Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback. } ); For your next visit, I'd suggest checking out an animal encounter, during which our habitats staff will deliver a brief presentation on a particular animal before giving them an enrichment, which can be a special treat, favorite food or unfamiliar scent basically something interesting to break up their day and keep them active and intellectually stimulated. On weekdays only, a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase in-person at the Entrance Gate. height: 100%; Bridge Club Members, VIP pass holders and those with pre-paid or complimentary tickets are not required to book a time-slot. } State Government websites value user privacy. The terrain is rugged and can be challenging. There are multiple ways to enter Grandfather Mountain State Park. As such, admission and every dollar spent in the park, from gift shops to the restaurant to our solar-powered fudge, goes right back into the mountain, ensuring it'll be preserved for generations to come. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; If you plan to walk to the other side of the bridge, we HIGHLY recommend rubbed soled enclosed shoes. Youll better appreciate the best things to do at Grandfather Mountain North Carolina after understanding its history and these fun facts. Before the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and the State of North Carolina acquired it, multiple families owned Grandfather Mountain. Before you reach the top of Grandfather Mountain, you can stop at one or all of its roadside overlooks. Very little activity at about 1100 this date and the weather was cool and sunny (no bears seen). Yes, you have to pay the $30 admission fee to get on the bridge, but having access to the mountain (without having to hike in from outside) is so worth it! It's always tough to predict what weather will be like in April, as there's still usually a mix of cool and warm. Embark on a Family River Expedition, unlike any other in the Americas! Grandfather Mountain - Reservations. } How much does it cost to get in Grandfather Mountain? Grandfather Mountain - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC. Please contact us for special arrangements beyond one year from your ticket purchase date. Speaking of Blowing Rock, its one of a few interesting small towns near Grandfather Mountain. Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. Calloway Peak, the highest point on the mountain, has an elevation of 5,946 feet, and temperatures throughout the park may be several degrees colder than shown, so please plan accordingly. About two thirds of the wild and undeveloped backcountry sections of Grandfather Mountain are owned by the state of North Carolina. 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Click here to see daily rates & book your visit. Prices are as follows: Theres so much to uncover about Grandfather Mountain that weve organized this guide into the following sections: Whether youre a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, were leaving no detail behind. Free access to 12 miles of trails and backpack camping sites is from the Profile Trail parking area on N.C. 105 or trailheads along the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway (Boone Fork Parking Area at MP 299.9). Natalie Brunner State Park Office Email:grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov, Park office address:9872 N.C. 105 S. Suite 6,Banner Elk, NC 28604, Profile Trail parking area:4198 N.C. 105 N.,Banner Elk, NC 28604, Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum, GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 286461-800-468-7325, Owned & operated byGrandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information.Member ofSouthern Highlands Attractions, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, General Overview of Grandfather Backcountry Hiking. When we got there at 8:30 am, there was maybe 10-15 people there which allowed us to get nice views & pics of the mountain from the bridge. Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has announced that it has shifted to a new ticketing system and, along with it, a dynamic pricing structure that went live Feb. 13. . Again, thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. To get to the mile high swinging bridge you can take the stairs or use the elevator. Unfortunately masks in the NC area are not mandatory anywhere! On those days, tickets are only available at the gate. It sounds like you and your group had a wonderful day on the mountain! Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. 2023 Dollar Days: Grandfather Mountain extends a special Dollar Days rate of $5 per person during the month of April to those who live or work in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga or Wilkes counties, along with their guests traveling in the same vehicle. See 12 social pages including Facebook and Twitter, Hours, Phone, Fax, Email, Website and more for this business. ({{packageItem.Quantity}}) {{packageItem.Name}}y. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may contact the office during business hours or after hours; please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. The name on the ticket doesnt matter and does not need to be changed. However, they may close due to weather conditions. On Thursday, Dec. 2, ticket sales will end at 2:30 p.m. and the park will close at 4 p.m. to prepare for the company holiday party. An official website of the State of North Carolina. } This product cannot be purchased in the same order as the products already in your cart. What can I do while I wait for her? This also affords guests a prime opportunity to see the animals up close and personal. Copyright 2023 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, INC, A wee bit of Scotland in the High Country of Western North Carolina., The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Adult: $22 Every ticket sold helps keep Grandfather Mountain pristine and beautiful for generations to come, thanks to the careful oversight of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and recommendations. In addition, many park trails are steep and not recommended for pets, so please review the Trails page and plan accordingly. Rivertown. Grandfather Mountain attraction, which includes the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, is not part of the state park. On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Grandfather Mountain will be closed, to reopen Dec. 26, weather permitting. For details on directions, accessibility, food options, area information and more, go to our. The real reason for getting there early is so you can hike to MacRae's peak without interruption (lots of areas where it's 1 way, narrow trail or ladders, cables where you have to yield or wait for others to pass). 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Members must present a valid Bridge Club membership card upon arrival. The Friends of High Country State Parks promotes, supports, and advocates for Grandfather Mountain, Elk Knob, and New River state parks, and Mount Jefferson State Natural Area through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising. Book Your Reservation Today. GPS: 36.0851, -81.8462,