Explore North Carolina’s Magnificent Grandfather Mountain

A short drive from Beech Mountain in Linville, NC is Grandfather Mountain NC, home to the Mile High Swinging (or Singing) Bridge. As you enter, you are given a CD that tells you about the mountain and what you are seeing. It’s a terrific guided tour and sets the stage for a day of exploring if you’re visiting outside the ski-season.

Photo by: Joe King via Wikimedia Commons

Our visit to North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain started out cold, but clear. The Grandfather Mountain weather can be tricky and we soon we watched as the fog and rain rolled in, keeping us from checking out the many hiking trails. I’d like to go back and do these, as I’ve heard great things about Grandfather Mountain’s hiking trails and really wanted to try the ones with ladders and cables. For those who prefer a leisurely walk, Grandfather Mountain has those too.

Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge

We did walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which used to swing, but after being rebuilt, it’s known more for it’s singing as the wind blows than swinging. Be prepared for cooler temperatures at the top of the mountain. We went in October and you definitely needed a warm coat and a hat to block the wind. I would assume that even in summer, it can be much cooler at the top of the mountain.

Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum

After we warmed up a bit in the gift shop at the top of the mountain, we headed to the Nature Museum (and another gift shop). The Grandfather Mountain Wildlife Habitats are just outside the Museum. We saw cougars, black bears, deer and otters playing in the water. We picked up a Junior Ranger booklet too.The activities include a scavenger hunt through the nature museum and questions about the animals in the wildlife habitats. Finish the activities and get an official Grandfather Mountain NC button at the Entrance Gate. After a quick stop at the fudge shop where we tasted several delicious varieties, we toured the Nature Museum. We learned more about the animals that live on Grandfather Mountain, as well as the flora and fauna. The museum is small and not as interactive as some, but it’s a great overview of what you can find just outside the doors.

Even though we didn’t get to spend as much time outside as we would have liked, Grandfather Mountain was worth the trip and I can’t wait to return and tackle those hiking trails. For the true outdoor adventurer, the Grandfather Mountain State Park opens has 2,456-acres of backcountry with spectacular hiking and backpacking.

Beyond Hiking at Grandfather Mountain

If you happen to be at Grandfather Mountain or in Linville NC in July, check out the Highland Games, NC gathering of Scottish Clans that happens at Grandfather Mountain.

For more information about fun activities in North Carolina’s High Country, see our post on Fall at Beech Mountain.

What: Hiking Grandfather Mountain NC
Where: Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 | 828-733-4337
When: Between 8 am and 7 pm depending on the season, check the website before your visit

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Sue Rodman | Managing Editor & Business Development

Sue Rodman is a mother of three boys, a PR professional, writer, and ice cream lover. For eight years, Sue published an award winning family travel blog called Field Trips with Sue, and produced a TV segment with the same name on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. In Sept. 2016 Field Trips with Sue merged with 365 Atlanta Family. In addition to writing blog posts and managing the advertising and public relations for 365 Atlanta Family, Sue does freelance public relations and her writing has appeared online at TravelingMom, Trekaroo, Minitime Family and other family travel sites. She has contributed to print publications such as Family Fun, Simply Buckhead, BuckHaven and Publix Magazine. In addition, Sue has appeared on local and national news talking about family travel. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories.