Grandfather Mountain
add photosSummer 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fall 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Winter 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
11 Reviews for Grandfather Mountain
25
50 families found this helpful
"Beautiful Views and Wildlife!"
The kids will looooove Grandfather mountain. If you go in the fall when the leave are turning it is sooo beautiful. The little museum and an animal zoo that they have on top of the mountain is very nice and the kids will love feeding the bears peanuts!! Try to go in the early fall or summer because it gets cold on the summit a lot sooner than in the low lands. The mile high bridge is probably one of the coolest things on Grandfather as well. If you go in the winter and its a super clear day and you're super lucky you may be able to see the Charlotte sky line from 73 miles away!!
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0 families found this helpful
"Great Hiking and Scenery"
Grandfather Mountain has hiking trails for all levels of adventurer. The views from all points on the mountain are beautiful and photo-worthy! The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a neat experience and is a must-see! There are lots of animals on GF Mtn, so you could run across a variety of wildlife.
0 families found this helpful
"A Western North Carolina Classic"
Grandfather Mountain may be overhyped, but it is still a can't miss attraction in the NC mountains for a family excursion. The swinging bridge and natural park/zoo provide great views and fun, and the trails can be navigated by the youngest explorerers. Beware high winds and cold temps on top in the winter.
1 family found this helpful
"A Wonderful Time!"
The drive alone is worth the trip to Grandfather Mountain. Once there, you make your way up to the top of the mountain where the hanging bridge is located. There is also an outdoor animal exhibit area that was enjoyable to visit as well. A definite must see!
0 families found this helpful
"Enjoyed be everyone!"
Don’t let the similar names confuse you—Linville and Linville Falls are two different towns. Linville is known for what is probably the top scenic attraction in the North Carolina mountains—Grandfather Mountain.
This is a great place to spend the day hiking and learning about nature. The 5,964-foot peak was named for its profile as it appears from about 7 miles north. As the name suggests, from this vantage point the mountain looks like a bearded grandfather.
Grandfather Mountain has been recognized by the United Nations as an international reserve where people and nature live together in harmony. You enter the park off US 221 and can drive through a lot of it, but you’ll have to park at the visitor center and walk to get to the top. You’ll also find picnic and limited camping facilities here.
No matter what time of year you visit Grandfather Mountain, there is always plenty to do. As you drive into the park, the first attraction you come to is the nature museum, a small museum with a gift shop that kids will adore. At the shop they will find toys and all sorts of knickknacks related to animals, nature, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The museum offers an unusual look at the area’s natural past with display and films on nature and the mountains. You’ll see gold nuggets, precious gemstones, a billion-year-old rock, and displays of rare plants and animals. The kids will surely
want to have their picture taken with the big bear. They’ll also love the Daniel Boone exhibit.
'10, '11, '12
1 family found this helpful
"A little pricey but worth it!"
We love Grandfather mountain! My 2 year old loved running back and forth across the bridge. Most of the mountain is dog friendly as long as the dogs are on leash. Our dog has been going since he was 4 months old and loves it. In the autumn when the leaves are changing they have a nice nature walk and explain why the leaves change color. I'm sure they have other walks at other times of the year, but I've only done this one so far. It's a great place to take a picnic lunch and do some hiking!
0 families found this helpful
"gourgous!"
I have lived here all my life, several times we have been and i have yet to cross the bridge i got about 5 ft out this past time but freaked! Its sooo scary! gourgous views though! We loved the zoo my son was all about the bears!!! ITs best in mid-oct when the leaves are changing!
1 family found this helpful
"The kids want to go back!"
The animals, museum and 'the bridge' were a constant topic of conversation after our visit to Grandfather Mountain. The kids want to go back so we can hike a few trails. We skipped the trails on our visit due to lots of gray clouds. The admission price is a little steep.
Be sure to ask for a Junior Ranger booklet and then turn the completed booklet in at the bottom of the mountain on your way out. Our kids exchanged their booklets for a neat souvenir...a Grandfather Mountain button...available with a variety of animals on them.
0 families found this helpful
"Grandfather Mountain"
Hiking and animals. Can't beat it to entertain a 2 year old. Loved seeing the bears and owls and eagles and other animals. Worth the effort to hike the trail from the lower to upper parking lot to the top. Well maintained and beautiful vistas. A little bit pricey but kids under 4 are free. There's a great visitors center and even a fudge shop.
1 family found this helpful
"Grandfather Mountain"
This is a great place to visit. We enjoyed exploring the trails and the view is out of this world. My husband took the kids on the bridge but I was too chicken! The bear habitat viewing gets two thumbs up from the kiddoes! Kidfest is September 12 this year so we'll be making a trip back to check it out. Hopefully the leaves will be turning by then too!
1 family found this helpful
"Beautiful Mountain, Hike, and Zoo"
We stumbled on Grandfather Mountain on our way to go gem mining. There is a little zoo area about half way up the mountian. Lots of hiking trails as well as places to pull over and take wonderful photos with the mountains in the background. At the very top of the mountian is a swinging bridge over a gap. Alittle scary as it moves when you move but completely safe. On top of the mountain you can see for miles. A must see if you are in the Boone area of North Carolina.
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