You may also be interested to know that we're owned and operated by the nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a nonprofit focused on inspiring conservation. Grandfather Mountains pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. We now take online reservations in order to only have a certain amount of people in the park at one time. We wish to especially recognize the contributions of Gordon Warburton and Jesse Pope to our Games. STAY UPDATEDSign upfor updates about GMHG news such as events, Covid Procedures, Registrations and more. Both hiking trails are managed by the National Park Service as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646. We also do require masks for guests as well and keep social distancing signs scattered throughout the park to ensure safety. GPS: 36.1163, -81.7773, Fee charged at attraction The Linville Volunteer Fire Department says efforts are still underway to contain the fire near Grandfather Mountain in N.C. LINVILLE Firefighters are monitoring a . Bridge Clubmembers will continue to receive complimentary admission, per their membership agreement, and are notrequired to book a time-slot. ({{packageItem.Quantity}}) {{packageItem.Name}}y. You may change your date/time on your tickets up until 24 hours before your day of visit. Search for Events by Keyword. There are no dates available for this event. } Member of Southern Highlands . The state park encompasses almost 4,000 acres and even has a 228-foot swinging bridge for the fearless. At the top, there is a good gift shop before you get to the Mile High Bridge and those incredible views. Tickets are $24 adults (13 to 59), $22 seniors (60+), $10 children (4 to 12), free for children under 4. For more information or assistance, please call (828) 733-2013 or (828) 733-4337. Winds can surpass 130 miles per hour, and temperatures drop below freezing during the winter months. text-decoration: underline The state park is free to access, while the attraction charges an entrance fee. To see Grandfather Mountains Wildlife Habitats, youll park in the same lot as the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Location All the trails were well marked, nicely shaded, and had beautiful scenery. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a positive, thoughtful and descriptive review! Your tickets will be valid for 1 hour after the selected entry time to allow for . If you decide to do the hike, use the Grandfather trail to go up. We look forward to having you and yours back on the mountain in the future. Even my wife who doesnt like suspension bridges was glad that she did it, even though there was a 20 mph wind when we crossed one way and 40 mph wind on the way back. Let us know how your hike on the Grandfather Trail goes! Guests must purchase tickets online to guarantee admission. On our way down, we got to see a great lightning storm in a monsoon. We were hesitant to go because of the cost but in the end decided to do it because it had been recommended to us by several people and we felt that at least the money was going to a good cause. Times: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Speaking of explorers, some of the worlds most famous adventurers have spent time at Grandfather Mountain. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} We were on a long summer trip and did only a minor amount of research before visiting Grandfather Mountain. Trapped and no females. Once inside the park, you will be unrestricted as to the amount of time you wish to spend. Pressing the Esc key will close the dialog and return you to your previous location on the page. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. We are working hard on restoring the content as quickly as possible. Grandfather Mountain - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC. Hodges Theater will be closed all day on March 14 due to a special event. The park entrance fee is a little high, about $15 dollars per vehicle, but they do offer AAA discounts. Heres a quick individual breakdown of each rock: The acclaimed movie Forrest Gump used locations across the United States, but a critical scene was filmed in North Carolina! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback. Lots of trails to use. Hi, there! For more information about the attraction, please visit the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation website. If you book a discounted ticket for AAA or military, you must show your AAA card or military ID at the gate. Tickets must be purchased online in advance for a specific day and time you will arrive. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wishes to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation in staging our annual Gathering. Not the best with children as with the top it can get tricky. There are no issued benefits to display at this time. Read More: 125+ Facts About North Carolina. VIP pass holders and those with pre-paid or complimentary tickets are also not required to book a time-slot. 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. Read more: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Boone (within 2 Hours). }, false ); On weekdays only, a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at the Entrance Gate, although guests are strongly encouraged to book online to guarantee their availability. Read more . There is always something spectacular happening at Grandfather Mountain! 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. 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. We liked going out during the day to hike and explore and being able to walk to restaurants in the evening. Home; Places; North America; United States; North Carolina; Banner Elk; Things To Do In Banner Elk; Grandfather Mountain State Park; Grandfather Mountain State Park 4.8 38 Votes Currently Open. On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Grandfather Mountain will be closed, to reopen Dec. 26, weather permitting. About the Park. Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646. As such, all of our funding is derived from admission, souvenir sales, food and beverage sales, and donations, and every single dollar goes right back into maintaining and preserving the mountain for future generations. We are travelling through this area from the UK next month en route to Bristol. Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. It sounds like you and your group had a wonderful day on the mountain! Upgrade {{viewModel.itemSelected.quantityInput.value}}/{{viewModel.itemSelected.Quantity}}. To learn more, view our full privacy policy. Tickets do sell out on some days, so we recommend you purchase them 2 to 3 weeks in advance to guarantee entrance to this popular North Carolina attraction. } Hours Daily 8am-7pm. {{viewModel.submitEl.value | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{viewModel.enrollLinkEl.text | htmlToPlaintext}}. . Grandfather Mountain Changes Ticket System. Sorry I can't answer that, as the first time we have been down there and not sure when it would be a good time, but I'm sure that someone else can answer it! Thank you so much for such a kind, thoughtful and generous review! Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration. Members must present a valid Bridge Club membership card upon arrival. As others have noted YOU MUST BUY TICKETS ONLINE - in advance of your planned visit. "source": "woocommerce", Located in Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga counties 13 miles southwest of Boone, Grandfather Mountain State Park showcases a stunning mountain known for severe weather and challenging terrain that has hikers scrambling along cliffs, gripping cables, and climbing up ladders. As of Nov. 1, 2020, Grandfather Mountain admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. 3. There are places to have picnics and grill and you can check out Forrest Gump curve while you are there. Staff and wire report. Grandfather Mountain North Carolina You're rewarded with 360 degree views when you reach the top We can't get enough of these awesome views! Don't miss the pictures in the small gallery showing some of the construction. And from what I can see people are acting like the virus is just gone, I myself and my family are still taking the needed precautions espicially because of this. It was painfully windy at the top the day we went, making actually walking out on the bridge impossible. (10 a.m. ticket allows admittance until 11 a.m.). I'm so sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your visit to Grandfather Mountain. We've done a lot of hiking & MacRae's peak & Grandfather trail was an entirely different experience and well worth the work (3.5 hrs. Making an account when purchasing tickets allows to you to easily log-in and later view your tickets, reprint tickets and move them to your Apple Wallet. Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum. Therefore, we thought we were visiting a state park or other public park, not a private tourist attraction. 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. Member of Southern Highlands . What is the best time to visit to see fall colors/foliage in October ? The private attraction (with the Mile High Swinging Bridge) is the closest parking area to a few trails and charges entrance fees. LINVILLE, N.C. - 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 . {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[0] || 'Su'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[1] || 'Mo'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[2] || 'Tu'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[3] || 'We'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[4] || 'Th'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[5] || 'Fr'}}, {{viewModel.calendar.dayHeaders[6] || 'Sa'}}, {{state.addToCartPending.subCategory.addToCartEl.value | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{shared.selectDateTimeText | htmlToPlaintext}} {{shared.eventTypeName | htmlToPlaintext}}, {{shared.eventTypeName | htmlToPlaintext}} {{shared.selectedDateTime | htmlToPlaintext}}. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Again, many thanks. We look forward to having you and yours back on the mountain in the future. Prices are as follows: visitors must book online in advance. Grandfather Mountain State Park encompasses 2,600 acres of the undeveloped back country on Grandfather Mountain. The website is pretty easy to use. To get to the mile high swinging bridge you can take the stairs or use the elevator. ), a . The temperatures shown below are for the town of Banner Elk. 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). We all agreed their fries were the best we've ever had. In 1993, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Grandfather Mountain as an International Biosphere Reserve. Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots. If you have visited the state park and need your NC State Parks Passport booklet stamped after park office hours, a sticker can be requested by emailing the state park. Proceeds from admission tickets benefit theGrandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the park for future generations. For more information or assistance, please call (828) 733 . While running solo until this point, his scene running around this iconic curve is the first sequence with a crowd of followers. We do limit our total number of guests in the park due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Grandfather Mountain is split into two sectionsthe Grandfather Mountain attraction (ticket required) and Grandfather Mountain State Park (where you can find free things to do at Grandfather Mountain). See 12 social pages including Facebook and Twitter, Hours, Phone, Fax, Email, Website and more for this business. .inside-article{ Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Boone (Hikes, Eats, and More in App Town). 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. Ceud mile failte to you and your family as you join us in celebrating the history of our Scottish ancestry and cheer as you watch the clans compete on MacRae Meadows. 9872 N.C. 105 S., Suite 6, Banner Elk, NC 28604. On weekdays only, a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase in-person at the Entrance Gate. Join, volunteer, or donate! There are daily programs at the Wildlife Habitats throughout the year, including Keeper Talks, Animal Encounters, and more! Prices are as follows: Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including WiFi and fireplaces. We hope to see you back real soon! About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . ), 25+ Wonderful Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock (within 2 Hours), Grandfather Mountain Facts (History and Ecology), How to Visit Today (Grandfather Mountain Attraction vs. GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646 1-800-468-7325. It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. More than 640 million years old, Sphinx Rock and Split Rock are on the right side of the road on your way up the mountain, before the Forrest Gump Curve. Enter Keyword. Mr. Morton also acquired two black bears, one of which (Mildred) could not adapt to the wild. Banner Elk, NC 28604. padding-right: 10px; @media (max-width: 767px) { Ticketholders are also welcome to gift their passes to friends or family. Please check the local forecast (Linville, NC 28646) prior to making travel decisions. Im not exactly sure but I did see discounts offered. You can also access the Grandfather Trail from the Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads via the Profile Trail (western side) or the Daniel Boone Scout Trail (eastern side). 20+ Delicious Restaurants in Boone for Your Next Meal Out! For that reason, I wouldn't classify any of them as easy or recommend them for anyone not sure of foot. This year we've added 5 new venues in the walkable Foundy Street area MAP We're hosting 2 different short film screenings at Grail Moviehouse on Monday, March 20 4 different groups of artists are taking over Art Garden for 8 fully immersive performances Come out on Saturday afternoon and hang all day . Enter Location. Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderfully. For more information or assistance, please call (828) 733-2013 or (828) 733-4337. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Peak Days: These are the in-demand days, usually around a holiday or fall color season, that also typically feature extra experiences in the park. There are reduced rates for seniors, veterans and kids. Constructed in 1952 (and since reconstructed), the Swinging Bridge is Americas highest suspension footbridge, with an elevation of 5,305 feet. Do you need to book in advance to visit Grandfather Mountain? Member of Southern Highlands . Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information. A limited number of Dollar Days tickets will be available each day, in addition to general admission tickets. at a charming Tuscan farmhouse, to a Caribbean beach vacation, or a glamorous city apartment in the Big Apple to a mountain retreat in Colorado. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Prime parking and what a treat with no screaming school kids or massive crowds. The elevator was broken. GPS: 36.1200, -81.7813, Managed by the National Park Service Hotels near Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Linville. } Unique biodiversity atop Grandfather Mountain includes dozens of rare, endangered, and imperiled plant species and animals: Hugh Morton died in 2006, and his heirs divided the land to include 2,600 acres of backcountry and sold it to the state to form. Blue Ridge Parkway, 15.71 million visits. [CDATA[// >