U.S. 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville, North Carolina
828-733-2013, 1-800-468-7325 The privately owned Grandfather Mountain, which has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations, features natural habitats, an interpretive nature museum, 12 miles of hiking trails, scenic picnic sites, gift shops and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, the highest swinging footbridge in the United States. The Cherokee called the 5,964-foot mountain Tanawha, meaning “fabulous hawk.” Early settlers named it Grandfather since, from a distance, its profile suggests a bearded old man at rest. Famous explorers of the mountain included frontiersman Daniel Boone and French botanist Andre Michaux.
Grandfather Mountain is home to nearly 50 rare and endangered species such as the Virginia Big-eared Bat, the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel and the North Carolina Funnelweb Tarantula. Pets are allowed (on leashes). Annual events here include the Highland Games and Gathering of the Scottish Clans during the second weekend in June and the Singing on the Mountain on the fourth Sunday in June. Grandfather Mountain is located at U.S. 221 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, approximately 124 miles Northeast of Cherokee.
