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Grandfather Mountain

2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646
828-733-2013
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Ranked #1 of 9 attractions in Linville
Type: Mountains, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Natural History Museums
Activities: Hiking, Picnicking, Leisure education
Owner description: Grandfather Mountain’s pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as... more » Owner description: Grandfather Mountain’s pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse nature preserves. Be exhilarated by the altitude and panoramic views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge; stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars and otters in natural habitats. Dine in the restaurant or find a scenic picnic spot, browse the nature museum, wander the trails, go behind the scenes of the animal habitats, visit with knowledgeable naturalists, and stop for a treat at the fudge shop. Fill your day with family memories at place where wonders never cease. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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391 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Baltimore, Maryland
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

We spent the better part of a day at Grandfather mountain. It was one of the highlights of our trip to the area. Although the admission is $18 per adult, I thought it was worth it. The literal high point is the Mile High swinging bridge. Pretty cool engineering and unbeatable view. We did the moderatly strenuous hike up from... More

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Bolton, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

Three of us are still touring through North Carolina (17 May 13) and today we've just visited the Grandfather Mountains. I read the reviews and was prepared for anything. My partner and I paid $15 each as seniors and my daughter paid $18. Luckily the weather was good and the views were remarkable, the bridge really did make a high... More

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Wayne, Michigan
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013 NEW

Armed with reviews from other visitors, we went to Grandfather Mountain and the swinging bridge knowing what to expect. We had also read about it in May issue of Guidepost Magazine. The drive out the first time was on the main road with stop and go, lights and tourists trying to decide at which place to eat or which tourist... More

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PA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

I've been there before, loved it, wanted to go again, but this time the weather did us in. Too much fog, but they still wanted to charge us to go up the mountain and see fog. Well, at least, we could take in the animal exhibits, right? No, they were closed too, Sorry! Hope to go again someday when the... More

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LandisWofford, Public Relations Manager at Grandfather Mountain, responded to this review
May 13, 2013

leaver, Thanks for your review and visiting Grandfather Mountain. We are sorry that you didn't enjoy your last visit. You are correct, our admission prices don't change because of fog. We've found that visitors can still have an enjoyable experience on a foggy day and sometimes actually prefer it. We actually used to give out a brochure about visiting Grandfather... More

Hampstead, New Hampshire
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

I went here planning to drive up see the bridge and nature center and a breif walk. The wind at the bridge was making the cable sing and me moan. Then i thought i would head up hill for a short walk. I came upon a guided tour by the president of the mountain and 2 of his friends. They... More

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Western Kentucky
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2013

This was one of our most memorable things we did on our trip. It was a little pricey, but we felt it was worth it. They gave me a sheet to read on how it was dangerous for inexperienced motorcyclists. I didn't let my wife riding with me read it :). The view was really spectacular from where you walk... More

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Boone, North Carolina, United States
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2013

Always a beautiful place to visit. When you live here it seems we take it for granted. Might be a little pricey for what you get but always worth a one time visit if you are visiting!!

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La Crosse, Wisconsin
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2013

We went to Grandfather Mountain on a cloudy day, so the views weren't as awesome as they could have been, but we still had a great time. The nature preserve area was closed--but the park took an adequate amount off of the admission price, so we thought that was very fair. Even though it was cloudy, it was still fun... More

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Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2013

We have been here several times and it is always enjoyable. This year the temperature was a little chilly (about 55). We still went across the swinging bridge and enjoyed the view from the top. If you have never been on the swinging bridge, you need to do it at least one time. On this trip the nature preserve was... More

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NEWPORT
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2013

Something of a misnomer to me, yes, the elevation might be 5280 feet but the swinging bridge is over a very shallow valley. Heavy winds from Venturi affect nearly always can be counted on. Great views from multiple lookouts, animal exhibits and museum provides for good education of geology of mountain. Gift shops at bridge and museum, with snack bar... More

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