Located beside Sugar Mountain (elevation 5,300 feet) is the famous Grandfather Mountain (elevation 5,946 feet) with the popular Mile High Swinging Bridge. In addition to being one of the top scenic attractions in North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is recognized by the United Nations as a nature Biosphere Reserve of global importance. Rock formations on Grandfather Mountain date back 1.2 billion years.
There are two areas to enjoy this amazing mountain. Most visitors head around the mountain from Sugar to drive to the top (make online reservations in advance!). If you want to hike the Profile Trail, see info below.
To enjoy the attraction with bridge and wildlife habitats (operated by a non-profit Foundation), drive around the mountain – about 7.5 miles. We recommend buying tickets and booking your time reservation in advance – see below for details. Drive to the top via the winding road and feel the temperatures drop. Take a jacket, even for summer days. It’s open year-round. The summit is often in the clouds, and you can see the profile view from many Sugar Mountain vacation rentals.
Mile-High Swinging Bridge
At the top of the mountain, find a gift shop, snacks and the foot suspension mile-high bridge with 360-degree views. Walk along the rocky ridges beyond the bridge (be careful!) for even more dramatic views. The famous Swinging Bridge is even wheelchair accessible via an elevation in the Top Shop. At the top, you can hike several trails – get hiking details below.
Nature Conservancy considers Grandfather Mountain an ecological site of global significance, as it provides habitat for more globally rare species than any mountain east of the Rockies. Grandfather Mountain supports 16 distinct ecological communities due to its abrupt rise above the valley floor.
Animals & Nature Discovery
About halfway up the mountain, stop to see the wildlife habitats and the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Get up close to black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles and elk. Staff naturalists offer an array of programs included in the cost of admission in April through October – plus behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. There are more than 100 picnic tables spread across the mountain, open all year.
The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery includes top-notch exhibits that explain the wonders of the mountain and its many climate zones. Learn about animals, plants, extreme weather and more. Watch a 30-minute documentary, have lunch at Mildred’s Grill, buy souvenirs and attend ranger talks in the outdoor amphitheater.
Grandfather Mountain Hiking Trails
Find a variety of trails for all fitness levels and ages. The most iconic and challenging is the Grandfather Trail, an upper ridge trail with an astonishing variety with aromatic spruce trees, towering rock pinnacles and panoramic views from several peaks. The trail follows the crest of Grandfather Mountain from the Swinging Bridge Parking out 2.4 miles to Calloway Peak. It’s very strenuous with narrow chutes and extra steep sections with cables and ladders.
For an easier option perfect for all ages, the beautiful one-mile Black Rock Trail begins at the Black Rock Parking Area and slopes out gradually to a wide angle view of the surrounding mountains from outcropping. Also, the shorter Bridge Trail begins at same parking area and switchbacks up the mountain by massive rock outcroppings, traveling under the Swinging Bridge before ending at the Top Shop. See hiking guides on the Grandfather website.
Just two miles from the main entrance to Sugar Mountain is the Profile Trail trailhead, part of the NC State Park section of Grandfather. This popular hike climbs the “backside” of the mountain – not part of the paid attraction area that includes the Swinging Bridge. See our Profile Trail Guide.
Hours & Tickets
Grandfather Mountain is open all year, weather permitting, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It occasionally closes in the winter due to snow or high winds. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. spring and fall, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. summer, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter.
Make online reservations in advance for timed entry. Tickets are $15-$28 adults (depending on the time of year), $10 children (4 to 12), free for children under 4. To purchase tickets, make reservations and get the latest info, go to the Grandfather Mountain website.
Grandfather Mountain is located on U.S. Highway 221, two miles north of Linville, and one south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. GPS Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC.
From the main entrance of Sugar Mountain, it’s an easy 7.5 miles drive to the entrance gate. From the mountain, turn right onto NC 184. At the stoplight, turn right on NC 105. At the intersection with US 221, head north.
Scottish Games: Held each July in meadow below the mountain. See our Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Guide.
2025 Events at Grandfather Mountain
Educator Workshop: BEETLES
Saturday, March 29
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning and Expertise Sharing) provides learning resources devoted to improving the quality of outdoor science education for field instructors, leaders and classroom teachers. The BEETLES learning sessions encourage educators to look at specific aspects of research-based science pedagogy and inspire deeper thought about individuals’ teaching and learning. This workshop is free to attend for educators, although advance registration is required.
Rhododendron Ramble
May 24-June 1
1-1:30 p.m.
From May 24 through June 1 (weather permitting), short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather’s rhododendron species and blooms and the roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing daily walks are fit for guests of all ages and are wheelchair and stroller accessible, starting by the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.
Nature Photography Weekend
June 6-8
This popular shutterbug weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on breakout sessions, a friendly contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery before and after regular business hours. There is an additional cost.
Animal Birthday Party
Wednesday, June 11
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of its resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The mountain’s habitat staff will prepare a fun-filled day for guests, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants.
Animal Enrichment Day
Wednesday, July 30
On Animal Enrichment Day, guests will see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Visitors can enjoy watching enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts.
Junior Naturalist Day
Saturday, Aug. 9
Junior Naturalist Program activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome. Guests will also be able to meet some critters up close and personal around the Wilson Center.
Hawk Watch
Sept. 1-30
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count passersby in the sky and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting.
54th-Annual Girl Scout Day
Saturday, Sept. 6
Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities, presentations and speakers. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission.
Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight
Saturday, Sept. 27 (Rain Date: Saturday, Oct. 4)
6:30-9:30 p.m.
As night falls on Grandfather Mountain, guests can enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nocturnal residents. There is an additional cost.
Fall Color Ramble
Oct. 4-12
1-1:30 p.m.
From Oct. 4 through Oct. 12 (weather permitting), guests can enjoy short, guided walks that highlight the mountain’s fall color. The starting locations will vary day to day based on the foliage. Grandfather is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.
Beary Scary Halloween
Saturday, Oct. 25
Visit Grandfather Mountain for a day of nature programs about animals that some consider creepy and crawly! This fun-filled celebration includes an opportunity to trick-or-treat through the wildlife habitats area and then watch special Halloween enrichments be given to the animals. Plus, children in costume are admitted at half-price.
Grandfather Mountain will add more events to its lineup throughout the year, including the Grandfather Presents speaker series, Grandfather Glows synchronous firefly viewing events, Grandfather by Night, adult field courses and others.
Additionally, the park is extending its season of daily programs, which will run from Saturday, March 22 to Sunday, Nov. 9. Experiences, like Behind-the-Scenes Tours, which include an additional cost, will begin on Saturday, April 5 and end on Sunday, Nov. 2.
To learn more, visit www.grandfather.com/event-calendar.
More things to do near Sugar Mountain
See our Blue Ridge Parkway Guide, Summer Guide and Fall Color Guide. Also find vacation rental homes and condos for your vacation stay on the mountain.