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Photo: Patrick Reynolds (Dukepiki) / CC BY-SA 4.0

Mountains

Grandfather Mountain

Linville, NC · Blue Ridge Mountains$$Adults $25 to $35 by day, seniors $23 to $33, ages 3 to 12 $13; reserve an entry time online

About

At Linville Peak, two miles up the road from Grandfather Mountain's gate on US 221 in Linville, the Mile High Swinging Bridge crosses an 80-foot chasm. Book an entry time online to be sure of getting in. High wind or ice closes the bridge (a 124-mph gust was recorded there in the winter of 2019), and when the top half of the mountain shuts, tickets are sold only at the gate. Motorhomes over 28 feet aren't allowed in. Cougars no longer live wild on the mountain, but you can see them in the habitats beside the Wilson Center.

Highlights

Mile High Swinging Bridge at Linville Peak360-degree views from the bridgeHabitats for cougars, bears, otters, elkWilson Center for Nature Discovery museumGrandfather Trail, cables and laddersTwo-mile road up to the Top Shop

Getting there

2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646

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