Trip Planner:   USA  /  North Carolina  /  North Carolina Mountains  /  Linville  /  Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain, Linville

4.6
#1 of 11 in Things to do in Linville
Mountain · Wildlife Area
Create an itinerary including Grandfather Mountain
At 5,946 ft (1,812 m), Grandfather Mountain is one of the highest peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to a number of attractions. The mountain is most famous for its mile-high swinging bridge that links two of its rocky peaks. This engineering marvel provides views of up to 160 km (100 mi) on clear days. To see more of the mountain up close, set out on one of the paved walks or hiking trails. You can see some of the mountain's most elusive wildlife, including bald eagles, river otters, and black bears, at their enclosed environmental habitats. Those with a sweet tooth might want to pop into the mountain's fudge store. Bring a jacket; the high elevation makes it considerably cooler than the surrounding area. Plan your visit to Grandfather Mountain and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Linville online itinerary maker.
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Grandfather Mountain reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
2,203 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • This was a stop on our way home from Florida and my only complaint is I wish we planned it and had more time. It was very cold and windy on top(beginning of March)so the mile high bridge was only... 
    This was a stop on our way home from Florida and my only complaint is I wish we planned it and had more time. It was very cold and windy on top(beginning of March)so the mile high bridge was only...  more »
  • Absolutely beautiful park! Incredible views from every direction. Route to the top was a bit harrowing at times not for the faint of heart. The swinging bridge at the top is a very cool experience... 
    Absolutely beautiful park! Incredible views from every direction. Route to the top was a bit harrowing at times not for the faint of heart. The swinging bridge at the top is a very cool experience...  more »
Google
  • I admit the admission isn't cheap, but I think it was worth it. Get there early though. We made a full day of it by walking the trail to the bridge. The view from the bridge waa amazing. Then we headed for the Grandfather Mtn Trail and McCrae Peak. Do your homework. I didn't and didn't know what to expect. While I don't want to discourage anyone, it's not for the faint of heart. It was very technical and a full-body workout, but worth making it to what felt like the top of the world. It gets more difficult the more crowded it gets because there can be bottlenecks on the ladders, but rest assured they are very sturdy and stable. Then we visted the animals and had some lunch. Not all the animals were up close and personal, but we still love to see them. Mildred's Grill was ok, but that BLT sure tasted good after a tough hike.
  • It was extremely windy and my husband performed a wedding at one of the overlooks. The beauty of fall was at its peak.

Plan your trip to Linville

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.