FAQ's
1. What is included w/ admission?
Paid admission includes your visit to the Nature Museum where you can see exhibits about the mountain and North Carolina, a documentary film theater, restaurant and gift shop. You will also be able to walk through the Animal Habitats where you can see black bears, cougars, deer, otters and eagles. The Mile High Swinging Bridge and visitors center is at the very top of the mountain. You can access the hiking trails from the parking area at the Bridge also.
2. Do you pay for parking?
No. Parking is included w/ the cost of admission.
3. Is it per car or per person?
Admission is charged on a per person basis.
4. Are the animals close enough to see?
Yes. The animals live in one to two-acre enclosures that allow you to see them in their natural situations. The viewing areas are separated from the animals by water or are raised above the animals on high walls. The animals are free to wander through their habitats, but they may come as close as six feet from where you will be standing.
5. If I do not cross the bridge, will I miss anything?
No, you can see wonderful views without crossing the bridge, but if you do decide to cross you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding region. The one experience that can not be duplicated is the rush that accompanies the actually crossing of the span.
6. How long of a hike is it to the Bridge?
From the parking area, you climb 50 steps to get to the bridge area.
7. Do I have to drive or can I take a shuttle bus to the top of the mountain?
You drive your own vehicle up the two-mile road to the summit, stopping at overlooks, picnic areas and the Nature Museum as fits your own schedule. Shuttle service is available only to large groups traveling by bus.
The Visitor Center next to the Swinging Bridge is under construction in the summer of 2008 and parking at the top is limited. On busy days, a shuttle will run regularly between the summit parking area and a satellite lot located three curves below the summit.
8. Do you take credit cards?
We take Mastercard, Visa and American Express. We can not accept Discover.
9. Will I fall off the bridge, is it safe?
The Bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has built up sides to ensure safety. We do ask you to wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
10. I only want to hike, do I still have to pay admission?
Gate admission includes hiking for the day, or you can purchase a hiking permit for $5 and access the exterior hiking trails on Hwy 105 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
11. How should I dress when I visit, how much colder up there is it?
It is normally 8-10 degrees difference in temperature from the Entrance to the Bridge. Depending on what time of year when you come, you should dress in layers such a T-shirt and sweatshirt or light jacket.
12. Do you have any place to eat there?
We have an 80-seat family restaurant that serves everything from soups, salads, burgers & fries to fried chicken dinners.
13. Can we bring our pets?
Pets are permitted inside the park on a leash. They are not allowed inside the buildings due to health regulations and not in the Animal Habitats area.
14. Do you rent strollers or wheel chairs?
Due to insurance restrictions, Grandfather Mountain does not offer strollers or wheel chairs for use.
15. If the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed does that mean Grandfather Mountain is closed also?
Grandfather Mountain is accessed from Hwy 221, so if the Parkway is closed the park could still be open. Weather permitting in the winter months.
16. I don’t want to get out of my car, just drive my family inside, do I have to pay?
Anyone who goes through the gate is required to pay admission. Once you pass through you have access to the entire park with no other fees or charges.
" We visited Grandfather Mountain during our visit to Tennessee in August. Beautiful place and couldn't get enough of it!! Can't wait to come back and we will see you next year -2008- guaranteed!! We have nothing like this in England. " Tony & Margaret Derbyshire, England |
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P.O. Box 129 - US 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway - Linville, NC - 28646
Phone 800-468-7325 Fax: 828-733-2608 Email: nature@grandfather.com
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