Breath-taking Grandfather Mountain and Swinging Bridge

 


Grandfather Mountain, a globally-recognized nature preserve and home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge, is located near Beech Mountain, the longtime attraction with many things to do and see. A short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway on US 221 South is the park entrance where guests purchase tickets and drive up the crooked drive (due to Covid-19, guests book their visits in advance through their online reservation system) to the ridgetop with a gift shop and the Swinging Bridge. Several lofty alpine hiking trails begin from this parking area. Just down the mountain a bit are environmental habitats and nature museum where you can find black bears, river otters, cougars, eagles and elk. Viewing areas give you an up-close perspective of the animals. There are also more than 100 picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park. Bring your own picnic, or purchases sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken tenders, salads and more to go from Mildred's Grill restaurant at the museum. Their prices are reasonable and the food qualities are pretty good!

Do you know that you can even find a sign at Grandfather Mountain that references the scene in which Forrest is seen running across the country in 'Forrest Gump'? Well, though it only last a few seconds, I insist rewinding and replaying it a few times when I watched that movie last time. On top of Grandfather Mountain, it is very easy to identify Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain where our peaceful chalet is.

Every time I'm on the mountain, I'm just so grateful to be there.

Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646

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