Purchase tickets at the gate. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is the central attraction at Grandfather Mountain. Hugh Morton inherited Grandfather Mountain in 1952 with a dream of creating the Mile High Swinging Bridge, according to Our State. Bring your own picnic, or purchase hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, chicken tenders and more to go from Mildred's Grill restaurant at the Nature Museum. The most scenic route is taking the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville (about 90 miles from downtown, allow 2.5 hours) to Milepost 305 - take the US 221 Highway/Linville exit just before the Linn Cove Viaduct. One of the mountain’s best-known pastimes is a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The original Cherokee name for the mountain was “Tanawha,” meaning “a fabulous eagle.” It was named “Grandfather” by pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs. It is built around the mountain and is an engineering marvel. Grandfather’s lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name ” Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. This bridge was a highlight in our Grandfather Mountain experience. Grandfather Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (elevation 5,946 ft.), is 70 miles from Asheville, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. A favored activity at Grandfather Golf and Country Club is participating in weekly card games in the clubhouse. After climbing down from MacRae Peak, continue on the Grandfather Trail about 1/4 of a mile to the Underwood Trail. Located beside Sugar Mountain (elevation 5,236 feet) is the famous Grandfather Mountain (elevation 5,946 feet) with the popular mile-high swinging bridge. About the Mile High Swinging Bridge The Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. Arrive by 11 AM if you plan to get in some hiking, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing views. It is about 50 yards from the building to the bridge, and a bench is located near the bridge. Guests purchase tickets at the foot of the mountain and drive up the crooked drive. The bridge was rebuilt using the original towers. Located near the fun small town of Banner Elk, the longtime attraction has many things to do and see. Grandfather Mountain is a globally-recognized nature preserve and home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. Location: Across from the Peddlin' Pig restaurant - GPS address is 4198 NC Highway 105 N, Banner Elk. For something sweet, check out the Fudge Shop! Or continue for 1.5 miles to reach Calloway Peak, the highest point of Grandfather. 163 reviews of Grandfather Mountain "Grandfather Mountain is a place that will take your breath away. Just down the mountain a bit are environmental habitats and nature museum. Special Information. There are several hiking trails at Grandfather, but once you cross the bridge, you mainly just have an amazing view of the Linville gorge. Now Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. The route follows the crest of Grandfather Mountain from the Hiker's Parking Area near the summit, about 2.4 miles to Calloway Peak (or do a shorter hike to MacRae Peak). This challenging hike is about 6.2 miles round-trip, gaining 1,800 ft. in elevation. Grandfather Mountain Highlands Region | Linville & Avery County. The summit is known for extreme weather year-round including high winds (they set a record of 121 MPH in February 2019). As America’s highest suspension footbridge, the Bridge was actually built to provide visitors easy access to the inspiring view from the Grandfather Mountain … What is Grandfather Mountain? The attraction side of the mountain, which includes the Mile High Swinging Bridge, is accessed via Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road. A true landmark of a pioneering spirit, the Mile High Swinging Bridge welcomes all visitors to admire 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain. 2050 Blowing Rock Highway A short drive from the Parkway on US 221 South is the park entrance. What to do at Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge. It’s a truly awe inspiring attraction that’s just close enough to make it a reasonable day trip activity. Picnics More than 100 picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park. Join the Bridge Club Enjoy greater access to the wonders of Grandfather Mountain, save on your visits, and help build a bridge to the future so that generations to come can experience nature and beauty the way we do today. The Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. Quite often, fog and clouds cover the summit. About the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Each year, it attracts about 250,000 tourists who spend the day hiking, viewing animals, visiting the nature museum and picnicking. — Designed by – Charles Hartman Jr. of Greensboro, N.C.— Construction – Fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge was built in 1952 at a cost of $15,000. Profile TrailThis popular trail to the top of Grandfather Mountain begins from N.C. Highway 105, near the intersection with N.C. 184 in Banner Elk. While guests will still be able to enjoy Grandfather Mountain’s many wonders, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge, environmental wildlife habitats and hiking, the park will be operating in a modified capacity to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Club members have the opportunity to enjoy various Bridge games among the company of good friends and make new connections over some friendly … At the stoplight turn left and follow US 221 North to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain (about 30 miles). Several lofty alpine hiking trails begin from this parking area. Travels through a spruce-fir forest, up and around rock walls and pinnacles, and through open meadows. […] One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. The mile-high swinging bridge has been in place since 1952 and offers 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain. The mountain attractions are operated by a non-profit foundation and one ticket price includes everything. The bridge doesn’t feel like it’s constantly swinging, but once you stop walking you can feel it lightly swaying back and forth. See the mountain views from the Mile-High Swinging Bridge atop Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Everyone traveling in western North Carolina should visit it once. The new Top Shop provides elevator access to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, making the span accessible to people with disabilities for the first time. Mile High Swinging Bridge. While geologists believe that Grandfather Mountain was formed about 300 million years ago, some of the rock formations on Grandfather Mountain are even older than the mountain itself, dating back 1.1 billion years. Surveys show that the journey to the other side is always considered the highlight of a trip to … Hiking the Summit TrailsMore than 12 miles of regularly maintained trails range in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges. The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. The Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. The 360° degree panoramic views from the bridge are mesmerizing. Yuri wanted to run on the bridge, but we stopped him, so that it wouldn’t disturb other people. And don't forget the camera! Surveys show that the journey to the other side is always considered the highlight of a trip to Grandfather Mountain. However the bridge is only 80 feet above the gap between the parking lot and Linville Peak. Location While it is not as tall as Mt. Receive Our Newsletter; Grandfather Mountain Videos; Reviews Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge. A true landmark of a pioneering spirit, the Mile High Swinging Bridge welcomes all visitors to admire 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain. Whether you cross it to challenge yourself, for the scenery, or to admire this engineering masterpiece, the experience will make your trip to Grandfather complete. You should try to drive over the Linville gorge viaduct, which is the finishing piece of the blue ridge parkway. Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot. This is a favorite photo opportunity for visitors, as is the breathtaking panoramic view it affords. Menu. Today the Bridge thrills visitors with its mile-high elevation. Banner Elk is a quaint mountain village between the, The first alpine coaster in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains opened in, Opening day for 2020 is November 21st!The village of, Find Updates and Reopenings in Asheville & Western North Carolina. The bridge is a mile above sea level and America’s highest suspension footbridge. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The bridge is at an exact elevation of 5,280 feet, or 1 mile. The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway. Linville, NC 28646. Here's the fall view of Grandfather Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway. I loved that upon entry to park they give you a CD to listen to as you drive to the top with information and history at points during your drive. Wildlife Habitats & Nature Museum Grandfather has environmental habitats for black bears, river otters, cougars, eagles and elk. Grandfather Mountain supports sixteen distinct ecological communities, each supporting its own unique web of life. Viewing areas give you an up-close perspective of the animals. Grandfather’s Unique Ecology; Sustainability at Grandfather; History of the Mountain; Media; Connect. Read above for using this trail as an alternate return from MacRae Peak. Grandfather Mountain is a globally-recognized nature preserve and home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. There is no charge for accessing the State Park from the trailheads here. A aquarium-like area allows you to watch the playful otters above or below the water. For more things to do in the area and places to stay, go to our Banner Elk Guide. Grandfather TrailAn upper mountain ridge trail of astonishing variety, running in and out of wind-dwarfed spruce and fir, across or around rock walls and pinnacles, and into open spaces with views of mountains unfurling in every direction. Mile High Swinging Bridge — As the name suggests, the Mile High Swinging Bridge is a mile above sea level and offers you a thrilling platform for admiring the 360-degree panoramic views at Grandfather Mountain. Take Exit #85. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and go one mile to a stoplight. Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. [COVID-19 Update: Grandfather Mountain is scheduled to be open during the summer and fall of 2020, but with certain limitations and protocols in place.For full details, see this article. Guests at the attraction may access the State Park trail system from the Swinging Bridge. All guests and passholders planning a trip to Grandfather Mountain must now purchase their tickets or book a reservation online. What a great trip I had. The bridge has been in place since 1952, and for just as long it’s excited the thousands who’ve walked across with the thrills of mile-high elevation. Cross the bridge to reach Linville Peak. 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