North Carolina Mountains Sights
- Overview
- Places to Explore
- Sights
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Travel Tips
- Features
- Fodor's Choice
- Deals
Guidebooks
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain Review
Soaring to almost 6,000 feet, Grandfather Mountain is just off the Parkway at mile marker 305. It is famous for its Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a 228-foot-long bridge that sways over a 1,000-foot drop into the Linville Valley. The Natural History Museum has exhibits on native minerals, flora and fauna, and pioneer life. There are 12 miles of nature trails and some 100 picnic tables. The annual Singing on the Mountain, (fourth Sunday in June) is an opportunity to hear old-time gospel music and preaching, and the Highland Games (second weekend in July) bring together Scottish clans from all over North America for athletic events and Highland dancing.
- Address: Blue Ridge Pkwy. and U.S. Hwy. 221, Linville, NC, 28646 | Map It
- Phone: 828/733-4337; 800/468-7325
- Cost: $18; children 4--12, $8
- Hours: mid-Mar.--mid-Jun., daily 8--6; mid-Jun.--mid-Sep., daily 8--7; mid-Sep.--mid-Dec., daily 8--6; mid-Dec.--mid-Mar., daily 9--5
- Website: www.grandfather.com
- Location: Blue Ridge Parkway
Contact Information
Free Fodor's Newsletter
Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.
Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas
- Weekend Getaways: Fodor's Recommends the Best Weekend Escapes in the US
- Great American Vacation: Find Your Next U.S. Trip with Fodor's
- 80 Degrees: Fodor's Helps You Find Your Best Beach Vacation Spots
- Go List: Fodor's Top 25 Places to Go in 2013
- Hotel Awards 2012: Fodor's 100 Top Hotels
- Best of Europe: Fodor's Picks the Best Places to Visit in Europe
Travel Deals in The North Carolina Mountains
- $169 -- Luxe North Carolina Hotel near Biltmore, $50 Off Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
· Forums Trip Reports
-
During the planning of our six week road trip I spent many happy hours back in the UK plundering ideas from this forum. Read more
-
My family visits the Outer Banks of North Carolina on a fairly regular basis in the summer and fall. Read more
·Florida Forum, New Jersey Forum, New York Forum, North Carolina Forum
-
Does anybody have any recommendations for land and water activities in Key West? Read more
· News & Features
-
News, Hotels
From the steamed cider aromas that hit you in the lobby to the local ingredients served in the restaurant,... Read more
-
Trip Ideas
You might not expect to find yourself amongst wine grapes a mere 75 miles outside of New York City.... Read more
-
Travel Tips
Summertime is practically synonymous with road trips.... Read more



