Grandfather Mountain — Attraction in Banner Elk

A Memorable Visit to Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is a natural wonder that left a lasting impression on me during my recent visit. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions of a brisk breeze and intermittent rain, the experience at this iconic destination was nothing short of extraordinary.

The pinnacle of my visit was reaching the summit of Grandfather Mountain, where the legendary swinging bridge awaits. The experience of walking across this suspension bridge was both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes were, without a doubt, breathtaking. The rugged beauty of the area, shrouded in mist and kissed by the rain, made for a truly remarkable experience. It's evident that Grandfather Mountain offers a sensory feast for nature enthusiasts.

Beyond the swinging bridge, the adventure continued as we ventured off the beaten path, navigating the rocky terrain for a unique perspective of the landscape. The additional scenic views we encountered were nothing short of spectacular. The combination of the rugged mountain terrain and the vibrant colors of the surrounding flora made for a visual spectacle that was simply amazing.

Grandfather Mountain proved to be a standout destination, particularly for those seeking to experience the beauty of fall foliage. The vibrant autumn colors that paint the landscape are a testament to the mountain's allure during the fall season. If you're a fan of breathtaking vistas, hiking adventures, and the magic of nature, Grandfather Mountain is undoubtedly the place to be, especially during the fall when the mountain bursts into a symphony of colors.

My visit to Grandfather Mountain was a memorable and enchanting experience, despite the challenging weather conditions. The swinging bridge and the rocky outcroppings provided unforgettable views of the scenic beauty that this natural wonder has to offer. I can confidently say that Grandfather Mountain is among the best places to visit for those in search of the full spectrum of fall colors and a genuine connection with the splendor of the...

It was a pretty nice, hot day for sure. You could see miles away- which were mostly more mtns, but very nice view. Still very toasty at the top, but pleasant compared to the bottom. (Whereas there was just a slight temp change- abnormal for this time of year). The leaves had not even turned yet as of the end of Sept '19. - again, do to the extremely warm temps late in the year. We decided to go up to the summit to see what they had. Got to the gates where I quickly noticed the sign of $22. It didn't state anything more than $22. But sure enough, it was $22 for each adult in the vehicle. -hence why I give only 4 stars. (Our fault for not doing the research, but a bit expensive for what you get). I was shocked to see how sharp the curves were once we headed toward the summit, which can be very dangerous, since many people aren't paying attn, due to checking out the scenery. I probably would advise motorcycles not to enter through the gates. (The corners are too sharp, hairpin and uphill to advance at an appropriate speed). The price of admission is non funded by the state, therefore it helps with the costs of the exhibits..which doesn't take long to view....unless you take 20+ mins admiring the bald eagles, such as we did. There is a small history museum, which we zipped through to see the mile long swinging bridge (that no longer swings)before it closed. It does have an elevator for those that are unable to climb stairs. I assume it's gorgeous at sunset! They do have a gift shop to get snacks, ice cream and Souvenirs from what I learned by others. The $22.00 per person would have been WELL WORTH the money, if we knew abt making reservations for behind the scene tours, which I'd...

On a recent trip to the Smokies, we stopped by Grandfather Mountain. My traveling companion heard about it from one of his coworkers. I'm surprised I've never heard of it before then and that it isn't a more popular spot because this place is SPECTACULAR.

I didn't know what to expect and it honestly blew my mind.

Driving up, it's abundantly clear which one is Grandfather Mountain. The peaks jut far above the surrounding landscape.

My only complaint is when you initially arrive at the entrance: you can only pull in from one side of the street, so you have to bang a u-ey on a really dangerous, narrow road to get in line.

Admission was a little steep at $22 but it's so worth it. They give you a map and a CD or flash drive to listen to a guided tour on your car radio. There are picnic areas and hiking trails all along the route. There is an indoor exhibit currently being built, showcasing local wildlife. That would've been cool to visit.

The winding drive up is beautiful. Lots of interesting flora.

There are restrooms at the top and bottom of the mountain. At the peak, there is a nice facility with a gift shop & elevator to the bridge. The shop has a lot of really unique souvenirs, it's better than you run of the mill tourist shop.

You're greeted at the top with mindblowing 360° panoramic views of the mountain range. You can see up to 80 miles on a clear day.

This is definitely not the place for acrophobics. My palms were sweating the entire time.

The bridge spans 2 jagged peaks that clock in at over 5,000 feet. I highly recommend joining this mile high club.

All around awesome experience with the best views...