The Ultimate Guide To Asheville and the Western North Carolina Mountains

The Online Version of the Best-selling Regional Guidebook
 

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Grandfather Mountain is one of the most environmentally significant mountains in the world. It is set apart by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve and in 2009, 2,456 acres along the crest of Grandfather Mountain were purchased by the State of North Carolina to create North Carolina's newest state park, Grandfather Mountain State Park This purchase was made possible through support by The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy. Grandfather Mountain is famous for its swinging bridge, the highest in America. Crossing this bridge suspends visitors more than a mile above sea level. Hiking and picnicking are favorite activities at Grandfather, and the mountain boasts wildlife habitats with bears, deer, panthers, otters and eagles. There is also a Nature Museum and gift shop.

Websites: Grandfather Mountain and Grandfather Mountain State Park
Location: Linville, N.C.
Distance: 2 hours from Asheville
Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28846
Telephone: 828-297-7261
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Fees: $15 adults, $7 children 4-12, under 4 free
Allow: 2½ hours
Of Note: An International Biosphere Reserve
Tips: Take good walking shoes
Nearby: Linville Caverns, Linville Gorge, Ben Long Frescoes, The Blowing Rock, Horn in the West, Mast General Store, Tweetsie Railroad
Directions: Take Linville exit, Milepost 305 off of Blue Ridge Parkway onto US 221 or take I-40 from Asheville. Get off in Marion and take Hwy. 221 North 35 miles to Linville. Look for Grandfather Mountain signs.