I would recommend Grandfather Mountain to anyone in the area, it's worth the price of admission for all ages. Be sure to ask for the AAA discount also. One note: Make sure you are driving a reliable car with good transmission and great brakes, the short 2 mile drive will really challenge your vehicle in both directions. There is a nice half mile hike up to the mile high bridge that is manageable for all levels but you can drive all the way up if you prefer. The viewing area beyond the bridge is wonderful and worth it, but keep in mind there are no railings for kids and can certainly be dangerous if you lost your balance! bring some hiking shoes if you have them, the top is extremely rocky and you'll need the support. The animal habitat is nicely maintained and you will get to see a cougar and a few friendly black bears along with the bald eagle that was saved from an injury. The cafeteria is nothing great, but has several bird feeders including a hummingbird station where you'll find dozens of happy hummers feeding all afternoon!! Worth the $14 per adult.

We LOVED this place....Beautiful views everywhere. Habitat area with Mildred the bear and other animals,short movie and then the suspension bridge to the Top of Grandfather mountain. Highly recomend going very very early when they open!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We drove right in with no wait. On our way out the cars were lined up on the road about a mile or so just to get through the gate. Warning....Climbing the rocks isn't for small children or the elderly. You could fall very easily. Driving to the top and seeing the views is for everyone, but the rocks can be danagerous. There were alot of younger kids there but I would NEVER allow any of my great nephews to climb them....ages 7, 6 and 3. Also stop and eat at Old Hampton Store & Village at Uncle Lee's BBQ. It's a little old store with a few tables inside. It had great BBQ and we were even entertained with a Blue Grass Band. Neat experience. Also about half and hour away go to The original Mast Store in Valle Crucis.

I wouldn't go way out of my way for a visit, but we had a enjoyable time here. The prices were reasonable and I was able to get a some discount coupons ($2.00 off?) from the Asheville tourism website (printables).

The drive up to the swinging bridge was a bit scary, but doable if you take your time and be careful. Once up to the parking lot for the bridge area, there was ample parking.

There was some type of construction project going on while we were there and the restaurant and whatever else the building housed was closed. It was no big deal though and I'm not sure when construction will be completed.

It was a few stairs up to the level where the swinging bridge is. None of us thought it was scary, but we did see a few people who refused to go over it. Once over the bridge, there was more sights to behold. A few more stairs up and there were rocks/boulders to climb over to get to another scenic spot. My son and husband hiked over there against my better judgment, but nobody fell off the mountain. ;-)

After we left the bridge, we drove back down to the next parking area and took one of the nature hikes. It was a nice, natural trail and it wasn't too hard for the kids. My only complaint was that some of the trails were closed. I'm not sure if it was due to the construction job or maybe it was too early in the season to be open.

The kids enjoyed the little zoo they had set up there. The animals seemed to be well taken care of and their habitat was quite large and very natural. I guess if I was an animal, I wouldn't mind living there. The kids were able to feed the bears some little dog food-like biscuits and the bears were actually quite funny how they caught the food in their mouths!

If you have kids, I'd recommend getting the Junior Ranger booklet before you start any of the mountain. My kids enjoyed going through the booklet and answering the questions. At the end of our visit, they turned their booklet in to get a Grandfather Mountain poster and Junior Ranger pin.

There were numerous places to have a picnic and we enjoyed picnicking in the mountains! It's just so beautiful!!

All-in-all it was a great visit!

This is definitely worth the price of admission. Everything, from the mile high swing bridge to the hiking trails and small zoo, was fantastic. The views from the bridge area are truly a sight to behold. Nothing like being above the clouds to give you some perspective. Be prepared for the drive to the top of the mountain...it is very very windey. If you are in the are you should NOT miss Grandfather Mountain.