Visiting Blue Ridge Mountain Royalty-Grandfather Mountain, NC

Family adventures always include at least one special thing that we want to experience or enjoy, but Grandfather Mountain surprised us with four—otters, bears, a swinging bridge, and the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Needless to say, everyone in the family was satisfied.

About Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains at 5,946 feet. It is comprised of 16 distinct ecological communities along with hidden caves and noteworthy cliffs. The surrounding regions, Linville River Valley And Catawba River basin, sit 1500’ and 4000’ (respectively) below Grandfather. These extreme variations in elevation create the conditions for the ecological diversity.

Some of the natural wonders you can expect:

• rich cove forest
• acidic cove forest
• heath balds
• high elevation rocky summits
• mountaintop “island” biome of Southern Appalachians Spruce Fir
• 200 different bird species

Grandfather Mountain State Park wasn’t established until 2009. Before then it was privately owned. The Swinging Bridge, Wildlife Habitat, and MacRae Meadows are all privately owned attractions. However, the entrance fee to access this private section benefits the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation (non-profit org.) which is used to preserve and protect the mountain for future generations.

Grandfather’s Four Peaks

1. Calloway Peak- 5,964 feet
2. Attic Window Peak- 5,949 feet
3. MacRae Peak- 5,844 feet
4. Linville Peak- 5,295 feet

Mile High Swinging Bridge

Grandfather Mountain is best known for its mile-high swinging bridge which is the highest in America. The bridge was built in 1952 and links two of the mountain’s rocky peaks. It’s referred to as a “swinging” bridge because of its sway in high winds. Some of the highest wind speeds ever recorded have been reported from Grandfather Mountain. (Unverified speeds of over 200mph. New wind equipment upgrades have recently been added on the swinging bridge to attempt to verify these records.)

Walking & Hiking Trails

Grandfather Mountain hosts 11 trails varying in difficulty from a “gentle walk in the woods” to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks. From their website:

• In–Park Nature Trails– Grandfather has a number of gentle paths that can be accessed from the summit road. Designed to offer a low-impact foray into nature, these paths allow guests to get out in the woods without requiring a long and strenuous commitment.

• Backcountry Hiking Trails-
  • Grandfather’s backcountry is very different from other areas in the South.
  • Trails take you through forests usually found in Canadian climates.
  • Many of the trails use ladders and cables to climb sheer cliff faces.

Wildlife Habitat

Grandfather Mountain’s Wildlife Habitat was a big part of the decision for us to take a detour on our road trip to visit this terrific park. They house seven different environmental habitats for cougars, black bears, bald eagles, river otters, and elk. Our experiences with visiting various types of animals in captivity are prolific and we can honestly say this was the best one we have seen to date. The animal’s enclosures are built around their actual natural habitat. All of these animals are part of the elusive wildlife of the area except the cougar who no longer lives in the wild here. Throughout the day you can learn more through their programs and special events.

Nature Musem

The Nature Museum is next to the Wildlife Habitat. It is housed in a large building that includes an eatery, gift shop, and restrooms. The museum is a really interesting stop if you have time. There is a scale model of the mountain; displays of North Carolina’s gems and minerals, the birds of North America, early explorers of the area, and more; ” lifelike wax models of wildflowers, berries and mushrooms found on Grandfather crafted by the late Paul Marchand”; and an auditorium for nature videos that have been filmed on the mountain.

Important Bird Area

The Audobon of North Carolina recognizes Grandfather Mountain as an Important Bird Area. “Variations in terrain, soil, vegetation, wind, water, sunlight and microclimates create habitat for as many as 200 different bird species. About 100 of these are documented breeding colonies, which according to David Lee, former Curator of Birds at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, is one of the highest number of breeding birds in the east.” Check out their website for clues on where to find them and the Full Hawk Watch.

Take the Tour

If you plan to enjoy the park’s main attractions, there’s a nice surprise in store for you. The park staff will give you a CD at the entrance gate with your admission tickets to play in the car during your ascent up the Mountain. The CD goes through history and facts of Grandfather Mountain step by step as you climb towards the top. You can pause at any time you choose to stop and enjoy the beautiful views, rest areas, and attractions along your route.

FunFacts

• A scene from the 1994 film Forrest Gump was filmed here. The main character, Forrest, runs on a curvy Mountain road.
• “Grandfather is home to 16 distinct natural communities/ecosystems.”
• “The Mountain is home to 73 rare or endangered species, including 32 that are globally imperiled.”
• “Grandfather is part of the United Nation’s international network of Biosphere Reserves.”
• “Peregrine falcons and ravens nest among the many rocky cliffs.”
• One of North America’s largest Highland Games is held here. These games celebrate the Scottish ancestry of pioneers who settled around the mountain and they feature traditional Scottish games and music. It is considered one of the best due to Grandfather Mountain’s resemblance to the Scottish homeland. Visit: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games