Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level
Mile High Swinging BridgeWildlife HabitatsNature Walks & Hiking TrailsConservation & InterpretationPlanning Your VisitCalendar of Events

About Grandfather Mountain

What is Grandfather Mountain?

Grandfather Mountain is:

  • The highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (elevation 5,964 ft)
  • The Mountain is privately owned and is operated as
  • a scenic travel attraction
  • a globally recognized nature preserve

One ticket price includes everything:

Guests purchase tickets (one ticket per person) and drive their own vehicles through the park, stopping along the way to enjoy a variety of activities.

Main Attractions

  • Beautiful mountain scenery
  • Mile High Swinging Bridge
  • Environmental Habitats for native wildlife
      • Black Bears, Bear cubs, River Otters, Cougars, Eagles and Deer
  • Nature Museum
      • excellent exhibits about the natural history of the region
      • theater that shows nature movies made on the Mountain
      • restaurant and gift shop
  • South's best alpine hiking trails
      • More than 12 miles of regularly maintained trails ranging in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges.
  • Picnicking
      • Over 100 picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park. The picnic area located on the right about 1/3 mile up the summit road is equipped with a water fountain and restrooms.
      • Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic. Those who have not planned ahead can purchase fried chicken or sandwiches to go from the Museum restaurant.
  • Naturalist Programs
      • Special activities and programs with the Mountain's naturalists are presented daily during the summer months and are included in the price of admission.
      • Guided tours and guided hikes with the Mountain's naturalists are available for an additional fee. Phone 828-733-4326 for reservations.
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What People Say…

"Being from south central Kentucky, it is unusual to find someone who has a bumper sticker or other means of identifing them as a Grandfather Mountain visitor. When we meet it is as though we are kin because we have both been to the Grandfather Mountaintop."

Gary

Somerset, KY
 

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