Mile High Swinging Bridge — Attraction in Banner Elk

Breathtaking! Put this at the top of your bucket list when you plan to visit this part of North Carolina. It was the highlight of my trip. The bridge will sing in the wind, but not sway!

Note: the bridge is a mile high above sea level, however the bridge is not swinging over a mile high valley, sorry if you are disappointed.

The fee is worth it for the experience. Make reservations in advance before leaving home. Tickets may sell out or you may not have cell phone reception when you arrive depending on the weather and your provider. I have AT&T and I had reception in many places on the mountain. The bridge, visitor center, Bridge trail, and mini zoo are kid friendly attractions. However, the other hiking trails in the area may not be.

For my experience and review on hiking MacRae Peak visit the google maps page for that. There I list all the things you should account for before starting the hike. These trails can be life threatening if you are under prepared and permits are required to hike Crest Trails.

You can plan to spend a half or a whole day here. No overnight stays allowed. Dinning and gift shop available at Wilison Center.

Weather & Warning: This area can host the region's most severe weather, including electrical storms, winds over 100 mph, deep snow and sub-zero cold. weather can change quickly. Your weather app my not even work to predict the weather here. hikers have died here from falls, lightning, heart attacks and exposer. Bring suitable clothing for cooler temperatures even in the summer I would bring a wind jacket. Good hiking boots...

Hey adventurers! 🌄 I just wrapped up an epic day at Grandfather Mountain, and let me tell you—the Mile High Swinging Bridge is next-level awesome. Literally. You’re standing at over 5,300 feet above sea level, suspended on a 228-foot-long bridge that actually swings. And yes, your knees will feel it.

From the moment I stepped onto the bridge, the wind whipped through my hair (and nearly stole my hat), and the views? Unreal. You get 360-degree panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains that look like something out of a fantasy film. I could see layers of ridges fading into the horizon, clouds drifting below me, and hawks soaring like they owned the sky.

🎒 Pro Tips:

• Wear layers—mountain weather is moody. • Bring a wide-angle lens or drone (if permitted)—the footage is cinematic gold. • Don’t skip the Bridge Trail hike. It’s short but gives you a cool perspective from below.

Inside the Top Shop, there’s a neat little museum, gift shop, and even an elevator if you’re not up for the stairs. Accessibility is a win here.

🐻 Bonus: The wildlife habitats are legit. I got up close with black bears, otters, and even a sleepy cougar. It’s like a mini safari tucked into the Appalachians.

🎬 Final Verdict: If you’re chasing views, thrills, and a touch of mountain magic, the Mile High Swinging Bridge is a must. I’ll be dropping the full vlog soon, but spoiler alert—it’s one of my favorite stops in...

Worth every single penny to enter Godfather Mountain. The views are stunning and my photos do this scenic area absolutely no justice. The swinging bridge is as it's name states, a mile high. But it doesn't really feel a mile high. My friend, who is afraid of heights, wasn't even a bit nervous. The bridge does swinging, so that is true to it's name as well. So many great photo opportunities. But don't forget to put down the phone and really enjoy the beauty that's all around. It's just gorgeous and so peaceful. There is a big parking lot to get to the bridge and an elevator for those not wanting to take the stairs. Once you get to the bridge the area is flat but has lots of rocky edges (some you can walk out onto for great views). The bridge does have a bit of a swing to it, but hardly noticeable (which is a good thing). After the bridge is a rocky area but has a good foot path to get around. There is a hike you can do down to Black Rock parking lot. It's not too bad. Takes about 20 minutes at an even pace. There are switchbacks so the hike doesn't feel steep at all. It's a nice walk with some elevation and has some scenic views through the trees. There are some rock formations on the hike up that are pretty cool too. You can see the underside of the bridge from the...