parkway Stops, Mountain Towns, and More!). 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). 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. Yes, you have to pay the $30 admission fee to get on the bridge, but having access to the mountain (without having to hike in from outside) is so worth it! It was on a Tuesday and the park was already getting full by 10am. 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. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Grandfather Mountain is in Avery County, in the northwestern corner of North Carolina. We hope to see you back real soon! Members must present a valid Bridge Club membership card upon arrival. Not enough room and it's almost best if they were put down instead of being rescued and put in this environment. I would definitely recommend everyone experience this at least once in their lifetime. You may change your date/time on your tickets up until 24 hours before your day of visit. Without a valid Bridge Club membership card, guests must pay full price. Both hiking trails are managed by the National Park Service as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. They ay there may be extra tickets available at the entrance but I wouldn't chance it. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wishes to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation in staging our annual Gathering. The items in your basket are listed below. Youll better appreciate the best things to do at Grandfather Mountain North Carolina after understanding its history and these fun facts. The road also passes Westglow and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, two interesting historical spots. Again, thanks for taking the time to write and share your thoughtful feedback, and again, apologies for any inconvenience. Again, thank you for sharing such positive feedback. We also apologize for any inconvenience you experienced due to our museum renovations. Please contact us for special arrangements beyond one year from your ticket purchase date. 2023 ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL FULL SCHEDULE MARCH 19-26, 2023 New for 2023! Visit Event Website. While he oversaw much of Grandfather Mountains development (and North Carolinas tourism development), Morton was also a prolific photographer. For more information or assistance, please call 828-733-4337. } At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the world's most diverse nature preserves. 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. Constructed in 1952 (and since reconstructed), the Swinging Bridge is Americas highest suspension footbridge, with an elevation of 5,305 feet. Address: 312 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806. An overlook summit rewards visitors with a panoramic view of North Carolina's high country. {{subCategory.addToCartEl.value | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{viewModel.collectVisitDateSelectedDateFormatted}}. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. A very limited number of tickets may be available at the entrance gate drive-through booths during weekday hours. Grandfather Mountain attraction, which includes the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, is not part of the state park. There are multiple ways to enter Grandfather Mountain State Park. Guests must purchase tickets online to guarantee admission. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at [email protected] for assistance. text-decoration: underline Learning opportunities are available for all ages. It's always tough to predict what weather will be like in April, as there's still usually a mix of cool and warm. Join, volunteer, or donate! Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Prices are as follows: Bridge Clubmembers will continue to receive complimentary admission, per their membership agreement, and are notrequired to book a time-slot. Join us for an evening with Grammy Nominated Berklee Indian Ensemble bringing their genre-bending musical experience to Asheville! BUT..the views are completely worth the drive and the scary walk across the bridge. Embark on a Family River Expedition, unlike any other in the Americas! Enjoy a Mile High Burger (chili on a burger!) Grandfather Mountain State Park discounts - what to see at Watauga - check out reviews and photos for Grandfather Mountain State Park - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Grandfather Mountain State Park An error occurred on this page that requires attention. For a great weekend in the park, bring everyone you know to Grandfather Mountain's park, a favorite for the area. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Top:Grandfather Mountain profile, C. Peek, Gallery:View from Calloway Peak, J. At 5,946 feet, it is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the major chains of the Appalachian Mountains. } To see Grandfather Mountains Wildlife Habitats, youll park in the same lot as the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Secure websites use HTTPS certificates. She just handed it me and I wasnt sure what it was for until I had a chance to stop and read it. 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. So, you can imagine how surprised Dr. Clyde Sorenson, a professor of entomology at N.C. State University, was by what he saw when he spent the night on Grandfather Mountain in June 2019. To accommodate early hikers, park gates are not closed on a daily basis. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Natalie Brunner Read More: The Wild and Wonderful WNC Nature Center in Asheville. The attraction is open year-round (weather permitting), except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Please contact us for special arrangements beyond one year from your ticket purchase date. Thanks again. 1-800-468-7325, Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Let us know how your hike on the Grandfather Trail goes! .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Once inside the park there are numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, bar-b-que pits and grills (bring your own food! For more information or assistance, please call (828) 733 . "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" 91% of travelers recommend this experience. The mountain has a long proud heritage of private ownership, and they have done a good job to accentuate the views and nature at every opportunity. By that time, it was too late. If you want to move to a date in a different price tier, simply request a refund and then purchase new tickets. For this section, we will include things to do at Grandfather Mountain, including the famed Mile High Swinging Bridge. 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. 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. From inside the Top Shop, there is an elevator and a 50-yard paved path to the bridge. } Prime parking and what a treat with no screaming school kids or massive crowds. If you decide to do that, make sure you are right in town. You may also be interested to know that we're owned and operated by the nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a nonprofit focused on inspiring conservation. To get to the mile high swinging bridge you can take the stairs or use the elevator. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page. It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. ({{packageItem.Quantity}}) {{packageItem.Name}}y. On weekends, tickets will only be available online. Where are good places to stay around this area? An error has occured getting benefits to display. round trip but we stopped to take a lot of pics). Ticket proceeds are used to preserve and protect Grandfather Mountain for future generations. One tip. After a short distance . Calloway Peak, the highest point on the mountain, has an elevation of 5,946 feet, and temperatures throughout the park may be several degrees colder than shown, so please plan accordingly. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Ticketholders are also welcome to gift their passes to friends or family. Speaking of explorers, some of the worlds most famous adventurers have spent time at Grandfather Mountain. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Simply forward your confirmation email (tickets will be attached) to that person. Read More: Amazing Hikes near Boone and Blowing Rock (45 of the Best!). her great grandfather's birthplace. Prices are subject to change. You could easily spend a day here or a few hours depending on what you want to do. Weather conditions are still fairly rough at Grandfather Mountain, even though its not the tallest. We hope that you visit again soon! , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the park for future generations. We are so glad we did! Heres a breakdown: Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). We plan to go Grandfather mountain during the week April 03 to April 07. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Members must present a valid Bridge Club membership card upon arrival. Before the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and the State of North Carolina acquired it, multiple families owned Grandfather Mountain. Tickets are $21 a person (not cheap). Grandfather Mountains pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. lastly we toured theyre a little museum on the second floor, which had tons of info and great pictures on the history of the mountain over the decades. Therefore, we thought we were visiting a state park or other public park, not a private tourist attraction. A limited number of Dollar Days tickets will be available each day, in addition to general admission tickets. Dont forget to share your Grandfather Mountain adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group! .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } The Elk Knob summit trail is a 3.8-mile, moderately challenging route that offers an outstanding panoramic view. For a milder experience, visitor can purchase tickets to Grandfather Mountain's nature park and drive the winding, scenic two-lane . For more information about the attraction, please visit the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation website. The state parkland sits between privately owned Grandfather Mountain attraction (admission fee charged) and Blue Ridge Parkway trails managed by the National Park Service. We actually felt sad for the confined male elk that was bugling. Grandfather Mountain State Park discounts - what to see at Watauga - check out reviews and photos for Grandfather Mountain State Park - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Grandfather Mountain State Park GPS: 36.1200, -81.7813, Managed by the National Park Service Very little activity at about 1100 this date and the weather was cool and sunny (no bears seen). for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Member of Southern Highlands Attractions. ), 25+ Wonderful Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock (within 2 Hours), Grandfather Mountain Facts (History and Ecology), How to Visit Today (Grandfather Mountain Attraction vs. } There are daily programs at the Wildlife Habitats throughout the year, including Keeper Talks, Animal Encounters, and more! High in the Mountains of Western North Carolina the ancient Celtic spirit beckons. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} We saw a very sweet guide escort a lady across who wasn't quite sure she could do it on her own. Mr. Morton also acquired two black bears, one of which (Mildred) could not adapt to the wild. } The bridge itself is really narrow. 31 of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! We arrived Friday Sept 23 at 0900 and the parking lot was near empty! 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. As of Nov. 1, 2020, Grandfather Mountain admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. Review on Cybo. Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Boone (Hikes, Eats, and More in App Town). Quick links. What attractions are near Grandfather Mountain? Today, it is part of US 221, known as the. You can get two free airline tickets when you book a stay with Villas of Distinction. 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. 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! Child (ages 4-12): $9 You can connect to the Grandfather Trail via the strenuous Profile Trail (3.6 miles), starting from the Profile Trail Parking Area. Senior (age 60+): $20 .search .content-area a { Please log out and try again. Please check the local forecast (Linville, NC 28646) prior to making travel decisions. Grandfather Mountain's pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. Grandfather Mountain overlooks include Half Moon Overlook, Cliffside Overlook, and Sheer Bluff. Even my wife who doesnt like suspension bridges was glad that she did it, even though there was a 20 mph wind when we crossed one way and 40 mph wind on the way back. } Managed by the National Park Service A membership id is required to see available benefits. The drive to the top is a bit scary as there are no guardrails and its pretty steep but our little car made it just fine. As such, I'm sorry you weren't able to enjoy the full experience. As for our prices, you may be interested to know that we're a nonprofit organization, with a mission of inspiring conservation of the natural world. Your current membership allows the following members: Are you interested in adding another individual to the membership? Special Holiday Hours AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card) GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 286461-800-468-7325. The acquisition was arranged with the help of The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy, which holds conservation easements on the mountain covering nearly 4,000 acres (read more). 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. For current rates, reserve your ticket at https://grandfather.com/tickets/ The Grandfather Mountain Trail runs the length of the summit ridge from the Grandfather Mountain attraction to Calloway Peak and Watauga Viewpoint. In addition, Green Mountain Creek Falls, a beautiful roadside waterfall, also sits along this way and is worthy of a stop. Read more . Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. 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. Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots. Member of Southern Highlands . We would like to stay at a hotel nearby where we can walk to dinner to restaurants. THE ULTIMATE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE DOUGLAS ADAMS Complete & Unabridged Contents: Introduction: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 . 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