Grandfather Mountain
torie quismundo
How do you tame the leaf peepers knowing you will be packed? Register online and show up only at your scheduled time. If others would have read this online before showing it would have been more smooth. Im not co Planning. The area is beautiful and it was a nice get away. The trails are marked well and the USB story they give you at the start of the trail makes the drive informative and pleasant. Military and senior discounts. Bring your dog!!! Its amazing views and hikes. There was plenty of staff to keep things organized. The bathrooms were clean for the steady line moving in. There is the mile high bridge and plenty to see so if you think your fee covers just hiking trails do a little more research. You can spend all day here! There are plenty of picnic areas. The staff guided traffic and allowed easy flow of parking on a sold out day too!
Jessica Frederick
Horribly commercialized and over-crowded. That being said, the owners do a fantastic job of traffic management. The views are incredible and the swinging bridge is fun. Admission is $22/adult and comes with a self-guided CD. They do want you to purchase tickets in advance but I don't believe they would turn anyone away at the gate! Beware the hairpin road inside the park is not for the faint of heart!
Shannon Holloway
Well worth the trip! Very accessible and stunning! There are strenuous hikes available but not necessary for the view. There's an elevator and a well maintained gift shop. Be prepared as it can get very windy. Pets welcome outside on a leash but not in the gift shop.
Crystal Polege
I've been visiting Grandfather Mountain since I was a child and recently shared the experience with my own family. The day we went was extremely windy, so we weren't able to go to the top or see the bridge. They reduced the entry fee because of this, and we still enjoyed the visit. There are plenty of nice views on the lower half of the mountain. The only animals that we saw were the elk and the eagles, so that was disappointing. Plan your visit on a clear day, and if you're an adventurous and experienced hiker, hike the Grandfather Trail. There are ladders and ropes to assist your journey, and the views are worth it.
Heather Wrathall
Really great hike! Lots of rocks to climb over and can be strenuous at times. The location signage is really good! It costs $22 per adult to enter the park. Lots of different things to go do there. We took our 20 pound dog on the ladder hike and he did great. We did have to carry him some parts, so keep that in mind if you take an animal!
