Grandfather Mountain

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Yea Wah
2 weeks ago
Depending on when you visit, the ticket prices vary. We visited on Easter Sunday and it cost $30/person. It wasn't that busy and it was a gorgeous day to visit. I would recommend buying your ticket in advance. Also, going to the Macrae peak. It is a strenuous hike ( lots of rock climbing, ladders and using ropes). It took my friend and I to hike it about 2 hours total and that included taking breaks in between. Wear comfortable shoes that have traction. Beautiful view

  Lindsey Wright
4 days ago
Incredible experience. We went for the eclipse. Trish gave a talk about the eclipse before it started and she was so fun and informative and got everyone involved. Then we went and saw the animals. The bears were my favorite. They also have a mountain lion, otters, and eagles. They have talks about the animals at different times. There's also a great educational center inside that was very cool and fun. Overall, so much to do. I will definitely be back

  Melissa D
a week ago
I was thoroughly impressed with Grandfather Mountain. We came for the Grandfather Trail but sadly due to a recent cold front and unsafe hiking conditions it was closed (cables frozen to the mountain). They gave us a welcome USB that includes an audio tour of the park during our drive to the top.The staff were very helpful and extremely friendly. Although we couldn't do the Grandfather Trail, we received some good alternate recommendations that managed to fill our day. Don't forget to check out the animal exhibits where you can see black bears, an eagle, cougar, otter, and elk.We did a few trails including Black Rock which had a ladder and cable to give us a little taste of the Grandfather Trail.The park is pristine and I cannot wait to come back to do the Grandfather Trail.

  Ascari Wolf
6 days ago
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  Lindsay Bass
3 months ago
Absolutely loved this place. It was a beautiful, well guided, and memorable adventure to the top and beyond!You are given a choice of CD or USB when you enter the gates of Grandfather Mountain. On them is a playlist for your ride up the mountain which is entertaining and interesting! The view from the top is so beautiful, stand in the middle of the bridge - exactly a mile up - and there are gorgeous picture spots for everyone. A definite must see!

  FriedChicken
a month ago
2nd highest mountain in NC I think. Because of the swing bridge, it is very popular spot for tourists. Summer time is very crowded but once weather is colder and wind speed pick up, there are much less people. I wish there are snow and ice at 5000ft. But NC haven't been snowing much last 2 years that the winter view is missing some white.Swing bridge is fun, when it is windy it does move and sway a little bit. Plenty of spots for pictures.Visitor center, gift shop and bathroom is in Wilson center in the middle of the mountain road. There is nothing at the peak so be ready

  Bipin Nair
a day ago
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  Jasmyne Rivera
5 months ago
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  Ted Wiborn
4 months ago
We did the grandfather hike. It is $24 per person. I thought that was pricey. The hike is challenging but doable if you are in decent shape. Figure about one mile per hour. We are all experienced hikers, but it still worked out to about a mile per hour to enjoy the views and take pictures.

  Sarah Cunningham
3 weeks ago
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  Fabricio Sanchez
3 months ago
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  Kristie Hogan
5 months ago
Do yourself a favor and buy your ticket in advance, it sells out quickly. Also, keep in mind that you can not enter the park until your designated time. Give yourself plenty of time to explore prior to dark. Gorgeous way to get into nature and cross USA's highest suspension bridge. It isn't as scary as you would think. The views are phenomenal

  Tonya Stitches
2 weeks ago
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  Sonya Abrams
5 months ago
Absolutely breathtaking. If you ever have a chance to visit make sure you walk across the swing bridge. It s such an amazing feeling of freedom in the mountains and the view is amazing.

  Cody Palasota
a month ago
There's a ton to do between various look out points, picnic areas, the trail up to the mile high bridge, etc. We didn't spend as much time as we should've, so I definitely recommend giving yourself time to take a picnic meal there and enjoy some of the lookouts.Trail up to the bridge closes at 4:00 p.m., so give yourself time to walk up AND back down by then so they don't close the trail.

  Frances Gentry
6 months ago
We visited Grandfather Mountain on our honeymoon. My husband had been there many times and wanted me to experience the mile high bridge.. it was awesome. I truly loved the scenery. We also visited the museum at the park and took many pictures of the otter, eagle, and elk. The cougar and bear were not in the mood for portraits so they remained in the brush and rocks. The picnic overlooks were also a welcome sight for nature lovers. We had an awesome time!

  J S
5 months ago
Great area! Make sure you're in good walking shape to get up the hills. The gift shop is SUPER expensive. Bring shoes with a no slip grip in order to experience the peak of the mountain.

  Pat Elenowitz
6 months ago
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  Jimmy Speakes
5 months ago
So, our visit was part of a leaf-preping fall color excursion along the Parkway, NW North Carolina. I was a bit hesitant planning a road trip around this mountain, but I gotta say, man, I am glad we did. We just happened to catch peak color on the mountain, and it was absolutely beautiful.In addition to one of the best preamed private parks I've been to, nature was absolutely having its way with color. We would've stopped along every turn if it hadn't been for lack of pullover and traffic. Still, it was tempting to block the road, and I'm sure a few other visitors had their fill of us puttering with my wife taking photos thru the sunroof.

  Navya A
6 months ago
A Memorable Visit to Grandfather MountainGrandfather Mountain is a natural wonder that left a lasting impression on me during my recent visit. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions of a brisk breeze and intermittent rain, the experience at this iconic destination was nothing short of extraordinary.The pinnacle of my visit was reaching the summit of Grandfather Mountain, where the legendary swinging bridge awaits. The experience of walking across this suspension bridge was both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes were, without a doubt, breathtaking. The rugged beauty of the area, shrouded in mist and kissed by the rain, made for a truly remarkable experience. It's evident that Grandfather Mountain offers a sensory feast for nature enthusiasts.Beyond the swinging bridge, the adventure continued as we ventured off the beaten path, navigating the rocky terrain for a unique perspective of the landscape. The additional scenic views we encountered were nothing short of spectacular. The combination of the rugged mountain terrain and the vibrant colors of the surrounding flora made for a visual spectacle that was simply amazing.Grandfather Mountain proved to be a standout destination, particularly for those seeking to experience the beauty of fall foliage. The vibrant autumn colors that paint the landscape are a testament to the mountain's allure during the fall season. If you're a fan of breathtaking vistas, hiking adventures, and the magic of nature, Grandfather Mountain is undoubtedly the place to be, especially during the fall when the mountain bursts into a symphony of colors.My visit to Grandfather Mountain was a memorable and enchanting experience, despite the challenging weather conditions. The swinging bridge and the rocky outcroppings provided unforgettable views of the scenic beauty that this natural wonder has to offer. I can confidently say that Grandfather Mountain is among the best places to visit for those in search of the full spectrum of fall colors and a genuine connection with the splendor of the great outdoors.

  Lori Barton
2 months ago
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  Joshua Beauregard
5 months ago
Great views, beautiful mountains, good accessibility, but crazy expensive to get in ($24/adult).*If you need senior citizen pricing, as we did for my in-laws, you cannot pay for it at the entrance. You have to buy tickets online to get th senior discount.

  Al Whitehouse
7 months ago
It's a wonderful view and experience. Be aware of a few things:1. Check the weather. If the wind is too strong, they will close the bridge.2. Get tickets online. You have to pay and select a time to go. You can't just go up there and buy tickets on the spot.3. Be prepared to wait in traffic. We went mid-day on Labor Day Sunday and waited over an hour in traffic going up to the bridge. If your car is manual or older, be aware that the grade and constant start and stop could overheat your engine.4. There's a parking lot below the main one where you can hike a .4 mile trail to the top. It is steep and rocky and not for folks who have problems walking. It's a real hike.5. The nature center is really nice and has some great info. It's worth the stop on the way down the mountain.

  Efrain Gomez
6 months ago
Amazing family friendly experience if the family isn't afraid of heights. There's the famous Forrest Gump curve driving up the mountain that was featured in the movie. Plenty of picnic areas and plenty of overlooks for photo ops. They have animal exhibits for viewing featuring black bears, elk, bald eagles, otters, and cougars. They have a museum with interactive exhibits, a theatre with educational videos, a cafe, omg they have it all here. I was pleasantly surprised in all the events and fun things to do here. Make sure to plan a whole day stay here. Cross off any other plans for the day. Make sure to come early to get the full experience. There is a parking lot right before the mile high bridge for hikers or any one that is uncomfortable driving up any further to park at and walk the rest of the way up the mountain. It's a short .4 mile hike. There is a shop with restrooms at the top and an elevator.

  Walt Wunderly
3 weeks ago
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  Monika Kenney
7 months ago
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  Mariah
9 months ago
Gorgeous mountain. Unfortunately I was in the area when it was rainy so there was a cloud covering the mountain, but I didn't want to pass it up soley for that reason and I'm glad I didn't. The drive all the way up is a little intimidating, but doable. The swinging bridge was very cool to see in the fog and made for a great picture. The animal exhibit is small, but it was nice to see the elk and eagles. The cougars, otters, and bear didn't come out because of the weather, though I did see a small glimpse of the bear. They also have several trails on the mountain, and you can even hike up the mountain if that is what you prefer, but I didn't do any because of the weather. Would love to come back in more pleasant whether to explore the mountain a bit more.

  Nalin Jayasuriya
6 months ago
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  Bhakta Katuwal
5 months ago
We loved visiting Grandfather Mountain. The place wait line was so long and online tickets purchase was mandatory. You would not get tickets sold in gate.

  Brian Fields
a month ago
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