North Carolina prevails as a top summer vacation destination for people all over the world. From the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains to the beautiful Outer Banks beaches, North Carolina features many unique destinations for memorable summer vacations. While the beach may reign as the stereotypical summer vacation, the North Carolina Mountains are filled with exciting places to visit.
The mountains of North Carolina provide plenty of opportunities for vacationers to pause, take photos, and learn something new. Sitting along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain maintains itself as the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range at 5,964 feet. Privately owned and operated, the mountain is recognized around the world as a scenic, revered nature preserve. Ascending the mountain in simple – purchase tickets at the entrance and drive your own vehicle throughout the park. What makes Grandfather Mountain so special? Its attractions and unique panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains engaged people of all ages.
The adventurous vacationer may enjoy the Mile-High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. This 228-foot suspension bridge crosses an 80-foot gorge at more than a mile above sea level. After climbing fifty stairs to reach the Bridge, visitors can gauge whether he or she can stomach the walk across the swaying walkway to the other side. Originally built in 1952, the Mile-High Swinging Bridge cost nearly $15,000. However, this main attraction of Grandfather Mountain was rebuilt in 1999 at a cost of $300,000, but still uses the original support towers. Constructed with galvanized steel, workers no longer have to paint the bridge while swaying over the gorge.
For those less-adventurous visitors, wildlife habitats feature black bears, bald eagles, cougars, and even river otters. Unlike many zoos with fabricated habitats, these large enclosures are constructed around natural settings, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the animals in natural surroundings. Viewing locations help visitors get an up-close look of black bears and other wildlife. The river otter habitat even features an underwater viewing wall, allowing visitors to watch the otters as they dive into the refreshing mountain water and out again.
Grandfather Mountain also features a Nature Museum, filled with many exhibits about the history of the area, from gems and minerals to wildlife. The museum is home to one of the best collections of Tar Heel gold, as well as life-like wax models of berries, mushrooms, and wildflowers found at the mountain.
Those looking for a more personal escape during the summer may find one or more of Grandfather Mountain’s trails as their comfort. From a smooth stroll through the woods to an intense hike across rugged peaks, Grandfather Mountain features eleven trails of varying difficulty to suit the needs of most visitors. Gentle nature trails allow visitors to delve into the natural wooded areas of the mountain without a long or demanding obligation to hike.
On the other hand, the backcountry of the mountain features forests typically found in Canadian climates, many of which use ladders and cables to climb faces of cliffs. Sixteen natural ecosystems call Grandfather Mountain home, along with nearly 66 rare or endangered species. As a member of the United Nation’s network of international Biosphere Reserves, Grandfather Mountain’s more strenuous trails are only accessible to fee-paying guests – hiking, however, is included in admission to the mountain’s attractions. Guests visiting only for hiking can find entrances from nearby trailheads and purchase permits for half the normal admission price.
Grandfather Mountain hosts several summer events for visitors, from hikes to arts and entertainment. MacRae Peak Hike is a half-day guided hike to MacRae Peak at the mountain, while Nature Photography Weekend tends to be a popular event for both amateur and professional photographers at the mountain. The annual Singing On The Mountain presents gospel singing and fellowship all day long for free admission. Another popular event is the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, featuring athletes and entertainers in a celebration of Scottish culture, tagged as the best highland games in America. From a five-mile road race to the Mountain Marathon and bagpipe parades, the Highland Games feature something for the whole family.
For over a hundred years, Grandfather Mountain has been a nature preserve and sanctuary for wildlife. During the summer months, Grandfather Mountain is open from 9:00AM through 7:00PM for $14 for adults aged 13-59, $12 for seniors 60+, $6 for children 4-12, and free for children under 4 years old. In addition, the summer months at Grandfather Mountain bring average high temperatures for the area to nearly 68 degrees, with nightly lows averaging around 55 degrees, generally 10 degrees cooler than in the foothills.
Sitting along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain is just one of many treasures along the 469 mile scenic highway. Grandfather Mountain and other destinations along “America’s Favorite Drive” are highlighted in Five Fun Things to Do Along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Other attractions in the North Carolina Mountains are within a short drive of Grandfather Mountain, many of which are detailed in a Travel Guide to the Mountains of North Carolina and The Best of the Blue Ridge in North Carolina. From Tweetsie Railroad to Biltmore Estate, North Carolina’s Mountains provide thrilling and enjoyable getaways to beat the heat of the summer months.
