Popular Attractions

Grandfather Mountain

Whether you come for Grandfather Mountain’s nature preserves or for its vistas, you’re sure to leave with a closer relationship with nature.

Towering 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is a scenic travel attraction recognized by the United Nations as one of the world’s most environmentally diverse nature preserves.

Guests drive to the Mile High Swinging Bridge where they marvel at 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains cascading to the horizon. Suspended a mile above sea level and 80 feet above the ground, crossing the swaying suspension bridge is a highlight of every visit.

Seven natural habitats bring visitors eye-to-eye with bears, cougars, otters, eagles and deer. Learn about Grandfather and the plants and animals that inhabit it at the natural history museum, and take time to join the knowledgeable staff naturalists for an entertaining and informative program. Stretch your legs on gentle nature paths or get rugged on backcountry trails that use ladders and cables to climb sheer cliff faces.

Finally, relax over a meal in the restaurant or have your order packed to go so you can picnic any of a hundred scenic spots.

credit: produced by Journal Communications
added: September 2, 2009