Grandfather Mountain State Park
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Grandfather Mountain State Park
5
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
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Best nearby
Restaurants
4 within 5 kms
Attractions
37 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
301 reviews
Excellent
254
Very good
33
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Anthony
Leicester, NC424 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Really enjoyed our visit this park complex.The hilite of course is the mile high swinging bridge.Very windy and cold up top,but the all around views were awesome,and it was fun to go across,it was pretty solid.
Many hiking and picnic areas,and a small animal area including Bsld Eagles, Bears,Elk,and Otters.Small nature museum was also informative.
Many hiking and picnic areas,and a small animal area including Bsld Eagles, Bears,Elk,and Otters.Small nature museum was also informative.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passportanywhere
North Carolina Mountains, NC32 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
My family has visited grandfather mountain several times over the years. It is an incredible park and I consider it a national treasure because of the unique ecosystem, natural areas throughout most of the park, and easy access.
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William W
3 contributions
Jul 2022
Beautiful! Great staff, super friendly and helpful. Lots to explore and family friendly. Would highly recommend visiting Grandfather Mountain State Park!!
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarthaMM
Coral Gables, FL91 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Grandfather Mountain is amazing! We were a family of 6 with a 4 and 2 yr old and spent the morning at the Wilson Center, lunch at Mildred’s Cafe, saw the Habitat and did 2 VIP tours that were outstanding. The naturalists in charge of the Behind The Scenes tour and the Paint with a Bear tour are the very best! There was a mixup with our tours and they went way out of their way to make it happen! What an amazing experience and dedicated staff. You can see how much they care about the mountain and their animals. While at the Wilson Center we did arts and crafts, watched an excellent movie in the theatre about the mountain and saw many interesting minerals and wind effects. What wonderful work is being done at Grandfather Mountain. Everyone loved it!…so much so we are adopting a bear through their website. Very well done! Thank you!
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynette
Concord, NC2 contributions
Aug 2022
The views are spectacular. The kids loved the animal habitats. Lots of cool trails. No trip to the Blue Ridge is complete without a trip to Grandfather.
Written 23 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda
7 contributions
Aug 2022
Although I was not a fan of the mile high bridge I did it and it was breathtaking. Spent time in the gift shop and found souvenirs for the family back home.
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martha F
8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Grandfather Mountain never disappoints! From the experienced hiker to someone in a wheelchair, there is plenty to keep you busy! If hiking the views are spectacular!!!
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald P
2 contributions
Jul 2022
Grandfather Mountain is an awesome place to visit. We had a very windy day and a cool 69 degrees at the end of July!!
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cre F
13 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A little pricey to enter but well worth it! So many options for everyone. We hiked Black Rock, I would have to say it was above average for hiking difficulty. Hiking shoes are needed.
Made it half way to Mccraes Peak…that was definitely challenging. All worth our time!
Made it half way to Mccraes Peak…that was definitely challenging. All worth our time!
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie K
3 contributions
Jul 2022
This is a must! Such a beautiful place to go to, the views are breathtaking. Had to wait out a storm on top but worth the wait. The walk across the bridge and the other side is amazing, it seems as if you are on top of the world. Another amazing place to see God's work.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonita B
Atmore, AL1 contribution
I didn’t realize they had a question tab so I posted a question in reviews. Oops!! But, I was wondering if someone could tell me about how long it takes to go through the park. I’m trying to get an itinerary up for my husband’s and my anniversary trip in 2 weeks and there’s so much to do in that area so I’m just trying to figure how to get as much in as possible it have some relaxing time too.
Bonita B
Atmore, AL1 contribution
Would anyone mind answer this question for me.
debbiandrandy
Marietta, GA7 contributions
are you open?
Laura Z
Brookfield, IL61 contributions
Yes they are but sign up online. They are staggering the amount of people coming in so the park isn't crowded as it would be if you just arrived whenever
BBbank
7 contributions
Do you have to make the hike to the swinging bridge or is there a way to drive close to it?
Cackalacky Trekking
32 contributions
Yes, there is a parking lot near it!
How much does it cost for seniors to get in grandfather's mountain
Judy E
Mount Pleasant, SC46 contributions
It is by car and it depends on the month. The highest of course is the busiest part of summer. Check on line
I am bringing my mother and aunt ages 83 and 80. They are in good shape and able to walk well but we will not do any heavy hiking. Can you suggest things to do and see? Thanks!
saylors
La Crosse Va48 contributions
The small town of Blowing Rock is a beautiful little walking place.
I am bringing my mother who is in good shape but is 83 and my aunt, also in good shape but 80. what are some beautiful things to see and do in this area that are not strenuous? They are fine with walking but not a heavy hike. suggestions?
Wayne R
Maplewood, MN441 contributions
Besides Grandfather Mt, try Blowing Rock, Roan Mt, and maybe a couple of wineries.
Norma Gross
Seymour, IN3 contributions
How much does it cost
Greg W
Otway NC168 contributions
It does not cost anything to park and hike in the state park. It only costs to go to the tourist area which is still privately owned.
Caroline C
Charleston, SC
we are in town and would love to go for a nice hike, however we have our dog with us. Are dogs allowed on the trails or could you recommend any dog friendly trails. Thank you!
Greg W
Otway NC168 contributions
Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. Small yap dogs would probably have a problem with some of the trails. My Lab had a great time on the trail and playing in the streams.
Beverly312
Ballston Spa, NY11 contributions
How far is the drive from Asheville to Linville?
jbrooksws
Raleigh, NC216 contributions
On the Blue Ridge Parkway it's around an hour to an hour and a half normally - however the weather in the mountains is certainly perfect right now and the leaves have changed color - in fact my son is there this weekend! So I would allow extra time.
Generally in peak times, Grandfather will have extra staff on hand actually positioned on 221 to help people in and out of the park. If you are on the parkway, you might also consider Julian Price Park, Daughton Park and the Moses Cone Park and Craft Center.
A little more effort will take you to Elk Knob State Park at Todd - get off the parkway at 421, and come back towards Boone. This is a newer park and there will way more solitude - especially if you hike to the top - it's a strenuous hike but not technical - i.e. there are no outlandish physical requirements.
At the top, there are two sides at the top of the ridge and you feel as though you can see forever.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STATE PARK (Banner Elk) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Grandfather Mountain State Park:
- (0.21 km) Amazing 3 Story Log Cabin with View/Jacuzzi/Loft/Pool Table/Wi-Fi
- (0.24 km) Rustic Cabin near Outdoor Activities
- (0.27 km) Stunning Cabin Between Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk, Wifi, Pool Table!
- (0.33 km) Log Cabin Near 90-Foot Waterfall
- (1.84 km) Hidden Valley Motel
- Restaurants near Grandfather Mountain State Park:
- (0.06 km) Eat Crow
- (4.73 km) Artisanal Restaurant
- (1.16 km) Grandview Restaurant
- (6.04 km) Over Yonder
- (6.47 km) Gamekeeper Restaurant
- Attractions near Grandfather Mountain State Park:
- (0.67 km) Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
- (0.70 km) Dewoolfson Down Store
- (0.85 km) Carlton Gallery
- (1.98 km) Otter Falls
- (5.26 km) Apple Hill Farm