Grandfather Mountain

For over 100 years, Grandfather Mountain, near Linville, North Carolina, has been a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve and is the only private park in the world designated by the United Nations as an international biosphere reserve. While geologists believe that Grandfather Mountain was created about 742 million years ago, some of the rock formations on Grandfather Mountain are even older than the mountain itself, dating back 1.1 billion years. The original Cherokee name for the mountain was "Tanawha," meaning "a fabulous hawk or eagle." It was named "Grandfather" by pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs.

Those who are interested in seeing wildlife love Grandfather Mountain's seven "environmental habitats," large enclosed areas in which animals live in their natural surroundings, yet are more visible than in the wild. These habitats are home for black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, golden eagles, and white-tailed deer. A Nature Museum houses exhibits about the natural history of the region and a theater that shows nature movies made on the Grandfather Mountain.

A highlight of a visit to Grandfather Mountain is crossing the "Mile High Swinging Bridge," a 228-foot suspension bridge that spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. This is a favorite photo opportunity for visitors, as is the breathtaking panoramic view it affords.  Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks.  A permit is required for hiking.  Special events are scheduled throughout the spring and summer months. Pets on a leash are welcome at Grandfather Mountain.

Grandfather Mountain Hours of Operation:
Open daily at 8 a.m. except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, weather permitting in winter. Closing times vary according to season. The Nature Museum opens daily at 8 a.m. closes one hour before the park's closing time.

Grandfather Mountain Admission Fees:
Adults (13-59):$ 14; seniors (60+): $12; child (4-12): $6; children under 3: free.
Groups of 20 or more: phone for reservations:  800-468-7325; Annual passes available.
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Grandfather Mountain Location:
Grandfather Mountain is located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville, North Carolina, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 305).

Grandfather Mountain
P. O. Box 129
2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC 28646
http://www.grandfather.com/