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All 9 Linville Attractions »

Grandfather Mountain

2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646
828-733-2013
Ranked #2 of 9 attractions in Linville
4.5 of 5 stars 187 Reviews
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 older children, Activities for young children
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187 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    126
    47
    7
    4
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Date Rating
Greenville, SC
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

A trip to the NC mountains is not complete until you've visited Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC. The entrance fee of $18 seems high, but the improvements to the roads, park and restaurant are appreciated. There are many options for picnicking, hiking and viewing the incredible mountain vistas. The bears, mountain lions and deer were resting too far away to... More

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North Carolina
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

The views were beautiful! We enjoyed seeing the animals, although there weren't many. An otter put on quite a little show, doing backflips for the crowd, obviously enjoying the attention. The bridge was ok, although I did not feel any 'swing' at all. There are several nice picnic areas. Do listen to the audio you are given as you pay... More

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Miami, Florida
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Yes, I went across the swinging bridge and I do not like heights. But I survived to tell the story. The bridge actually sang to us as we went across, which means that yes the wind is blowing. But it was my lucky day. It was not blowing that much. The views were beautiful and breathtaking. Flowers in bloom, just... More

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Jonesborough, Tennessee
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012

The region is beautiful and peaceful. The park itself includes a museum and the mountain itself. Several hiking trails on top along with the swinging bridge. Only problem I have is the price for admission to the mountain feels high.

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Greenville, SC
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

On our first day we visited the attractions at the top (museum, swinging bridge, animal exhibits, etc.), which were all very nicely done. We then hiked the Black Rock Nature Trail (not bad, but we could have skipped this) and then hiked/climbed to MacRae Peak to enjoy some really incredible views. The next day we hiked the Profile Trail up... More

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Rocky Mount, Virginia
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

I didn't walk the swinging bridge, the wind was really strong and the bridge was swinging! However, we enjoyed hot chocolate and all of the views were unreal. Will go again.

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Kingsport, Tennessee
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012

It is a pretty place to go for the drive there and then the scenery.

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Dallas, North Carolina
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012
4
people found this review helpful

The views from Grandfather Mountain are spectacular. The attraction can seem a bit "touristy", but I understand that is what some people want. I've avoided it for years only because the entry fee is too high for me. That, of course, is my opinion. The park needs to be sustained somehow. Since I frequent the area for short get aways,... More

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Landis Wofford, Public Relations Manager at Grandfather Mountain, responded to this review
16 May 2012

@gugdguy Thanks for visiting us this April! I'm glad you purchased an annual pass - you are right, it's a great value for all you can get out of it if you are able to come to Grandfather a few times a year. We have to limit Grandfather's hours of operation for safety reasons. We need to close the park... More

orlando, florida
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

ANd did I mention being able to see up close and personal the black bears?? This was a beautiful place. The mile high swinging bridge that sounds like a harmonica in the wind, the cute and quaint museum and restaurant, the animals that were actually energetic, and the views all add up to a really cool experience. You drive a... More

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Landis Wofford, Public Relations Manager at Grandfather Mountain, responded to this review
16 May 2012

@ayray2000 Thank you for all your wonderful comments! Take note in the future that we have a daily calendar of programs on our website and that is a great resource tool to make sure that you are taking advantage of ALL the Mountain has to offer. Most of these programs are included in the cost of admission! Thanks again! Landis... More

Jonesborough, Tennessee
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

A great stop for the grand kids. The mile high bridge is wonderful.

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Landis Wofford, Public Relations Manager at Grandfather Mountain, responded to this review
16 May 2012

@hdins3 We are so happy that you were able to come to Grandfather and share the experience with a younger generation! We hope to see you again soon! Landis Wofford Director of Communications Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation More

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