Wonderful Grandfather Mountain

If you’re looking for a mile-high adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, look no further than majestic Grandfather Mountain.  Located 22 miles south of Boone, NC, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the heart of North Carolina’s High Country, Grandfather Mountain is a nature lover’s paradise. Recognized as an International Biosphere, this mountain offers stunning beauty and diverse ecology. In today’s blog join us on a virtual tour of this Blue Ridge treasure where ‘wonders never cease.’ 

Visits to Grandfather Mountain are a cherished tradition for me and my mom.  We make the journey to the nature park at least once a year.  For us, Grandfather Mountain has become a haven for respite from the hectic pace of daily life. The mountain’s stunning landscape and incredible biodiversity make it a truly special place.

Grandfather Mountain is a place you can return to time and again, as the landscape changes dramatically season by season.  In the winter months, experience the frost of the frigid air as snow dusts the mountain tops. In spring and summer, you can experience the splendor of high craggy peaks against tapestries of wildflower clad meadows.  

Autumn at Grandfather Mountain is a symphony of color, as millions of deciduous tree leaves ignite, transforming into a breathtaking palette of burnt oranges, fiery reds, and sun-blazed yellows

The shifts in weather from crystal blue skies to misty mountain fog also invites routine visits to Grandfather Mountain, each minor shift in the weather providing a new perspective on the landscape.

History:

Grandfather Mountain has over 1.1 billion years of geologic history to explore.  The earliest human activity in the area can be traced to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee who were living in the region at the time of European settlement.  The Cherokee still have a strong and important presence in western NC, especially around Cherokee NC and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Early explorers to Grandfather include famed pioneer Daniel Boone in the 1760s.  Renowned French botanist Andre Michaux climbed the peak in August of 1794, reflecting as a record in his journal: “Reached the summit of the highest mountain in all of North America, and with my companion and guide, sang the Marseillaise and shouted ‘Long live America and the Republic of France, long live liberty!’”  At the time he believed that Grandfather’s Calloway Peak (5,946 feet above sea level) was the highest on the continent.  Although it is not the highest peak in the US or even NC, the mountains around Grandfather Mountain are among the highest east of the Mississippi. 

*NC’s Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet is the highest mountain east of South Dakota

John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, visited Grandfather in September 1898. Muir had been ill with a bronchial cough for many months, but after climbing Grandfather he wrote to his wife, “the air has healed me. I think I could walk ten miles and not be tired.” According to an article in American Museum Journal, he fell into poetic raptures over the view from the top, saying, “I couldn’t hold in, and began to jump about and sing and glory in it all.” reference: https://grandfather.com/history/

In 1885 when the Linville Improvement Company bought tracts of land in the area to develop a town in the nearby Linville River Valley, now the town of Linville.  This initial project was started by Samuel T. Kelsey before being acquired by The MacRae family who helped shape Grandfather Mountain as the nature preserve we know today. 

After the dissolution of the Linville Company in 1952, Hugh MacRae Morton became the sole owner of Grandfather Mountain. His passion for the land, dedication to protecting the environment and its unique ecosystems, and commitment to providing a place where visitors could interact and learn about nature laid the foundation for ecotourism and conservation for years to come

It was Hugh who built the Mile High Swinging Bridge and expanded park access with a focus on ecology to help protect the environment through education.  In 1968, he purchased one male and one female black bear with the intention of letting them loose into the wild. 

The female bear Mildred refused to be released into the while and Grandfather Mountain was required to recapture her and keep her enclosed for her own safety.  She quickly became a fan favorite, meeting her adoring public in a roadside amphitheater four times a day.  In 1973 a beautiful Environmental Wildlife Habitat was built for Mildred and her family.  Today you can still see bears and other wildlife including river otters, elk, cougars and eagles.

In 1989, Grandfather Mountain embarked on a collaborative effort with the North Carolina chapter of The Nature Conservancy to safeguard 1,460 acres of its pristine wilderness backcountry. This commitment to conservation was further recognized in 1992 when UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) designated Grandfather Mountain as a member of its esteemed international network of Biosphere Reserves.

With the passing of Hugh Morton in 2006, his heirs vowed to continue his mission to preserve and protect Grandfather Mountain in its natural state. It is now run by the nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, to protect the wonders of Grandfather Mountain for generations to come.

Fast Facts and Fun at Grandfather Mountain:

The slogan at Grandfather Mountain is ‘wonders never cease,’ which sums up the mix of scenery, geology, flora and fauna perfectly. Every hour of every day the wonders of the unique mix of geology, ecology, history and recreation combine for new adventures.

• Grandfather Mountain stands at over 5,946 feet – the highest peak of the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge and one of the highest peaks in NC (Mt Mitchell is the highest)
• The Cherokee called Grandfather Mountain ‘Tanawha’ meaning fabulous hawk or eagle.  Hawks and Eagles can be seen flying across the sky – keep an eye out.
• The name ‘Grandfather Mountain’ is traced to early settlers who thought the rocky crag resembled the face of an old man. 
• Privately owned as and operated as a nonprofit, Grandfather Mountain Nature Preserve spans over 5000 acres of protected wilderness.  In addition the park boundaries are extended by 4500 acres by Grandfather Mountain State Park (great for hiking trails) and The Nature Conservancy.
• Named an International Biosphere Reserve by The United Nations due to its immense biodiversity.  Grandfather Mountain has 16 distinct ecological communities, from High Elevation habitats to lush cove forests.  Learn about the different communities here.
• Grandfather Mountain is home to over 73 rare or endangered species including the Virginia big-eared bat and Carolina Flying Squirrel. Click here to learn more about endangered flora and fauna at Grandfather Mountain.
• Grandfather Mountain’s unique geology tells a story in time, with the rocks dating from 300 million to 1.1 billion years ago.
• In addition to the biodiversity and geological wonders, Grandfather Mountain has a rich human history from Native American tribes to early explorers like Andre Michaux and Daniel Boone.  
• Take a hike!  Grandfather Mountain has dozens of miles of hiking trails.  Fun facts: Grandfather Mountain has been a popular hiking spot for centuries.  Daniel Boone hiked the summit in the 1760s;  John Muir climbed the peak in 1898.  Are you ready to hit the trail for your adventure too?
  • Learn more about hiking trails here.
• See wildlife up close: Grandfather Mountain has a wildlife area where you can encounter black bears, mountain lions, eagles, elk and otters in a safe and educational environment.  I love to visit the animals (especially the black bears, who are always having fun in their habitat swimming, sleeping or climbing the rocks.  Grandfather Mountain has a world-class team of biologists and zoologists who provide educational tours about the lives of the animals and their impact on the North Carolina ecosystem (past and present).  Cougar/Mountain Lion for instance are all but extinct in NC now, but were native to the area for centuries.
• Learn about Nature at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery: this amazing museum is one of the best I’ve been to when it comes to understanding the ecology and human history of the region in a digestible way. 
• See mind bending geologic formations like Split Rock and Sphinx Rock
• Enjoy scenic panoramas more beautiful than any postcard can capture.
• Scenic driving at Grandfather Mountain means mastering your gears.  The winding two mile road to Top Shop at the apex of Grandfather Mountain isn’t too bad on the way up, but the curves on the way back down demand lower gears and a bit of courage.
• Defy gravity as you cross the Mile-High Swinging Bridge: As you reach the top of Grandfather Mountain, visitors have the chance to cross a harrowing 228-foot suspension bridge, spanning an 80-foot chasm below.  The bridge lives up to its name as its elevation is over a mile high.  I personally love the bridge, but I have friends who get super scared of the height.  This bridge is not for the faint of heart, even a little wind causes it to ‘swing’ and it is easy to lose your balance (especially if you are taking a picture of the jaw dropping scenery).  
• On a pretty day I recommend enjoying a picnic at Grandfather Mountain.  One popular spot are the picnic tables near The Forrest Gump Film Site, where Tom Hanks shot scenes for the Oscar winning film. 
• Speaking of food, Grandfather Mountain has a wonderful on-site cafe (in the Wilson Nature Center) called Mildred’s.  It is named after one of the original bears who lived at Grandfather Mountain.  The menu features burgers, hotdogs and vegetarian options for a reasonable price.  We enjoy eating at the cafe every time we visit.  

Culture and Education Throughout the Year!

Grandfather Mountain offers year-round learning opportunities for all ages, from conservation nights to family friendly events like The Highland Games.  For a complete schedule of what’s going on at Grandfather Mountain click here.

Planning Your Visit:

• You can purchase tickets online via Grandfather Mountain’s Official Website. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as it can get busy throughout the year.
• When you enter the park, you can get an audio guide that will provide highlights and history as you drive the scenic two miles to the Mile High Swinging Bridge/ Top Shop area.
• I recommend stopping at the Wilson Nature Center first, where you can watch a film about Grandfather Mountain, explore the museum and grab a bit to eat. Afterwards you can easily walk to the Wildlife Habitats. Check with staff about opportunities for behind the scenes tours with the animals. Those ranger led talks are informative and fun!
• The Sphinx and Split Rock area is a fun photo opt.
• Depending on the weather you can access the Mile High Swinging Bridge from top of the mountain. Even if you don’t want to cross the bridge you can still park and enjoy fabulous panoramic views.

Getting there – Click here for park directions

I recommend taking the scenic route from Boone/Blowing Rock via The Blue Ridge Parkway and the famed Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Stay tuned to American Nomad for more posts about my adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond.

Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com

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