Have you ever heard of Grandfather Mountain?

If you live anywhere near North Carolina, chances are you have. Grandfather Mountain is a must do if you can make it to Linville, North Carolina, just south of Boone.

We love last minute trips, but Grandfather Mountain is not a good last minute trip.  It is if you plan on going the day before and then go first thing in the morning, but if you decide to go at noon you’ll run out of time even if you live 5 minutes away.

Here’s how to get to Grandfather Mountain

The mile high swing bridge may be the most popular attraction at Grandfather Mountain. The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. The bridge has the honor of being the highness swinging foot bridge. The view from the bridge is beautiful.

Try laying down on the bridge and look straight down.

If heights aren’t your thing. just visit the gift shop and walk the stairs and stop before you get on the bridge.  You’ll easily be able to enjoy the bridge and some of the view without having to cross.

You may not expect it, but there is basically a full blown zoo on the mountain.  Technically it is a habitat and a very nice one at that. You’ll get to see all kinds of wildlife up close in their natural habitats.

If you’re hungry stop at the fudge shop of Mildred’s Grill and have a bite.  After all the walking and hiking you’ll be doing you’ll need your energy.

Admission is:

Adult 13-59	$20
Senior 60+	$18
Child 4-12	$9
Children under 4	Free

 

Now, I know this is not the cheapest trip, especially if you have kids over 4, but it is worth it even if you only every visit once.  The park is very nice and upon entering at the base of the mountain you are given all kinds of literature as well as a CD to put in and listen to as you drive to the top.

It’s was a nice touch.

You will learn all kinds of interesting facts.  The one I’ll never forget is learning that a seen from Forest Gump was filmed on Grandfather Mountain. You might remember the seen where Forest is running for a very long time.  One of the locations where he was running was Grandfather Mountain, but it wasn’t actually Tom Hanks they filmed it was his brother Jim.

We spent all day at Grandfather Mountain. From early in the morning until it closed at 6. Be sure to contact to the park to verify hours before you make a trip just to find it’s closed at that time.

No matter what it is, it’s important to get out and live.

Our life goal is to live

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