Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646
Be inspired by the views from the highest point in the Blue Ridge and escape to a nature sanctuary of global importance. Cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, photograph native wildlife in natural habitats and hike some of the South's finest alpine trails.
A restaurant, educational theater, and interactive nature museum are located inside the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Visitors will also find plenty of picturesque picnicking spots throughout the park.
Grandfather Mountain is located off of US 221, two miles north of Linville, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305 (15 miles south of Blowing Rock). Grandfather Mountain is open all year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, weather permitting in winter.
The park is open 7 days a week, weather permitting. Online reservations are highly recommended.
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Map
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Events
May 19
Rhododendron Rambles
May 19, 2026 - May 31, 2026
May 29
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
May 29, 2026 - Sep 04, 2026
Jun 1
Educator Workshop: Project Learning Tree
Jun 01, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026
Jun 5
Nature Photography Weekend
Jun 05, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026
Jun 10
Animal Birthday Party
Jun 10, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026
Jun 12
Educator Workshop: Methods of Teaching Environmental Education
Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026
Jun 19
Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
Jun 19, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
Jun 20
Mindfulness and Well-being Series: Yoga on the Mountain: Grounded and Grateful
Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
Jul 9
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Jul 09, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
Jul 23
Grandfather Presents: The Grizzly Forager Family
Jul 23, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
Jul 25
Family Field Course: Grizzly Family Foraging
Jul 25, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
Jul 29
Animal Enrichment Day
Jul 29, 2026 - Jul 29, 2026
Jul 31
Educator Workshop: WILD About Bears
Jul 31, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026
Aug 1
Adult Field Course: Exploring Natural Communities of Grandfather Mountain
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026
Aug 1
Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026
Aug 6
Adult Field Course: Fungi in the Cloud Forest
Aug 06, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026
Aug 8
Junior Naturalist Day
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026
Aug 12
Adult Field Course: Appalachian Woodcraft
Aug 12, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026
Aug 22
Mindfulness and Well-being Series: Nature and Forest Therapy at Grandfather Mountain
Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
Aug 29
Educator Workshop: BEETLES
Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
Sep 1
Hawk Watch
Sep 01, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
Sep 12
55th-Annual Girl Scout Day
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
Sep 19
Adult Field Course: The Birds of Grandfather Mountain: The Wonders of Migration
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
Sep 26
Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight
Sep 26, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
Oct 1
Grandfather Presents: Dr. Margaret Lowman, Ph.D., aka CanopyMeg
Oct 01, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026
Oct 2
Sunset at the Swinging Bridge
Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026
Oct 3
Fall Color Ramble
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Oct 17
Adult Field Course: Grandfather’s Starry Skies
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
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Amenities
Amenities
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Gift Shop:
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Restrooms:
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Gift Shop: