Grandfather Mountain — Local services in Banner Elk

I reached out to Grandfather Mountain with a heavy heart, trying to arrange a way to spread my father's ashes on the mountain as he'd willed. The privately owned portion of the mountain was very understanding and helpful. They assured us we were not the first ones to do this, and they welcomed the request with compassion and offered my brothers and I free access to the park for the day. We had arranged for Father's Day weekend.

We arrived at opening the day of and without any questions we were welcomed in by very a friendly staff member at the gate and guided to the parking for hiking trails by another equally friendly staff member. No one questioned our reason for being here or gave any sign of this task being out of the ordinary. We were able to feel very comfortable about what we needed to do.

We began our hike. Frequent rains, including a rain overnight, gave us some concern. We had all worn proper hiking books, and the trails were well maintained. We had no issue with traction. The rain caused the mountain to be engorged with lush greenery and just dense with vibrant greens and felt so alive in spirit. It was a stark contrast to the reason of our visit and added a whole new level of spiritual inspiration.

We trekked over rocks, through puddles and small rain born creeks offering a calm backdrop of trickling water, we climbed the cables and ladders. Having no clue what the trail had in store for us, the difficulty of the hike through the "advanced" trail to MacRae Peak challenged our constitution, fear of heights, and personal will to go farther.

My oldest brother pushed himself until he could not go any further. Just after the final ladder to the peak. The spot was beautiful. The panoramic view stretched for miles and miles in nearly all directions. Standing at the edge, on the edge, looking down a drop of hundreds of feet to the trees below felt surreal. Partly cloudy skies gave us a clear perspective of depth and splotched the landscape with deep blue shadows. In true smoky mountain fashion, intermittent low hanging clouds would sweep across the mountain, bringing with it a cool, misty wind.

We each scattered a third of our father's ashes in the wind. Made peace with his death and enjoyed the peaceful satisfaction at his final resting place. The trek down was reflective and somber.

After, we made our way to the swinging bridge attraction and looked back towards MacRae Peak. Unbelievably, we spotted the small figures of other hikers making their way along the trail. We three reflected on what we'd just done and the views we had and the experience gained.

Long story short, the mountain is gorgeous, the staff is phenomenal, and there is access to one of the most challenging hikes in the Appalachian Mountains with incredible views that make it all worth it. A worthy resting place for a man who respected the spirit of the earth and enjoyed the peaceful quiet of the...

We came here on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. We recently moved to NC and this was our first time visiting this part of the state.

To be fair, on the website it does mention to avoid busy traffic times and arrive before 11 am or after 3 pm. We entered around 2:30 pm. As we pulled in the gate, we were told there was a medical emergency at the top, the employee suggested visiting the animal enclosure areas first. So off we went to that part of the mountain, but first we stopped at a scenic spot to take some photos with beautiful flowers and the mountain in the background. Great Xmas card photo op here!

We continued our drive, we parked by the animal area, gift shop, grille, restroom and museum. It was quite packed in there so we didn't go to the museum, I'm sure we will be back again sometime. We did take a quick peek at the animal enclosure and saw a bear up close!

We were starving so we opted to eat at the grille, not cheap, but not expensive. I got a grilled cheese, hubby got some kind of sandwich combo w/fries and two sodas. It ended up being $19-20, food was average quality.

I browsed the gift shop for a bit. I ended up purchasing two small stickers for $4 each (eek!), but they have your usual hats, shirts and more.

Next, we drove up to the top, this was the most frustrating part. It took us one hour to get from the gift shop to the top. I have hiked a lot in NY's Adirondacks, so of course I get it that there isn't space for a huge lot. I didn't realize it would take so long though and it was unusually hot out too, so not the most pleasant experience.

Once we got to the top we parked in the small lot. There is another gift shop and bathroom. We did climb a small flight of stairs to get to the area with the bridge, but there is also an elevator to get up there. There was also another area where one can hike higher, but my knee has been bugging me so I opted out.

The bridge itself is pretty cool looking. I used to ski/hike but I'm somewhat terrified of heights, so I only made it halfway and turned around. My husband took my camera and went to the other side where he got many great photos.

Luckily, we visited on a clear day and enjoyed the very scenic views. It is beautiful up here!

I see a lot of people complaining about the admission cost to come here in other reviews. If you are on a tight budget, I'd recommend skipping this place and do a 20 mile drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There were many scenic overlooks and you will still have lots of photo ops, we really did enjoy doing that too.

All of the employees here were great about directing traffic and they had things super organized. However, I HIGHLY suggest going when they open so you don't end up having a horrible wait...

My first visit to Grandfather Mountain left me utterly captivated by its awe-inspiring beauty. The sights were truly breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the North Carolina mountains near Banner Elk that is simply unparalleled.

Upon arrival, we opted to forgo the CD tour, as we didn't have a CD player in the car, and instead decided to read up on Wikipedia later, which added depth to the stunning scenery. The journey to the top was an adventure in itself, culminating in a magnificent building with three floors of exploration. The first floor housed a charming gift shop, while the second floor boasted a fascinating museum. However, it was the third floor that truly stole the show, with a door leading out to the skybridge—a marvel of engineering that offers a thrilling experience.

Venturing onto the rocks to the ledge, while exhilarating, came with its own risks, reminding visitors to tread carefully and respect the mountain's majesty.

A visit to Grandfather Mountain is incomplete without a stroll across the mile-high swinging bridge, providing unparalleled views and a sense of exhilaration that is unmatched. The mountain also offers a myriad of hiking trails, with some reserved for experienced hikers.

The animal habitats, though quiet during my visit, are a testament to the diverse wildlife that calls this mountain home. The informative talks given by the rangers throughout the day provide valuable insights into the local fauna.

The facilities at Grandfather Mountain are top-notch, with a cafe, restrooms, and several exhibits to explore.

I highly recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season. Purchasing tickets online is a wise choice, as the mountain may reach capacity and turn away visitors. Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for seniors and AAA members.

The views from Grandfather Mountain are truly remarkable, offering a glimpse of nature's grandeur from what feels like the top of the world. The nature center and museum are beautifully curated, offering a deeper understanding of the mountain's rich history and ecosystem.

For those seeking adventure, the mountain offers a multitude of hiking trails and picturesque picnic spots along the way. Plan to spend the whole day exploring, but be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds that can detract from the experience.

In conclusion, Grandfather Mountain is a place of wonder and beauty, with a magical touch that is sure to leave a lasting impression. It is a destination that deserves to be savored and explored at leisure, offering a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure...