Grandfather Mountain State Park

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Welcome to Grandfather Mountain State Park, a true treasure tucked away in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina! If you’re searching for a day filled with breathtaking views and exciting outdoor adventures, you’ve come to the right place. From the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge to the wonderful hiking trails and the fun educational exhibits at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, this park is packed with things to do!

In this blog post, we’ll share handy tips, must-see attractions, and everything you need to know to make the most of your visit. So grab your hiking shoes, pack a tasty picnic, and get ready for an unforgettable day of exploration and fun at Grandfather Mountain State Park!

Entrance Fee:

Tickets and timed entry reservations should be purchased online before your arrival. You can enter the park at any time during the hour after your scheduled entry time. For example, if your ticket is for 10 a.m., you can enter the park anytime between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Once inside, you may stay until the park closes. While tickets may be purchased at the gate, entrance is not guaranteed. To receive discounts for seniors, AAA members, or military personnel, you must purchase your tickets online.

Admission is charged per person, not per vehicle.

Base Days:

Adults: $25, Senior: $23, Child: $13

Mid-Level Days (most weekdays):

Adults: $30, Senior: $28, Child: $13

Peak Days (most weekends, all of July and October):

Adults: $35, Senior: $33, Child: $13

Purchase tickets here: Grandfather Mountain Tickets.

All free entrances ( via Blue Ridge Parkway and NC 105) are closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. The only way to enter the park currently is through the attraction area.

Lodging:

The only lodging available within the park is backcountry camping. Reservations can be made here – Camping in Grandfather Mountain State Park. Even with a reservation, you must obtain a permit in person at the kiosks in either the Boone Fork (open) or Profile (currently closed) Parking areas.

For additional camping and hotel options, check out the towns of Linville, Blowing Rock, or Boone.

Dining:

There is one restaurant within the park- Mildred’s Grill. It’s located inside the Wilson Center and is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm. A menu and prices are available here: Mildred’s Grill.

If you choose to bring in your own food, there are several picnic areas throughout the park- all of which come with some incredible views!

Know Before You Go:

Park hours change with the seasons, so it’s important to check the park’s website before your visit. For the summer of 2026, from May 9 to September 1, the park will be open from 8 AM to 7 PM. The last entry will be at 5:30 PM, and hiking trails will close at 6 PM.
Hiking trails close 1 hour prior to the park closing.
Portions of the park may close during inclement weather. Call the Entrance Gate at 828-733-4337 for information about weather closures.
Dogs, on leash, are allowed on hiking trails.
I recommend downloading an AllTrails map for trails on this itinerary. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
Please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.

1 Day Itinerary

Mile High Swinging Bridge

Distance: 0.3 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 30+ ft

Trail Access: Park in the lot at the very end of Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road near Top Shop.

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.

Restroom at Trailhead: Yes

The parking area for the Mile High Bridge is located at the end of Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road, approximately 2 miles from the park’s entrance. From the parking lot, head up the concrete stairs; the bridge will be on your right. The views from the bridge are spectacular, but I highly recommend taking the short walk to Linville Peak once you are on the other side of the bridge. The path is rocky and slightly challenging due to the slanted large boulders, but it is manageable for most ages and skill levels.

*If you are planning on hiking the Grandfather Trail, it begins from the other side of this same parking area. The Grandfather Trail is a 4.8-mile round-trip trail that involves ladders and cables. It is not a trail I would recommend for novice hikers.

Black Rock Trail

Distance: 2 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back with 2 short spur trails to the overlooks

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 200+ ft

Trail Access: Park in the Black Rock Lot via Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road.

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.

Restroom at Trailhead: No

Before starting this trail, it is important to know your limits. To reach either viewpoint at the end of the trail, you will need to climb a ladder and scramble up a large rock face using cables.

Although this trail is short, it may take longer than you anticipate. Most of the path consists of large rocks that you’ll need to navigate as you wind through the forest. Make sure to take your time while walking over them, as it’s easy to trip!

At approximately 0.7 miles in, there is a trail junction. Head left to visit Grandmother’s View first. In about 0.1 miles, take the small trail through the brush leading to the ladder and cables section. At the top of the large boulder, you will find Grandmother’s View. After enjoying the incredible views, return to the main loop, navigate back through the large boulder area, and make your way to the smaller cable section of the next overlook. After taking in the stunning views of the valley below, complete the rest of the loop.

Once you arrive back at the initial trail junction, it is just another 0.7 miles back to the trailhead.

Nature Museum/ Wildlife Habitat

About halfway down the mountain is the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Inside the building, you will find a nature museum featuring several interactive exhibits, which alone makes the stop worthwhile. There is also a theater showcasing educational films and speakers, as well as Mildred’s Grill and a gift shop.

After exploring the inside, you can head outside and walk along the paved paths to discover various wildlife habitats. You’ll have the opportunity to get an up-close look at cougars, bears, bald eagles, otters, and elk. Be sure to check the daily schedule for Keeper Talks, where you can learn more about the animals in these habitats. Our crew was fortunate enough to attend the Cougar Keeper Talk, and we all enjoyed learning more about these incredible animals.

Split Rock

As you leave the park, be sure to stop and see the unique rock formations of Split Rock and Sphinx Rock. If you visit Split Rock at the right time of day, you might even be able to capture some amazing photos of the sunlight illuminating the rock’s crevices. There is a large parking area available, and it’s just a short walk across the lot to reach the formations. This location also offers one last look at the stunning views of the surrounding landscape before you leave Grandfather Mountain State Park.