Grandfather Mountain

It’s hard to describe just how much I enjoy this hike! I have lived in North Carolina for nine years, and have explored many of the popular hikes and mountains, yet grandfather remains my favorite. The hike to MacRae Peak is a gorgeous hike, which involves some cables and ladders. I would not recommend bringing young children, but if you are relatively active, it should be a moderate hike. The view on the top is absolutely breathtaking, you were able to see 360° of the Blue Ridge Mountains! If hiking is not your thing, the mile high bridge is definitely a great alternative, there’s also a small zoo and gift shop.

I visited Grandfather Mountain on July 4th and had an absolutely amazing experience. We started our drive from Cary, and it took about 3.5 hours to reach. The drive was smooth with hardly any traffic, and the mountain roads are narrow but very scenic and well-maintained. One of the highlights is the Mile High Swinging Bridge – it’s small but truly feels like you’re standing on top of the world! The views are stunning, and the air is so fresh. There are staff and even young volunteers at the top guiding visitors and ensuring safety, which was impressive. We also did a short 1-mile hiking trail, and the natural beauty all around was just breathtaking. You get to see lush greenery and wide forest landscapes—almost 5,000 acres of it! A few tips: • The ticket is $34 per person, which might feel a bit steep for families, so plan accordingly. • Carry your own food and water – there are only limited snacks available, and they are priced high. • Wear proper hiking shoes – the rocks can be tricky, and good grip is essential. Overall, this is a well-organized, family-friendly destination that offers a truly memorable outdoor experience. Highly recommended!

Grandfather Mountain is a great place to visit when in the area. From the hiking and views to walking the swinging bridge it’s a great place for outdoor activities and history. 10 year old really enjoyed the challenge of walking the bridge and rocks at the top.

Grandfather Mountain is absolutely beautiful and a spectacular place to visit. We enjoyed a scenic drive up the mountain, which made the experience relaxing and enjoyable. Once you reach the top, the views are simply stunning definitely worth the trip! It’s a perfect spot to connect with nature and take in the incredible mountain landscape. Highly recommended for families and nature lovers alike.

This place is definitely a great option for the family! A lot of history, great views, education, the teach you a lot about the wild life, they have cool animals like bears & elks on display and did i mention the views are breathtaking! You can definitely get your steps in by walking any of the trails available. The mile high bridge is so cool and my kids enjoyed it so much!

Coolest mountain trail in North Carolina, facilities and gift shop are extreemly clean. Trail is well kept also. It is not for the faint of heart this is a difficult trail to the peak or even the underwood. But it is very gratifying. If you are up for a good challenge and have 2.5 hours to spare. I recommend you hit the trail heads they are well marked but strenuous, ladders, cables and rocks etc. Make sure you have good hiking shoes. Also the bridge is great and the wildlife is not shy. The only negative is the cost to get in to this place. It is a little price to be honest. It is $28 per person to enter. I can understand $28 per vehicle but dang man that is alot of dough for a park visit ajd they dont pass the savings on to you at the gift shop either. But in the end they get stars because I will always come here to concur McGrae Peak with my 2 sons! So in conclusion, sights and grounds 5 stars, bridge amazing, trails difficult but doable and very well maintained, views breathtaking 😍 memories priceless. Entry pricy

Wonderful nature walks and hikes, really cool animal rescue facility. This is a must do attraction. You can hike up to a mountain peak and get a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. There is an entry fee of $28 per adult.

I reached out to Grandfather Mountain with a heavy heart, trying to arrange a way to spread my father's ashes on the mountain as he'd willed. The privately owned portion of the mountain was very understanding and helpful. They assured us we were not the first ones to do this, and they welcomed the request with compassion and offered my brothers and I free access to the park for the day. We had arranged for Father's Day weekend. We arrived at opening the day of and without any questions we were welcomed in by very a friendly staff member at the gate and guided to the parking for hiking trails by another equally friendly staff member. No one questioned our reason for being here or gave any sign of this task being out of the ordinary. We were able to feel very comfortable about what we needed to do. We began our hike. Frequent rains, including a rain overnight, gave us some concern. We had all worn proper hiking books, and the trails were well maintained. We had no issue with traction. The rain caused the mountain to be engorged with lush greenery and just dense with vibrant greens and felt so alive in spirit. It was a stark contrast to the reason of our visit and added a whole new level of spiritual inspiration. We trekked over rocks, through puddles and small rain born creeks offering a calm backdrop of trickling water, we climbed the cables and ladders. Having no clue what the trail had in store for us, the difficulty of the hike through the "advanced" trail to MacRae Peak challenged our constitution, fear of heights, and personal will to go farther. My oldest brother pushed himself until he could not go any further. Just after the final ladder to the peak. The spot was beautiful. The panoramic view stretched for miles and miles in nearly all directions. Standing at the edge, on the edge, looking down a drop of hundreds of feet to the trees below felt surreal. Partly cloudy skies gave us a clear perspective of depth and splotched the landscape with deep blue shadows. In true smoky mountain fashion, intermittent low hanging clouds would sweep across the mountain, bringing with it a cool, misty wind. We each scattered a third of our father's ashes in the wind. Made peace with his death and enjoyed the peaceful satisfaction at his final resting place. The trek down was reflective and somber. After, we made our way to the swinging bridge attraction and looked back towards MacRae Peak. Unbelievably, we spotted the small figures of other hikers making their way along the trail. We three reflected on what we'd just done and the views we had and the experience gained. Long story short, the mountain is gorgeous, the staff is phenomenal, and there is access to one of the most challenging hikes in the Appalachian Mountains with incredible views that make it all worth it. A worthy resting place for a man who respected the spirit of the earth and enjoyed the peaceful quiet of the smoky mountains.

Love this place. We got to see bears, an Eagle, a pair of Cougars, a River Otter and an Elk. Definitely worth visiting if you are in North Carolina.

This was a beautiful, scenic, place. It was kid friendly and easy to navigate. It's worth hiking over the mile high swinging bridge. There is an entrance fee which seems a little pricey and detracts a star.

The drive to Grandfather Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful scenic drives I've ever experienced. I enjoyed taking it a step further by driving into the Grandfather Mountain park and hiking over the mile-high swinging bridge for the majestic views and seeing the small zoo on-site. A good pit stop for families as there is a restaurant, bathrooms and a small kid-friendly exhibit inside. Lots of tourists from all over. The drive to the top is kind of nerve-wracking so just use a low gear and take your time. Going down felt easier. Entrance fee is about $30, which I think is a lot for this 1-2 hour visit.

This place was amazing has a little hike but if you dont want to hike you can also drive! They also have a mini zoo!

Grandfather Mountain can be a cool stop but be ready to pay a premium price tag . Knocking a star off for the steep pricing of a natural wonder. It's best to purchase tickets online because you have to reserve a time and you can apply discounts online only. An adult single ticket ranges from $20 - $30 depending on how busy the park is . As of September 2024 , they categorize the pricing by : Peak Day - Adult Admission = $30.00 Mid-Level Day - Adult Admission = $25.00 Base Day - Adult Admission = $20.00 You also have to reserve a time so the park can better manage crowds. If you buy online you can apply discounts like AAA , senior and military . Your admission includes a CD or usb drive that you can listen to as you drive through the park . Once inside the park you have access to the swinging bridge and gift shop , wilson center for nature discovery ( museum ), the wildlife habitats and hiking trails . If you are Mobility challenged there is an elevator available to take you to the top of the mountain to access the swinging bridge (it's inside the gift shop). If you are a pressed penny collector , there's a machine inside both the gift shop at the swinging bridge and the Wilson center for nature discovery . If you are a passport stamp collector , sadly the park NO LONGER offers the stamp for the NC State Parks Passport which is asinine IMHO . The ladies in the gift shop stated they used to have a stamp but no longer do . The reason they explained is the touristy parts of grandfather mountain are privately owned and not within the state park . The hiking trails and less touristy parts are within the state park . Does not make sense not to offer the stamp at the gift shop or discovery center since these spots are the most logical place to store it as hubs for visitors . Knocking a star off for this . One more critique : inside the discovery center is a theatre . The park totally missed the mark on this as they show a literal promotional video / ad to visitors who obviously have already paid to visit ! This makes no sense . We were hoping it would be an educational video of the history of the park . They could even offer a video on the best hiking trails , what not to miss , highlight the animals etc . Visitors don't want to watch a video that just features random people saying " I am grandfather mountain " it's weird and doesn't add to the visitor experience . The highlight of the visit was the wildlife habitats . The habitats are home to bears , elk , otters , eagles and cougars . DO make sure to find out the time of the ranger talks . Through the ranger talks , not only do you get to learn about the individual wildlife living here but you get to watch enrichment and see the furbabies engage . Watching an adult cougar attack a roll of toilet paper will be something you'll never forget ! Too cute ! For food : there are snacks inside the gift shop at the swinging bridge and there is a very casual restaurant called Mildred's Grill inside the Wilson center for nature discovery . To really make the most of your visit I recommend planning to spend most of the day here between the bridge , ranger talks , discovery center and hiking trails. And go on a weekday so it is less crowded .

$28 per person is ridiculous. Don't waste your time with something that expensive when there is so much more free overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Sunday, Tony Vanoy and I went to Grandfather Mountain Mile High Bridge and Animal Habitate. It cost $25 per adult. It is advised to buy your tickets only, but you can buy at the entrance gate. I was able to drive over 5,000 feet up the winding road. It took my breathe because there is no guard rails. In fact, once I went to leave the upper parking lot, I hesitated at the top. It was like being in the front seat of a Rollercoaster. It was a little overwhelming for a second, but I took a deep breathe and here we go!!! I wish I video taped that!! We climbed the stairs to the upper deck to walk out to the Aluminum Metal material Mile High Bridge & the large climbing rocks..it was extremely exhilarating!! There is a Gift shop and restroom in the building I highly recommend you go here, definitely a new buckey list trip off my list!

This is a paid private park just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. So the question at hand is whether it's worth paying for. Not really, in my estimation. For one thing, when I actually went online and bought a ticket, I never received the ticket in email. And when I got there, they had a database and my name wasn't in it. Thankfully, I saved the confirmation page and they let me in. My card was definitely charged. Ultimately, I received confirmation of my ticket purchase four days later. Given how they emphasize that they want you to prepurchase timed tickets online to manage capacity and speed entry, I would expect the system to actually work. So what does paying the robust entry fee get you? The suspended bridge is cool if you can handle heights. There's a couple of modestly sized museums. There's a bit of an outdoor zoo, but unfortunately most of the animals, while they seemed well taken care of, did not seem to be interested in presenting themselves for photography. I stopped in for the movie which was playing in their museum, but it was basically a tourism ad with little content of interest, which was bizarre in the sense that there is no need to advertise to people who are already there. A ranger talk I caught was quite brief, only fifteen minutes or so. There were some substantial trails; depending on how far you want to hike, you could theoretically enter the state park for free and walk up this way. Don't get me wrong, the sights are grand. Spectacular, really. Thing is, the sights are also fantastic from any number of other spots along the parkway that do not charge anything. Paying to get in here gets some amenities that didn't add a ton in my book, as well as a lot of crowded spots with dubious touristy behavior. I would recommend heading to the national park land on the parkway or numerous state parks in the vicinity.

We love grandfather mountain! 4 stars because it is expensive at $28/person and only offers a veterans discount of $3 off - and veterans discount tickets must be purchased online. Other than that, the swinging bridge is incredible, getting to walk out onto open cliff face is super cool, and we loved taking my parents here to see views they would not otherwise have access to. The gift shop is super cute and reasonably priced. The hiking trails are really great, and we really enjoyed the challenge of the ladders. We love visiting the zoo - the bears, elk, otters and eagles are really unique and captivating to see. Overall we will continue to visit, but wish the entry prices would come down a bit, at least for locals, and particularly while the profile trail remains closed.

Grandfather Glows was a rip off. Saw 4 fireflies and sat in pitch black for 3 hours. Paid a hundred for 2 tickets for absolutely nothing.

2nd highest mountain in NC I think. Because of the swing bridge, it is very popular spot for tourists. Summer time is very crowded but once weather is colder and wind speed pick up, there are much less people. I wish there are snow and ice at 5000ft. But NC haven't been snowing much last 2 years that the winter view is missing some white. Swing bridge is fun, when it is windy it does move and sway a little bit. Plenty of spots for pictures. Visitor center, gift shop and bathroom is in Wilson center in the middle of the mountain road. There is nothing at the peak so be ready

The view at Grandfather Mountain is... well, quite grand. Whoever named this mountain was good with vocabulary. However, the 0.4 mile hike to get to the swinging bridge was rather lame. Maybe there's another trail, but it's so easy a grandfather could do it... Overall, though, the view was great. There is a wildlife habitat with elk, otters, an eagle, bears, and cougars. Oddly enough, the habitat was created to provide an up-close look at how the animals live in the wild, which seems to be the opposite of what they actually have done caging them in. So, save the animals. Animal lives matter.

Visited Grandfather Mountain with friends. The views were breathtaking. Once you park your car you take a small hike to the bridge. Cross the bridge and enjoy the view. There's hiking trails for all level of hikers. It was cold the day I visited but it was well worth it.

Very touristy and busy and beautiful. Parking here was one of the most stressful experiences ever. I'd suggest you drive up if there's no spaces below. If you do that, though, you risk waiting in line. It's really over saturated to the point that it's hard to enjoy. The car listening option was actually cool. Just wish they could have made it more eco friendly- why did I pay so much and keep the recording? Not something I'd listen to again. The views are great. Nice map system. Great facilities like gift shop and bathroom. Hikes for all ages and skills. Very beautiful views. Excellently marked trails. The staff is a bit intense- if you are anywhere near the side of the road they track you down and ask you to move. Staff also at the beginning of the long hike to deter those who have unrealistic goals. They are nice but they are plentiful. Takes a bit from the nature. The accessibility of this park seems nice but when you couple it with the cost ($25 per person!) and crowd, it's not worth it to me. Always a fan of nature but this is definitely more of a business.

Incredibly beautiful place with surreal landscapes and impressive rock outcrops. Included in the cost of admission is your choice of CD or USB that provides a well-narrated tour of the park. There are multiple stops along the way to the top where you can pull off for a scenic photo. We went straight to the upper parking lot where you can access the swinging bridge and short walk to the summit. There's a quaint little gift shop, photo gallery, and restrooms at the upper lot. It was extremely windy when we first arrived so the bridge was closely. Apparently it's not unusual... fortunately, the staff opened the gate when the wind subsided. Highly recommend the Grandfather Trail Loop. It's a 1.2-mile loop and rated as a moderate hike on All Trails. It's an incredibly unique hike that takes you past all sorts of interesting rock formations. Bring good hiking shoes and trekking poles as the trail can get muddy/slippery on a wet day. There's one section where you may have to grab on to a fixed line on a steep grade going up or down the trail depending on the direction of travel (up for counter-clockwise loop and down for clockwise loop).

Expensive to get in ($25 per person) but well worth it and the highlight of our trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Linville Falls area. Amazing views at the top where there is a mile-high bridge. Very windy so be careful, but bring your camera! Really enjoyed, and they also had a great gift shop so we brought home souveniers for family.

Love Grandfather Mountain! My parents have their second home in the area and Grandfather is a must visit every time I am in the area. I love their animal refuge center. Normally I see the bears and the otters but this time they were probably napping or attending to something out of visibility range. I did however get to see the cougar up close and personal, which was phenomenal! They are normally in hiding when I visit but this time around they made the trip worthwhile as they were the only animal to be seen. Also enjoyed the spectacular view from the top at the Mile High Swinging Bridge. I am a bit of a chicken little when it comes to heights so I did not cross it. I have already done that in 2013 so I can say I have done it once, which is enough for me- no need to unnecessarily risk my life a second time

Grandfather Mountain Getting up here was the hard part. Deep drops and curvy roads with small cement paths! Seriously. Are you people trying to terrify us? Really! Expand the roads, etc. Really! Even in CA, the roads are a little bigger through the mountains. Besides the crazy roads, the store up here is great. Good to know you don't need to travel far for the bathroom and parking. The bridge is a simple walk away. NO killer hill to climb or steep walk through the jungles. Simple access. Some ideals: food shop or food truck! How about guard rails!!! OMG. Replace some walk panels on the bridge with glass. Everyone is doing this. Tennessee and Michigan bridges already have this glass. Very busy on holidays. I'm told on normal days, it's very light. Highly Recommended.

OMG what an amazing experience at grandfather mountain. From the sights to the staff to the views we were in LaLa mountain land. First time hike for us so by asking tons of questions the staff were especially helpful. Reservations are required at the entrance of each trail to make sure they log all hikers that are out. We chose the grandfather loop. An approx 4 mile hike around the summit and midway takes you to their infamous mile high swinging bridge, a fabulous tourist attraction that takes you across grandfather summit to enjoy their spectacular 360 degree views. The grandfather is a good hike however beware if you're a novice as it can get challenging at times. We came across some families wearing crocs....a definite no no if you're not wanting any injuries. I cannot wait to return it was worth every minute hugging the clouds at grandfather mountain.

For the best picnic location go past Forest Gump Curve and make the next left. The new museum is beautifully done.

$100 for four of us and my husband had to stay in our 24' motorhome. The guy at the gate told us that there were staff members that would guide & tell us whether or not we'd be able to make it up and back. They weren't there so we parked at the lower parking lot and my daughter, her friend and I hiked up the moderate/vigorous 0.4 mile trail with a sign posted that said to be back to your vehicle by 5 because the trail will be closed. It was 4:45. My went up anyway as we figured they'd provide transport down. Otherwise, why would they sell tickets at 3:30, 4:30, etc? We made it up and it was extremely windy and busy. The gift shop has packed and the view from the bridge is beautiful. It's incredibly windy so be prepared with layers and protection for your baby and pets. We advised the store manager we needed to walk back down and wanted to verify the trail is ok. He became agitated and explained they have no shuttle service so take the trail but be fast. The store had a huge variety of trinkets & collectibles.

While most state parks in NC are free, this one is not. Not only is it not free, it costs $22/person for adults. This seems incredibly expensive to me. The hours aren't great either. Most of the year they don't open until 9am. In the summer they open at 8am. As someone who likes to start early to beat the crowds, this isn't ideal. We went on a weekday morning last fall and it was a zoo. The mile high swinging bridge is cool, but also attracts most of the crowds. The crowds die off on most of the other trails. I'd recommend avoiding the main part of the park and hiking the Profile Trail to Calloway Peak. It starts at a different location and you don't have to pay. It's also much less crowded.

AAAAAAAHHHHHH-mazing! What a great view and experience right here in the Eastern United States. I had no idea we had mountains like this in NC. Be careful on your drive up the mountain very narrow and snakelike. Also be careful out on the rocks, as sh&t could indeed happen. There are no guardrails or fencing. It was crowded for a windy cold day early spring. I enjoyed watching people try to get pictures of their dogs out on the rocks. The dogs were not amused. There are plenty of trails and things to see and do. I enjoyed the animals tremendously. The little museum is going thru some renovations. Well groomed and they give you a little usb to plug into your car so you can get a guided tour and some info. LOVED IT. Do you know there was a scene in Forrest Gump that was filmed here? Now ya do!

We've lived in the area for 3+ years... never been. Family was in town so we decided to take them up. WOW! Have we been missing out. We've attended The Highland Games, but have never been to the top or Swinging Bridge. Awesome views, clean facilities, good "museum/activity center", nice video, animal viewing area... All in all, we had a GREAT time and will return!

The views were amazing. The walk across the bridge is not bad but it was very windy and chilly even in the middle of summer.

If ever in North Carolina, make sure you take a visit to Grandfather Mountain. This beauty is home of the mile high swinging bridge which is 5,280 feet above sea level. Not only can you hike and view the bridge, but there is also a museum, fudge shop and you can view the animals in their natural habitat. Such an amazing experience, you can't miss out. The pictures do not do enough justice for nature's beauty! |Tips|: Purchase tickets in advance, view visiting hours, you can drive through mountain and audio is given to you to deceive as you drive up the trail, DRESS WARM (Audio mentions when you at the top temperature drops and feels like Canada), take pictures

The grandfather mountain experience was outstanding. I totally recommend this place if you're an outdoor person. The family loved it, the scenery and everything that the outdoors had to offer. A totally must everyone needs to visit when you are in North Carolina. A solid 5 stars on our behalf!!

I took my family on a little day trip. Mid October leaves are changed probably better before this time; most of the leaves were gone or brown. Purchase tickets online or they'll make you turn around. Entrance line is long get there early. After you check in you'll get a usb or a cd depending on your car sound system. It's basically a self guided tour on the way up; very informative about the surrounding area and history. Getting to the very top takes a while; if one car goes down one goes back up. We waited about 30-40mins on the hill. Very windy roads to the mountains. Very crowded on the bridge.

At over 5,000 ft elevation, Grandfather Mtn is one of the best places to view the Blue Ridge of NC. It's chillier that high up no matter what season so dress in layers and make a reservation in advance! The mile high swinging bridge is a must-visit. Don't miss the great nature preserve upon entering the park - elk, mountain lions, black bears, pollinator garden, otters, local NC gems, and more!

Had a great time here yesterday! I haven't been here in over 20 years since I was a kid. So it was great to experience it again. They provide a CD or usb that provides a tour for you to listen to. We slowly drove to the top making photographic stops. I even made a snow man from some of the snow left on the ground. We stopped by to see some of the animals which we enjoyed. I even stopped in at the gift shop and bought myself a coffee mug. I loved the fact that it wasn't over crowded and had just the right amount of people. Once we made it to the top we quickly walked along the bridge and along the rocks further down to get some amazing views. It's such a cool, peaceful experience. I recommend anyone checking it out if you're in the area.

If you're driving the Blue Ridge Parkway - this is a must see place (along with the Linn Cove viaduct). Grandfather Mountain is one of the highest mountains on the East Coast and is very accessible by car. The park itself has a few things to do besides hiking trails - you can check out the Mile High Bridge and the animal sanctuary. The admission price is a little bit high though ($22 per adult) and you have to book tickets online before visiting since there may not be any tickets available at the gate. Overall, it's a beautiful area to visit if you're in North Carolina and you'll experience breathtaking views. Make sure to bring some warm clothes as it can be foggy, windy, and 40F even at the end of May.

THIS RECIEW IS ONLY FOR MILDRED's GRILL: I am not sure why would you close the grill on your busiest season and day. Came here on weekend sometime after 2:30pm. We were famished. After driving for about 2-3 hours and getting here, came to know the grill is closed till 5. It was disappointing that this was the only place within 20 minutes of driving that would have food and they had closed the grill. REVIEW OF GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN. This place is fantastic. We came on a windy and cold day so didn't spend much time. Driving up top is challenging as there was a long line but it was worth it. Will come again on warmer and not so windy say to enjoy it more. 5/5

Grandfather Mountain is truly amazing. Despite the extremely unusually cold temperatures (in the 40s all day on May 30th!) we had a blast. We drove up and parked near the fudge shop. You walk past the Sphinx Rock and Split Rock to get from the parking to the fudge shop. It's a short walk to the animal habitats, museum, restaurant, and gift shop. We got some shirts as souvenirs, but we didn't get to try the delicious smelling food as we had lunch beforehand. We went on the Rhododendron Ramble tour which was super interesting. We made our way up to the next parking lot where you can access a lot of trails. We didn't know much about the park, and I hadn't done much hiking. We chose Blowing Rock Trail since it's moderate difficulty and 1 mile each way. It was challenging for me as a novice, but we made it and the views were worth it! That is where the attached pictures were taken. We would choose something shorter and/or easier if you have children, small dogs, or any mobility concerns. Unfortunately by the time we reached the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a misty rain was falling (it was 40 degrees, 28 mile an hour winds, and 30 degree wind chill!). We couldn't see much up that high! The Top Shop photo exhibit was really interesting, and they have another gift shop there, as well.

This was neat, but beware of high admission costs ($20 per person with AAA discount). There is not necessarily $20 worth of things to do once you get there. Try to go early to beat crowds and get the most of your time at the park. Advance ticket purchase required during COVID19 and easy to do. Ask for hiking trails map at the gate, otherwise they won't give it to you. Drive all the way to the top first and do the swinging mile high bridge. The line will only get longer as the day progresses. Hikes are relatively intense, even at only 2-3 mile distances, so be prepared with proper hiking boots, plenty of water, and snacks. We unfortunately got rained out and because the trails are super rocky, it was too dangerous to hike in the rain due to slippery fall risk.

My experience at Grandfather Mountain was unexpectedly top-notch! As I approached the park, I noticed entry gates and was surprised to find that there was a fee. It turns out that the state park is technically separate from the "Stewardship Foundation". The park office is in a separate location from the park and trails itself. But if you're looking to get your State Parks Passport stamped, you can get it done at the foundation entrance. I quickly found out the only way to access the state park is by pulling off the road at a couple of random trail heads, or by hiking into it from within the foundation's land. I decided to pay the $22 to enter and was not disappointed. For your drive up the winding and scenic mountainside roads they give you a CD with tons of facts about the mountain and area history. A mountain-man sounding fella educates you to the backdrop of some strummy bluegrass music. It really just makes the occasion all worth it. At the top you can park your car and check out a gift shop (of course), hike a few trails if you so please or, best of all, walk across the mile high metal swinging bridge and take in some incredible views. They have done a great job of preserving the land and paying for it with the high entry fees. Makes the place less crowded, cleaner and all the more worth the visit. The building at the top is beautiful and well maintained. You can watch a great video about the mountain flora, fauna and weather and learn about how unique of a place it is. For kids and adults alike, it's a great mountain to check out.

I never appreciated the beauty that is Grandfather Mountain as a child. Today, before we completed the drive to the top, I was in absolute tears. The view was like nothing I have ever seen. There are truly no words to describe this experience. Just when you think your trip can not be any better, you run into Mrs. Bette Parker on the second floor of the Top Shop. Grandfather Mountain Historian and a wide open breath of fresh air. I can only hope to have the spunk and sass that she has when I am 85. If we didn't have plans for another stop when leaving there my boyfriend and I would have pulled up a chair and settled in. We could listen to her talk all day. In fact, she has basically convinced us to put our house on the market and become her neighbors. I have a feeling that you can probably find myself and Mrs. Bette drinking wine on our porch for breakfast in the very near future. The view was superb, but she made the day completely unforgettable

I have been to Boone a few times and always wanted to go to the Grandfather. I was here in the winter and they didn't have it open. came back in June and it's totally worth the price of admission. We did make it to the mile-high bridge which was engulfed in fog. but we drove down the mountain and it was a clear day at the first stop. weird. we also walked through the animal sanctuary and saw the elk and bald eagles. the bears and otters didn't feel like coming out that day. we also got to drive on the curve where they filmed parts of Forrest Gump's run. the staff was also super helpful at the gift shops. I did come back the next day and tried to hike the trail up there. that was gorgeous but I didn't have the time to hike to the top and back. so be aware you can get in for free if you don't mind spending a lot of time hiking on a trail that is separate from the vehicle entrance.

Grandfather Moutain offers a great experience. The staff is one of the best parts as they are so helpful and friendly. Our car broke down and the parking attendant, Mitchell, was reassuring, kind, and encouraged us to walk across the mile high bridge while we waited for our tow truck to arrive. Mitchell made sure that when it showed up, we were well taken care of. Some of the other staff recommended a repair shop they trusted that was only 5 miles away and the owners of the shop took great care of us. We were given rain checks to use later because we were unable to take part of all of the activities due to the car issue. We cannot recommend visiting Grandfather Mountain highly enough.

We loved our visit to grandfather mountain! It was spectacular views and a good bit to do. I felt like the prices were a little steep, but overall we had a great day with our family on our visit.

At $24 a person, at first the cost might seem a little steep (pun intended), but the views and trails are so awesome, it's well worth the money. I hiked up to the shop (I didn't get to go on the bridge because I ran out of time), but went on the Grandfather Trail and went up to the MacRae Peak. The climb is by no means easy, and it's definitely technical, but the views are so worth it. Everyone who I'd pass on the way up were talking about the view, and it kept me going, as tired as I was. 10/10 I'd go again

We came here on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. We recently moved to NC and this was our first time visiting this part of the state. To be fair, on the website it does mention to avoid busy traffic times and arrive before 11 am or after 3 pm. We entered around 2:30 pm. As we pulled in the gate, we were told there was a medical emergency at the top, the employee suggested visiting the animal enclosure areas first. So off we went to that part of the mountain, but first we stopped at a scenic spot to take some photos with beautiful flowers and the mountain in the background. Great Xmas card photo op here! We continued our drive, we parked by the animal area, gift shop, grille, restroom and museum. It was quite packed in there so we didn't go to the museum, I'm sure we will be back again sometime. We did take a quick peek at the animal enclosure and saw a bear up close! We were starving so we opted to eat at the grille, not cheap, but not expensive. I got a grilled cheese, hubby got some kind of sandwich combo w/fries and two sodas. It ended up being $19-20, food was average quality. I browsed the gift shop for a bit. I ended up purchasing two small stickers for $4 each (eek!), but they have your usual hats, shirts and more. Next, we drove up to the top, this was the most frustrating part. It took us one hour to get from the gift shop to the top. I have hiked a lot in NY's Adirondacks, so of course I get it that there isn't space for a huge lot. I didn't realize it would take so long though and it was unusually hot out too, so not the most pleasant experience. Once we got to the top we parked in the small lot. There is another gift shop and bathroom. We did climb a small flight of stairs to get to the area with the bridge, but there is also an elevator to get up there. There was also another area where one can hike higher, but my knee has been bugging me so I opted out. The bridge itself is pretty cool looking. I used to ski/hike but I'm somewhat terrified of heights, so I only made it halfway and turned around. My husband took my camera and went to the other side where he got many great photos. Luckily, we visited on a clear day and enjoyed the very scenic views. It is beautiful up here! I see a lot of people complaining about the admission cost to come here in other reviews. If you are on a tight budget, I'd recommend skipping this place and do a 20 mile drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There were many scenic overlooks and you will still have lots of photo ops, we really did enjoy doing that too. All of the employees here were great about directing traffic and they had things super organized. However, I HIGHLY suggest going when they open so you don't end up having a horrible wait like we did.

Nothing in the south can compare, a must do on your bucket list. Best views in winter/Spring but do be prepared this is no joke. Higher winds up top and it's a very step climb. In cooler weather be prepared for ice in the covered areas. The ladders are not as bad as they are made out to be my 8 yr old did it with ease. I would not recommend pets.

1000x I recommend. There are many option on hiking ranging from easy to very difficult with insane views. The mile high bridge offers an easy walk for some of the best views of the area.

Gotten a little pricey at $22 a person. Call ahead as they only let so many in at once now. There can be extra tickets which is how we got in. Bring your own food for lunch as $7 for a hotdog is crazy. It's Oct 21 still Covid-19 stuff masks inside. Fall colors are really nice. The animal enclosure are not huge, but a good size. You can't feed the bears anymore which is a good thing. See the animals, drive to the top and walk the steel bridge which is 1 mile high, but only 80ft above the area. There are a couple of trails to hike at the top. Drive-up has some hairpin curves.

Was a bit of an inconvenience because we had to disconnect the toe because the parking lot up in the mountain is relatively small so they don't allow large vehicles to go up, luckily we found a spot where to park the RV near the entrance where it would be safe. Seniors fee was 20 and I remember paying 18 in 2017 but it is reasonable increase since inflation is hitting everywhere at higher rates The bear sure needs a bath, he stinks even at 30 feet away It is a fun place to go, the view is spectacular but it can be windy It is a must stop when in the Parkway, will comeback

We absolutely loved Grandfather mountain! The day was marvelous and we were able to pace ourselves!

Whoa!!!! An intensely beautiful park with a large number of sights to see and trails to hike. It's not free ($22 a head), but with an annual pass you can bring a car of up to six people unlimited times at a price of less than $100 for the year. The trails range in difficulty and amount of exercise. There are a couple of INTENSELY difficult (climbing up a completely vertical rock face with just an anchored, knotted steel cable to go hand over hand up to the top, with ELEVEN 50-foot-plus climbs straight up before end of trail). There's also a variety of moderate to easy trails (moderately puffing only if you run) as well. Bring sensible shoes unless you plan to never leave the car. The view from the top of the peaks (no matter how you get there) is absolutely stunning. Every direction is a view of the mountains of Appalachia. In summer and spring intense technicolor of green and mountain flowers. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearby and it's easy to find. Parking on a busy holiday weekend in the summer can be a little challenging, but the rangers at the gate will control the traffic into the park to avoid the sort of national park crush you feel in other places. There is a mile-high bridge that feels almost like zip-lining (a mile up above the valley floor). It's your call whether you drive up to the top level parking lot and just climb a flight of stairs, or hike straight up the side of the granite (see "intensely difficult" above LOL). The rangers are among the friendliest I have ever encountered. There's a mix of efficiency and hospitality that just makes for a great experience. It's absolutely one of my favorite parks and hiking spots.

Crazy busy place but that view is just jaw dropping. We were lucky with weather so we could see mile and miles away. Bridge is swinging but not scary at all. Its good to go see it. Walk all over the rocks not hard not easy. We saw 3-4 years kids walking jumping on these rocks alone. Parents must have some balls because one slip or trip and u have nice free fall down to valley. Be careful where u step at all time.

One of the best hikes in NC. By far my favorite. Would not recommend for inexperienced hikers.