Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain – folks in North Carolina sure know how to pick interesting names!
During our 10-day road trip in North Carolina, we passed through the scenic ‘high country’ and stayed at the quaint mountain town of Banner Elk for a couple of days. The awesome Grandfather Mountain State Park was just a short drive and we had an enjoyable day trip here.
A bit about Grandfather Mountain
It is more than 300 million years old, with some rock formations going back 1.2 billion years. The mountain is pretty high – 5,946 feet above sea level, tall enough to be seen from Charlotte – about 90 miles away – on a clear day.
The weather conditions are rough. The winds can be about 135 miles per hour and temperatures can go below freezing during winter. The mountain is the habitat of many species of plants and creatures, and in 1993 UNESCO recognized GF mountain as an International Biosphere.
Grandfather Mountain is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway on the western part of North Carolina.
The rugged peaks are always visible while driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville or from Banner Elk.
Here are some of the fun activities and popular things to do at Grandfather Mountain.
SPLIT AND SPHINX ROCKS
One of the first things we saw while driving up Grandfather Mountain park were the Split and Sphinx rocks. These two enormous and unusual rock formations are impossible to miss.
We parked in a spacious parking lot nearby and walked to have a closer look.
The split in the Split Rock has developed over many winters. It was supposed to have started as a small crack that allowed water to seep into the rock and after repeated freezing and thawing, the split grew bigger and bigger as the years passed.
The Sphinx Rock looks like a Pharaoh’s head on a lion’s body, like the original statues that you will find in Egypt.
The Mile High Swing Bridge
The Swinging Bridge, also known as Mile High Swing Bridge, is the most popular attraction in the Grandfather Mountain State Park.
It was originally constructed in 1952 and then rebuilt several times over the years. It is not really a mile high, but the name ‘mile high’ is derived from its elevation above sea level – 5,305 feet – making it America’s highest suspension bridge. Like all suspension bridges, it is free to sway depending on the wind speed.
The panoramic views from the bridge are simply awesome!
The bridge itself is about 228 feet long and is built across an 80-foot chasm offering expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The bridge can be accessed by an elevator inside the Top Shop and a short walk along a cliff-top path. There is an alternate option of climbing 50 steep steps to reach the bridge instead of taking the elevator.
Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge.
Top Shop
The Top Shop is a small building near the bridge. Its first floor is an extensive gift shop, with souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. On the second floor, there is an interesting exhibition covering the life and work of Hugh Morton, whose life was spent in these mountains. Morton did sterling work on developing the Grandfather Mountain and North Carolina’s tourism sector. He was also a good photographer.
Forrest Gump Curve
The famous movie Forrest Gump was filmed in many locations in USA, but a specific scene was filmed here at the Grandfather mountain, at a spot now bearing a sign-post ‘Forrest Gump Curve’.
You may remember that in the film, Forrest (played by Tom Hanks) is shown running across America. Grandfather mountain appears halfway on his journey through his trek. He was shown running solo until this point, but this is the pace where Forrest runs around this iconic curve with a bunch of people following him.
Wilson Centre for Nature Discovery and Interactive Exhibits
Located halfway up the mountain, adjacent to the Wildlife habitats, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery has several interactive exhibits for visitors to learn about the history, flora, fauna, weather and geology of the Grandfather Mountain.
There is an interesting movie of the environment of this place in the auditorium. There are learning spaces in the amphitheater, a pavilion and botanical gardens too.
Among the various information displayed was an unusual image of a giant sized ‘tumor’ in a tree (see image). It’s a Burl from the Black Birch – a burl is a plant tumor caused by a bacterium!
Animal Habitat
Located just outside the Wilson Centre for Nature discovery, Grandfather Mountain’s Wildlife Habitats are basically animal enclosures in a fairly natural setting.
There are bears, cougars, otters, elk and bald eagles in the wildlife habitat enclosures.
There are organised programs on a daily basis including Animal encounters and keeper talks.
Care – pet dogs are not allowed in this area.
Overlooks
Grandfather Mountain overlooks include Half Moon Overlook, Cliffside Overlook, and Sheer Bluff. They are popular photo spots offering impressive views of Linville Peak and Morton Peaks.
Trails and Walks
There are several trails, rated from ‘easy’ to ‘challenging’ in Grandfather Mountain state park.
The Grandfather Trail (4.8 miles roundtrip): This 4.8-mile round trip trail has climbs and slopes requiring cables and ladders, which makes it suitable only for advanced and experienced hikers.
Other trails were shorter nature excursions from the road to the summit that were more moderate.
Black Rock Trail (2 miles roundtrip): The moderate Black Rock Trail starts from below the Swing Bridge and is a 2-mile round trip.
Bridge Trail (0.8-mile roundtrip): The Bridge Trail starts from near the Black rock trail and follows a few switchbacks from below the swing bridge and lands up near the Top Shop.
Woods Walk (0.4-mile loop): The Woods Walk is the easiest of all – a relaxed 0.4 mile loop through scenic woods.
Altogether, we had an interesting day trip with views, trails, some history and a bit of adventure.
If you happen to drive through or visit North Carolina, it is worth stopping at the Grandfather mountain and enjoy a day trip.
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Great facts in this post ! I had no clue that a burl came from a bacterium! And of course, the homage to Forrest Gump – run, Forrest, run! Will add my to my places to explore on the East Coast list!
I would love to explore and hike at Grandfather Mountain State Park. I can’t believe how cold and windy it gets! And would definitely check out that swinging bridge.
This looks like an amazing spot for hiking, the scenery is absolutely beautiful. Love that a part of Forrest Gump was filmed there, I would love to visit some of the state parks in America one day.
Also, wowsers, that burl is huge! Nature is so fascinating.
I had never heard of this place before reading this article! Lovely photos! I love the views on Grandfather Mother! I can imagine it would be even more gorgeous during autumn. Thanks for sharing!
We do lots of trips into the US and your post made me realize we really have not spent much time in North Carolina. A 10 day road trip would be great. And we would definitely want to visit Grandfather Mountain. But we would be sure to dress for the winds and colder temperatures. You know we would not pass on doing the Mile High Bridge and some hiking.
I really like the name of the mountain: Grandfather mountain! And I remember the scene of the Forrest Gump movie – of course I had no idea that it was filmed in North Carolina. It seems there are wonderful hiking possibilities in the area. I especially like unusual rock formations and there are plenty of them in the Grandfather mountain area it seems.
Grandfather mountain looks like a great place to go for a day trip in North Carolina. The unusual hike formations, next to the entrance to the park, are very peculiar. It’s amazing how the water has cut such a perfect sharp edge into the rock. The hanging bridge would definitely bring up my fear of heights. If it’s a windy day, I’m not sure how brave I’d be to cross it.
I appreciate reading about Grandfather mountain in North Carolina as I have not come across this name but realized that I have seen it in Forrest Gump! How amazing! It also comes to mind that there are so many beautiful places to visit. I love a good suspension bridge especially if it has the honour of being the highest in America.
I live in VA and can’t believe I’ve never been to Grandfather Mountain as we’ve traveled in North Carolina a lot. It also sounds like I need to rewatch Forrest Gump, as I don’t remember that scene at all.
There are so many natural features in Grandfather Mountain State Park that make me want to visit. The Split & Sphinx Rock, the Forrest Gump Curve, and the breathtaking views from the top are some of them. I would like to tackle at least two trails here. The Black Rock and Bridge Trails sound. I will have fun at this park.
What an apt name – Grandfather Mountain , clearly states how old the rocks are here. Reading about them did make me feel like getting there and trying one of the smaller hikes. Though the expert one seems super interesting with those equipments. The split rock phenomenon reminded me of a similar one in Ladakh and the bridge actually sways? Wow! That must be something.
This looks like such a beautiful place. I love these natural shapes of rocks resembling some animals or things. Loved that Forrest Gump trivia. And that burl is huge!
Grandfather Mountain State Park looks like an amazing spot for a hike and exploring the natural scenery! I can’t believe the views at this place. Thanks for sharing this spot!
I have to admit, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain and shamefully made the choice to see different places instead. Now I feel like I really missed out on some great views!
Great Info! I’d never heard of these places. I’d love to see the Forrest Gump curve. 🙂
Grandfather Mountain looks like a wonderful road trip and hiking opportunity!
Oooh this all sounds fab! What interesting geology and I love the look of the mile high bridge. Mostly, I love the sound of the Grandfather Trail – that sounds like a blast (even if it is a bit of a challenge.)
Woah! 300 million years old– that’s a very long time and it would be interesting to see those rock formations.
By the way, I had no idea Forrest Gump was filmed here at the Grandfather mountain and it would be nice to walk around here. Glad to know too that there’s an animal habitat nearby. We will surely consider this during our weekend getaways.