📷 Thomson200, CC0Grandfather Mountain
Linville, NC
A nature park run by a nonprofit foundation, with the Mile High Swinging Bridge between two peaks, native animal habitats and rugged ridge trails. Admission is charged; the entrance road is narrow and steep, with tight bends.
Grandfather Mountain is a mountain and nature park near Linville in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. After a resurvey in 2007 the highest point is 5,946 feet (1,812 m), 18 feet lower than the 5,964 feet given in 1917. The trigger was that a marked spot on the Swinging Bridge turned out to be lower than the advertised Mile High.
The landmark is the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a 228-foot (70 m) suspension bridge at the summit, built in the early 1950s under Hugh MacRae Morton, which greatly increased visitor numbers. Morton also worked with the Nature Conservancy of North Carolina to protect large areas of the mountain as a wilderness preserve. In 1992 UNESCO added the mountain to its network of Biosphere Reserves.
The Blue Ridge Parkway passes the mountain on the Linn Cove Viaduct. Morton insisted there on European-style construction from preformed segments to limit damage to the fragile surroundings. Check admission and opening hours beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Linville, NC
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 36.0960, -81.8322
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camp Linn HavenCampsite4 mi from Grandfather Mountain
- Big Mike's Creekside RV ResortMotorhome stopover5 mi from Grandfather MountainMotorhomes
- Mountain View Motorcycle CampCampsite10 mi from Grandfather MountainTents
- Waterwheel RV ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from Grandfather MountainMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- KOA KampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Grandfather MountainMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- The Hamptons RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Grandfather MountainMotorhomes
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Grandfather Mountain?
Grandfather Mountain is in Linville, NC, at GPS 36.0960, -81.8322. It is about 9 mi from Blowing Rock.
Can you camp near Grandfather Mountain?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Grandfather Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 46 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Grandfather Mountain?
Grandfather Mountain is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Blue Ridge Parkway high peaks: Mount Mitchell to Blowing Rock.
What is there to see near Grandfather Mountain?
Places worth a stop nearby: Linn Cove Viaduct (2 mi), Julian Price Park Campground (6 mi), Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (9 mi) and Blowing Rock (9 mi).
When is the best time to visit Grandfather Mountain?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)