Discover the Majestic Beauty of Grandfather Mountain
Explore the natural wonders of Grandfather Mountain, a premier nature preserve featuring stunning views, diverse wildlife, and thrilling outdoor adventures in North Carolina.
Grandfather Mountain is a breathtaking nature preserve in North Carolina, offering stunning vistas, rich wildlife, and a chance to experience the great outdoors in an unforgettable way. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this site is a must-visit for tourists exploring the region.
A brief summary to Grandfather Mountain
- 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, North Carolina, 28646, US
- +1828-733-4337
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise from the peak.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes as trails can be steep and rocky.
- Check the weather forecast before visiting, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
- Plan to spend a full day to explore all the trails and exhibits.
Getting There
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Car
Start your journey from Sandhills by heading northwest on US-1 N. Continue on US-1 N for approximately 45 miles until you reach the junction with US-221 N. Merge onto US-221 N and follow it for about 25 miles. You will then merge onto NC-105 N towards Boone. Continue on NC-105 N for around 16 miles until you reach Blowing Rock Hwy (US-221). Turn left onto Blowing Rock Hwy and follow it for approximately 2 miles. Grandfather Mountain will be on your left at 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646. Note that there is an entrance fee of $20 per adult and $8 per child ages 4-12. Admission is free for children under 4.
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Public Transportation
If you prefer public transportation, you will need to take a bus from Sandhills to a larger city like Charlotte. From Sandhills, take a bus to Charlotte's Greyhound station. Once in Charlotte, you can take a Greyhound bus to Linville, NC. The bus ride to Linville will take approximately 2 hours. Upon arriving in Linville, you will need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to reach Grandfather Mountain, which is about 5 miles away. Be aware that public transportation schedules may vary, and it is advisable to check in advance for the latest routes and timings.
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Rideshare
If you are already in Sandhills and prefer a more direct option, consider using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply request a ride to Grandfather Mountain using the address: 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646. The cost will depend on your exact pick-up location in Sandhills, but you can expect it to be around $50-$70 depending on traffic and time of day. This option is convenient as it allows you to travel directly without needing to transfer between multiple forms of transportation.
Discover more about Grandfather Mountain
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Graffiti Rockside
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Pilot Ridge Overlook
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Flat Rock
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Banner House Museum
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Avery County Museum
8.5 km
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NC High Country Host Regional Visitor Center
16.7 km
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BobaBing
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Thunder Hill Overlook
17.6 km
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The Cardinal
17.9 km
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River & Earth Adventures
18.0 km
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Elk Creek Outfitters
18.1 km
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High Mountain Expeditions - Booking Office
18.4 km
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High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park
18.5 km
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1903 Dougherty House Museum
18.5 km
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Tweetsie Railroad
18.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mile High Swinging Bridge
0.0 km
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Picnic Area
0.4 km
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Forrest Gump Curve
0.4 km
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Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
0.6 km
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Beacon Heights Overlook Trail
1.4 km
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Grandfather Mountain State Park
1.6 km
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Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate
1.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife at Grandfather Mountain, a nature preserve perfect for outdoor adventures and stunning views.
Linn Cove Viaduct
1.8 km
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Yonahlossee Overlook
1.9 km
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Rough Ridge Lookout - Grandfather Mountain, NC.
2.9 km
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Grandfather Mountain Overlook
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Peak Mountain
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Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
4.2 km
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Sugar Creek Gem Mine
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Green Mountain Creek Falls
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Essential places to dine
Mildred's Grill
0.6 km
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Reid's Cafe & Catering Co.
2.7 km
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The Pedalin' Pig
2.8 km
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Bella's Italian Neighborhood Restaurant
4.0 km
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Tartan Restaurant
4.4 km
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Artisanal Restaurant
6.6 km
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Grandview Restaurant
6.6 km
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Stonewalls Restaurant
8.2 km
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Sorrento's Italian Bistro
8.3 km
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Chef's Table at Sorrento's
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LP on Main
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Gamekeeper Restaurant
13.1 km
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Over Yonder Restaurant
13.5 km
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Bistro Roca
14.2 km
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Twigs
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Grandfather Mountain Top Shop
0.1 km
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Shoppes at tynecastle
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Those Were the Days
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Banner Elk Soap & Candle Co.
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Grandfather Scottish
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Ski Country Sports
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Provisions on Sugar
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Old Hampton Store & Barbeque
4.7 km
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Gilded Age Antiques
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Reilly’s Shop
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Back Alley Pickers
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Land of Oz Gift Shop & Museum
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Fred's General Mercantile
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Original Mast General Store
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Mast General Store Annex
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Luna Thai & Sushi Restaurant
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Highlanders Grill And Tavern
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Blind Elk Tap Room
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Highlands Prohibition Kitchen
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The Patio Grill at Linville Land Harbor
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5506'
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Bullwinkels
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Alpen Restaurant & Bar
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Mile High Tavern
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The Town Tavern
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Storie Street Grille
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Six Pence Pub
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The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop
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The Best Cellar
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The Appalachian Station at 19E
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