Grandfather Mountain

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Grandfather Mountain Cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, photograph native wildlife in natural habitats and hike some of the South's finest alpine trails.
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Located in northwest NC. Grandfather's lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Marvel at 360-degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, stand eye-to-eye with native wildlife in natural habitats and interact with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Please note that ticket sales stop one hour before the park closes.

09/27/2026

Two years have passed since Hurricane Helene, and we are reminded of what has always made the High Country so special: the people.

We see the strength of the community in the resilience of our neighbors, friends and staff, and also in the connection between those who call the mountains home and the countless visitors who have continued to make their way here in support of their natural wonders.

As we mark two years post-Helene, we want to acknowledge the folks who showed up, the visitors who returned in support and a community that continues to stand together.

The song, "Mist Ascending," composed by Ben Cosgrove for the one-year Helene Milestone, was written in reflection of our beloved High Country and the ever-present visual of mist rising from the hills. We are honored to share it again as a reminder of the connection between the mountains and you.

📸: GMSF, , , , .grg, , , , .24, , .in.wanderland

Want a bird's eye view of all the exciting happenings at Grandfather Mountain? Let us swoop into your inbox!Subscribing ...
09/25/2026

Want a bird's eye view of all the exciting happenings at Grandfather Mountain? Let us swoop into your inbox!

Subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter is a great way to ensure you don't miss out on any special event announcements, and it keeps you informed on what's happening at the park as you plan a visit.

Join the Grandfather Mountain E-Club today at grandfather.com/connect/receive-our-newsletter to ensure you receive our September edition.

📸: Skip Sickler

At Grandfather Mountain, we never stop be-LEAF-ing in fall magic. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions ab...
09/23/2026

At Grandfather Mountain, we never stop be-LEAF-ing in fall magic.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about who we are and how you can enjoy the mountain during this magical time of year.

Visit grandfather.com/tickets to book your fall visit now!

📸: Leslie Restivo, Skip Sickler

09/22/2026

Today marks the first day of fall, which means vibrant hues and cooler temperatures will soon abound on Grandfather Mountain.

Leaves begin turning at the highest elevations in late September through early October and gradually work down the slopes into the surrounding areas over several weeks. Peak color toward the summit is usually early October, while lower sections of the park will often peak in mid-October.

Just in time for fall, the especially scenic section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Blowing Rock, N.C. to Grandfather Mountain has reopened! Single lane closures may pop up at times, but this important thoroughfare will remain open to autumn travelers.

LEAF it to us to make your perfect leaf-looking destination this season. Visit grandfather.com/fall to start planning your visit.

📸: , , , , ,

Happy International Day of Peace! We hope that today you'll find time to step outside and breathe in the serenity of nat...
09/21/2026

Happy International Day of Peace! We hope that today you'll find time to step outside and breathe in the serenity of nature.

As summer comes to a close, we are reminiscing on the peaceful season, with awe-inspiring events like Sunrise on the Swinging Bridge, Yoga on the Mountain and Grandfather Glows.

If you're looking for more moments this fall, we are offering events like Sunset on the Swinging Bridge and our annual Fall Color Ramble that are sure to bring a sense of peaceful wonder!

See what's in store this fall at grandfather.com/fall.

📸: .nikabagira

There are still tickets available for "Grandfather Presents: Margaret Lowman, Ph.D., aka CanopyMeg" on Thursday, Oct. 1!...
09/20/2026

There are still tickets available for "Grandfather Presents: Margaret Lowman, Ph.D., aka CanopyMeg" on Thursday, Oct. 1!

One of the world’s first arbornauts, CanopyMeg devoted over four decades to exploring forest canopies. Her research and exploration have taken her to more than 45 countries, on all seven continents, where she not only tirelessly saves forests but also mentors girls.

Lowman's presentation is titled “In Honor of Jane Goodall – How Trees Keep our Planet and its Wildlife Healthy.” Lowman pioneered the construction of canopy walkways that now bring economic incentives to forest conservation around the world. She will talk about that project and the importance of both forest conservation, plus linking kids to nature via the treetops and her friend Jane.

Learn more and purchase tickets at grandfather.com/grandfather-presents.

📸: Meg Lowman

09/19/2026

It's game day, Mountaineers.

Tonight, the App State football team will face UNC-Charlotte in Boone at Kidd Brewer Stadium. And after halftime, fans may notice some familiar landmarks on the big screen.

Grandfather Mountain partnered with App State Athletics to produce a hype video fit for these High Country athletes. Want to see it for yourself? Catch any home football game this season where it will roll as the Mountaineers head into the third quarter.

📸: Max Renfro

Calling all hawk-eyed nature lovers! You're invited to next week's Hawk Watch Popup, where we will celebrate birds of pr...
09/18/2026

Calling all hawk-eyed nature lovers! You're invited to next week's Hawk Watch Popup, where we will celebrate birds of prey, fall migration and the changing seasons.

September is Hawk Watch month: our annual initiative inviting researchers and citizen scientists to aid in counting the raptors that fly overhead as they migrate south for the winter. At our special popup event, participants will learn about bird conservation, raptor identification and migration. You'll even get to learn how to properly use binoculars!

The Hawk Watch Popup is Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free with admission to the park. For event information and more on the fascinating world of raptors, visit grandfather.com/hawk-watch-popup.

📸: GMSF

As late summer temperatures begin to drop, millions of monarch butterflies set out on one of nature's most remarkable jo...
09/17/2026

As late summer temperatures begin to drop, millions of monarch butterflies set out on one of nature's most remarkable journeys: their annual migration south.

Each year, our staff collects monarch chrysalises on the mountain, cares for them as they are preparing for their metamorphosis and then tags and releases the monarchs into the wild. This tagging system is performed by trained staff, and the butterflies are handled for as little time as possible. The small, lightweight tag helps researchers learn more about monarch movements and migration. By participating in this kind of conservation work, we can better understand these remarkable pollinators.

Monarchs are the only butterflies in the world known to make such a long move from one home to another, flying nearly 3,000 miles each fall. Along the way, they rely on healthy habitats and flowering plants for the resources they need to keep moving.

Start planning your fall visit to possibly catch a glimpse of these travelers in our pollinator garden at grandfather.com/fall.

📸: GMSF

Address

2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC
28646

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 7pm
Sunday 8am - 7pm

Telephone

+18287334337

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