Shortly after our walk around the top, they started herding people off the mountain because a storm was coming and lightning strikes are a big deal there. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and recommendations. Free access to 12 miles of trails and backpack camping sites is from the Profile Trail parking area on N.C. 105 or trailheads along the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway (Boone Fork Parking Area at MP 299.9). They are separated from views by nets, moats, or high retaining walls. You can take an elevator to access the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. There are no dates available for this event. Grandfather Mountain attraction, which includes the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, is not part of the state park. Grandfather Mountain overlooks include Half Moon Overlook, Cliffside Overlook, and Sheer Bluff. You may also access the state park trails for day hikes . Be sure and get the booklet at the start of your visit because a lot of the question pertain to things you see in discovery center or animal habitats. Please check the local forecast (Linville, NC 28646) prior to making travel decisions. Grandfather Mountain is split into two sectionsthe Grandfather Mountain attraction (ticket required) and Grandfather Mountain State Park (where you can find free things to do at Grandfather Mountain). We were hesitant to go because of the cost but in the end decided to do it because it had been recommended to us by several people and we felt that at least the money was going to a good cause. However, Grandfather Mountain will honor the monetary value of one's ticket(s) for a future visit. Ceud mile failte to you and your family as you join us in celebrating the history of our Scottish ancestry and cheer as you watch the clans compete on MacRae Meadows . GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646 1-800-468-7325. Join, volunteer, or donate! There are no events available for your current selection. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { I would have appreciated some kind of weather/wind condition advisory being posted somewhere before purchasing the $22/person tickets. (10 a.m. ticket allows admittance until 11 a.m.). When booking this future visit, please call the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate at 828-733-4337 with your reservation number to exchange your booking for a future time and date. I'd recommend bringing snacks or lunch if staying a while. This product cannot be purchased at this time. [CDATA[// >