Are you planning to walk across the mile-high Grandfather Mountain swinging bridge?
The Grandfather Mountain swinging bridge in Linville, North Carolina, is a must-visit for anyone who loves gorgeous views and isn’t too afraid of heights.
This mile-high bridge is a mile high in elevation but only about 80 feet above the ground. However, it gives you amazing views for miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The swinging bridge isn’t the only thing to do at Grandfather Mountain. The park includes a nature center, wildlife preserve, and some of the best hiking on the east coast.
We really enjoyed our visit to Grandfather Mountain and think its worth visiting when you’re in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The guide below provides everything you need to know before you visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain and everything else there is to do during your visit.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
What is Grandfather Mountain?
Grandfather Mountain is a scenic attraction that is run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. All proceeds go towards preserving the mountain.
Your admission to Grandfather Mountain includes attractions like the Mile High Swinging Bridge, as well as well-maintained hiking trails, a nature center, wildlife habitats, and picnic areas.
Grandfather Mountain makes a great day trip from places like Asheville (about 1.5 hours away) and Charlotte (about 2 hours away). Its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway also makes it a great stop along the drive.
Where is the Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge?
Location
To get to the mile-high swinging bridge, you’ll have to enter Grandfather Mountain at 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy in Linville, NC.
Hours
Grandfather Mountain is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours vary depending on the season. The hiking trails close about an hour before the park closes.
Parking
There are several parking areas at Grandfather Mountain, depending on what you’d like to do. There are several picnic areas with parking nearby, as well as parking at the nature center.
The best parking lot for hiking is the Grandfather Mountain Hiker Parking lot (also known as the Black Rock lot), the second to last parking lot. You can access the bridge trail from this lot if you’d like a short hike.
The parking lot for the Swinging Bridge is at the very top and is the last parking lot on the road. You can also access hiking trails from this lot.
How Much Does It Cost to Cross the Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain?
Admission
Grandfather Mountain charges admission to access the Mile High Swinging Bridge, its nature center, and its hiking trails. All of these activities are included in the price of admission.
As of publication, admission to Grandfather Mountain is $24 for adults and $10 for children 4-12 years old.
How to Get to the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
Quickest Access to the Swinging Bridge
The most popular and easiest way to get to the Swinging Bridge is to park at the Upper Lot at the end of the road. where there is ample parking. There is also a small gift shop with restrooms.
From the upper lot, you can climb the stairs to the bridge path which will take you directly to the swinging bridge.
You can also take the elevator inside the gift shop to the 3rd level and follow the paved path. The path is less than 100 yards, and benches are on either side of the bridge.
Hike the Bridge Trail
One of the ways to access the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain is the .4-mile trail to the bridge that leaves from the Hiker Parking Lot.
The trailhead is across the road from the parking lot and takes you under the mile-high bridge. The Bridge Trail ends at the Upper Parking Lot. From there, you can either take the steps outside or the elevator inside the gift shop to get to the bridge.
The trail is steep and rocky in sections, but it is not difficult. To get back to your car, you’ll have to take one of two hiking trails, as there is no walking allowed on the road. You can hike either the Bridge Trail or the Grandfather Extension Trail to get return to the Hiker Parking Lot.
What to Expect at Grandfather Mountain’s Swinging Bridge
The Mile High Swinging Bridge
The Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain is 228 feet long over an 80-foot chasm. The bridge itself is a mile high in elevation. Look for the marker along the bridge as you cross!
Keep in mind once you cross the bridge, you’ll have to cross it again to return to the parking lot or Bridge Trail. There are several benches and places to sit to gather yourself if you were nervous during the initial crossing.
Hike to Grandfather Mountain Peak
On the far side of the bridge is a rocky trail to Grandfather Mountain Peak, just over 100 yards from the bridge. The trail is an uneven and can be slippery during inclement weather. Make sure to wear proper footwear to walk over the massive rock formations.
Other Things to Do at Grandfather Mountain
Hiking
Grandfather Mountain has several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.
For those looking for a pleasant stroll through the woods, the Woods Walk trail near the entrance gate is what you want.
Grandfather also has more typical hiking trails that aren’t too strenuous. Those include trails like the Bridge Trail, the Black Rock Trail, and the Grandfather Loop (a 1.5-mile loop trail incorporating the Grandfather Extension, the Grandfather, and the Bridge trails).
The Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak is what you are looking for for a more challenging hike. This 5-mile out-and-back trail is not for the weary.
This trail includes several ladders and cables to assist hikers up and over large boulders. This is not a good trail if you have a fear of heights!
You can shorten the Grandfather Trail to a 2-mile loop by connecting to the Underwood Trail after MacRae Peak. This is recommended if you are short on time and unable to complete the entire 5 miles of the Grandfather Trail.
Nature Center and Wildlife Habitats
Admission to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and the wildlife habitats are included in the price of Grandfather Mountain.
The extensive nature center is perfect for kids and adults to learn more about the mountain, including the animals, plants, and geology. There are over a dozen interactive exhibits inside the center as well as a botanical garden outside.
Next to the nature center are wildlife habitats that include bears, otters, cougars, and other animals that are native (or used to be) to the area. Visitors can view these animals in their natural settings and get a closer look at them.
Things to Know Before You Visit Grandfather Mountain
Before you visit Grandfather Mountain, here are some things to know:
- Buy your tickets and make your reservation ahead of time. According to their website, tickets must be purchased online. Then you’ll also guarantee your spot.
- Hiking trails close one hour before the park closes. And if you’re hiking any of the trails, you’ll need to fill out a permit, so they know to look for you if you’re not back at your car in time.
- You’ll receive an audio guide at the entrance gate. Grandfather Mountain provides an audio tour as your drive up the mountain. Stop at any of the sights or attractions along the way, or listen to the whole tour as you drive to the top to reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge!
- There are restrooms at the Nature Center and Top Shop Gift Shop. There is also a port-a-potty at the hiker’s parking lot.
- There is a café at the Nature Center. You can always pack a picnic lunch, but if you want to buy lunch instead, Mildred’s Grill offers your typical lunch fare.
- Pets are allowed at Grandfather Mountain. However, they must be leashed. Due to the ladders and cables, no pets are allowed on the Grandfather Trail.
Hotels Near Grandfather Mountain
There are some beautiful hotels and resorts a short drive away from Grandfather Mountain, including numerous options in Blowing Rock, NC.
You can also rent a condo or townhome at Sugar Mountain. Some even have views of Grandfather Mountain.
Lastly, if you’d like a more traditional hotel, the Best Western at Banner Elk is a short 20-minute drive from Grandfather Mountain, and it includes FREE breakfast!
Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge Wrap Up
The Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge is worth visiting! We typically avoid touristy destinations, especially if they cost a lot of money. However, with everything Grandfather Mountain has to offer, especially the hiking trails and nature center, we think it’s worth the price to visit.
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