Grandfather Mountain Tours and Activities

Grandfather Mountain featuring mountains as well as an individual male
Grandfather Mountain which includes a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and cuddly or friendly animals as well as a couple
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain which includes a bridge and tranquil scenes as well as a couple
Grandfather Mountain which includes a suspension bridge or treetop walkway


Walk the Mile High Swinging Bridge, hike along one of the many trails and visit the nature museum at this remarkable mountain near Linville, North Carolina.

Grandfather Mountain is a non-profit attraction and a North Carolina state park. Tread the Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge. This engineering masterpiece gives visitors a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view from the mountain’s Linville Peak.

Hike along one of 11 trails available at Grandfather Mountain. Stroll casually through the woods or take on a more rigorous trek with a difficult peak trail. Book a guided hike with an interpretive ranger, who will help you experience the backcountry in a whole new way. Call the interpretive ranger office to arrange a unique and educational hiking experience.

Discover cougars, black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles and river otters at Grandfather Mountain’s seven environmental habitats. Unlike city zoos, these large enclosures allow visitors to view the animals in their natural settings. Cougars, for example, no longer live in the wild on Grandfather Mountain. Experience the undisturbed wildlife from elevated platforms above the habitats.

Visit the Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum, where you’ll find over two dozen interesting exhibits. These displays are intended to educate visitors on the natural history of the mountain and its surrounding areas. Exhibits include a stunning collection of North Carolina gems and minerals, birdlife and Native American artifacts. Find information on early explorers to visit the mountain, including Andre Michaux, Daniel Boone and Asa Gra.

Hike from a trailhead outside the attraction and access trails within the Grandfather Mountain State Park for free. Weather permitting, Grandfather Mountain is open year-round excluding Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission price covers visits to the main attractions including the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

After exploring the trails, habitats and exhibits, stop at the Fudge Shop for freshly made delicious treats or dine al fresco with lunch options from Mildred’s Grill. Camp in the Grandfather Mountain Campground or rent a cabin and discover some of the many recreational activities available.

Grandfather Mountain is about 70 miles (110 kilometers) from Asheville. On a very clear day you may be able to see the high-rises of Charlotte over 80 miles (130 kilometers) away. Enjoy a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the area.

Plan a trip to see Grandfather Mountain

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Things to do near Grandfather Mountain

Experience the beauty of Grandfather Mountain with a variety of activities such as hiking the Grandfather Trail, mountain biking, and enjoying family-friendly fun. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse fauna, while winter sports fans can explore nearby ski resorts. For a comprehensive visit, consider a guide to navigate this stunning natural playground in Linville, North Carolina.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Grandfather Mountain, visit Boone Mall, located 19.3km away, offering a variety of family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, check out Bakersville Main Street Market and Parkway Flea & Farmers Market, both approximately 19 and 32.2km away respectively, featuring unique local goods.

Recreation

The Grandfather Golf and Country Club offers a stunning golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, Julian Price Park provides tranquility with its scenic trails and serene atmosphere. Meanwhile, Kidd Brewer Stadium hosts exciting sports events, adding to the vibrant recreational scene near Grandfather Mountain.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Sugar Mountain Resort, located 4.8km from Grandfather Mountain, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. For hiking, Yancey Ridge offers stunning outdoor scenery and adventure vibes, also 4.8km away. For family fun, try snow tubing at Jonas Ridge, situated 14.5km from the mountain.

Nightlife

In Grandfather Mountain, the Horn in the West theatre offers a captivating cultural experience just 19.3km away, while the COMMA Performing Arts Center and Heritage Hall Theater, both 41.8km away, provide enchanting performances perfect for family and romance, making for memorable nights out.

Find the best attractions near Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina, offers a variety of attractions for every type of traveller, including national parks, urban parks, and modern universities. Visitors can immerse themselves in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. Don't miss the stunning views and photo opportunities, especially at Grandfather Mountain itself. Whether you're planning to explore the natural beauty or learn more about local culture, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

  • Appalachian State University: Located 19.3km from Grandfather Mountain, this vibrant university blends modern academia with a lively atmosphere. Experience city vibes while exploring beautiful campus architecture and engaging in various cultural events.
  • The Blowing Rock: Just 16.1km away, The Blowing Rock offers stunning outdoor scenery and breathtaking views. This natural rock formation is perfect for hiking and photography, allowing visitors to connect with the majestic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
  • Land of Oz: Situated 11.3km from Grandfather Mountain, this whimsical event venue immerses you in a fantastical world. With its enchanting atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for events and gatherings, offering a unique blend of business vibes and magical experiences.

Best time to go to Grandfather Mountain

Visitor numbers around Grandfather Mountain is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Grandfather Mountain is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January30.6°F (-0.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grandfather Mountain

To save money on your trip to Grandfather Mountain, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March to April or June, and aim for a Tuesday stay, as Saturdays are pricier. Explore free attractions like Appalachian State University and Price Lake. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting prices from lowest to highest and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for additional savings. This approach will help you enjoy your vacation without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grandfather Mountain are March to April and June, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grandfather Mountain is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Grandfather Mountain is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You have the opportunity to save money by combining your hotel stay at Grandfather Mountain with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.