Grandfather Mountain State Park

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About

This is the official page for Grandfather Mountain State Park. North Carolina's newest state park opens the mountain’s 2,456-acre backcountry to spectacular hiking and backpacking and boasts some of the most challenging terrain in the South.

Mission

The North Carolina State Parks System exists for the enjoyment, education, health, and inspiration of all our citizens.
The mission of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is:
*to protect North Carolina's natural diversity:
*to provide and promote outdoor recreation opportunities throughout North Carolina; and,
*to exemplify and encourage good stewardship of North Carolina's natural resources for all citizens and visitors in North Carolina.

Address: Banner Elk 28604

Phone: (828) 963-9522

Website

Email: [email protected]

State: NC

City: Banner Elk

Zip Code: 28604

categories: park, government organization, campground

Reviews

Plan a full day here to be able to experience all that is offered. We spent around 6 hours between the trails, bridge and nature center. There are several trails available to hike for all skill levels. There is a wildlife center about halfway up with activities for the kids, cafe, restrooms and a gift shop. Many picnic areas throughout the mountain. You can hike or drive up to the parking lot where the suspension bridge is located but be aware of the steep incline if driving. The hike up to the bridge is a climb but not strenuous.  Restrooms: Restrooms are located at the Nature Center and at the Gift Shop near the bridge.  Picnic area: Many areas throughout the park to sit and picnic.

This is a great hike & the views are fantastic! When you're crossing the swinging bridge you're a mile up too. It does get windy on top of the mountain, so be careful if you hike to the ledges. They have animal habitats with elk, bears, eagles, etc. They have a nice visitors center too... a really neat place to go

Went on a field trip with my daughter today, well worth it. I've been there a couple of times, and it never gets old. So beautiful up there. It was a little cold and pretty windy up by the bridge 50° and 30mph wind gusts. Very friendly tour guides and staff.

We have been to this place during fall colors and it's beautiful. This is the first time we visited during summer. It was not as good as fall but the experience of cool wind during winter high up in the mountain was worth the drive.  We booked the tickets online and the entry was very easy. They offer a CD or USB stick to listen to audio while driving up the mountain. We drove all the way up and walked the little hanging bridge and it was fun and a little scary.  While driving back we visited the animal habitat and had ice cream at the store by the side of the habitat.  Overall it was a memorable visit to the Grandfather mountain .

Very nice park with plenty of trails and hiking. The highlight, of course, is the mile high swinging bridge. This bridge is also called the “singing bridge” because when the wind hits it just right it sings. Once you cross it you can scramble up some rocks and get a fantastic view of Linville Peak and the valley. The cost is quite high for a state park, at $24, but it is beautiful scenery.

I love Grandfather Mountain. Lots of exciting things to do and explore. The drive up the mountain is a little scary for me but the views are breathtaking and the experience is so worth it. The Swinging Bridge is fun to cross, and once you cross the bride you have unobstructed views of the mountains. It is so beautiful and peaceful. We had a great time at the exhibit, and seeing the animals in the habitat.  We also got some great fotos and all the Overlook spots. Really enjoyed hiking to get to some of the overlooks.

There are two parts to this park; the state park has free entry and extensive hiking trails. The privately owned attraction, where you can find the Mile High Swinging Bridge, has an entrance fee and is absolutely worth it. The views are incredible, the nature center and animal habitats are thorough and well maintained, and beauty of North Carolina can’t be beat.

WOW! What a gem of a place. From the front gate employees to the roads. Everything is so clean, organized and all about nature. Worth the entrance fee! Went without our kids and I’m so glad we made this an adult trip. That’s because we went for the hike!  Restrooms: Clean and ready!  Picnic area: Perfect spots!

We had an amazing time at the park! We bought tickets online the day of, but this was no problem! We were granted entry immediately. No lines or anything. They also provided us with a lovely CD audio tour which we enjoyed a lot!  The visitor's center was really cool and gave helpful information about the mountain's flora and fauna. We loved seeing the animal exhibits too.  We parked about halfway up, at the Black Rock Parking Area, and hiked the rest of the way. The hike wasn't too bad, but you should definitely wear close-toed shoes for it, since the rocks can be slippery. It was a wonderful little hike though, about 0.4 miles.  The view, of course, was nothing short of spectacular. After crossing the bridge, you're able to, if you choose, climb a bit more toward the edge on some rocks, which grants you a lovely cliffside view! We had to tear ourselves away from it since it was so lovely.  Really the only downside was the gift shop at the top of the mountain having their AC out. It was a bit hot in there. But we don't blame the park for that at all—it was quite busy at the time we went so it could have just been all the people.  Amazing view and spectacular time!  Picnic area: A bunch of areas to sit and eat!

Was really intimidated by the drive up the mountain and possibly crossing the swinging bridge but once you're up there it's absolutely amazing! There is an audio tour available to listen to in your vehicle.  The walk around the zoo is short but steep. The tourist center has a basic meal offering, clean restrooms and nice gift shop.

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