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AdVeNtUrEs
GrAnDfAtHeR MoUnTaIn: WoNdErS NeVeR CeAsE
, NC
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GRANDF
The views are ancient. The experi-
ences are all brand new.
Standing at 5,946 feet above sea level
— more than a mile — Grandfather
Mountain has been celebrating and
sharing the wonders of the natural
world since 1952.
Summer is one of the most ideal times
to visit Grandfather Mountain, as tem-
peratures at the world-famous Mile
High Swinging Bridge are typically 10
degrees cooler than those at the base
of the mountain, which are at least 10
degrees cooler than in the flatlands.
The bridge — America’s highest sus-
pension footbridge — spans an 80-foot
chasm at more than one mile in eleva-
tion, offering panoramic views of
breathtaking vistas.
Throughout the park, guests are likely
to spot squirrels, songbirds and other
forest animals. But what about the more
elusive wildlife? It only takes a visit to
the environmental wildlife habitats to
come face to face with black bears,
cougars, river otters, bald eagles and
white-tailed deer.
Unlike the exhibits found in many zoos
that bring in plants and boulders to
recreate an appropriate setting, these
large enclosures were built around the
animals’ actual native habitats, meaning
they’re free to roam within as they
please.
To enhance the experience, the moun-
tain’s staff of naturalists, rangers and
habitat keepers host a variety of inter-
active programs, such as animal en-
counters, interpretive talks and hikes, a
Junior Ranger program for kids, be-
hind-the-scenes tours of the habitats
and more.
Grandfather also features access to
12 miles of hiking trails, a nature mu-
seum, documentary auditorium,
restaurant, 100-plus picnic sites,
fudge shop, special events and
more.
Grandfather Mountain is located at
2050 Blowing Rock Highway (U.S. 221)
in Linville, NC, just one mile from mile-
post 305 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For more information, including a
schedule of events, call (800) 468-7325
or visit www.grandfather.com.