Grandfather Mountain Climbing notes shared by Mountain-Forecast users

  • July 20, 2013
    Dona from United States

    July 20, 2013. Last week I visited Grandfather Mountain. The information posted by Mr. Shortt is not completely accurate. There is NO charge to access Grandfather Mountain trailheads from the base of the Mountain, though registration is required.

    However, if you intend to hitch a ride to the peak, and hike the profile, hike down, or hike the loop around the peak, you must pay the general admission fee of $18 per adult to arrive at the peak by vehicle.

    As of today, July 20, 2013, the steep fee schedule to access Grandfather Mountain Park, Peak, Swinging Bridge, etc, by vehicle remains in place. Visit the website for up to date information: grandfather dot com, hours-and-rates
    There are no plans to omit those fees; they now go to the not-for-profit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Fund.

    From the website-things to do-hiking
    "Visitors to the Grandfather Mountain travel attraction are still able to access Grandfather’s backcountry trails from the Swinging Bridge area, which is included in the price of admission to the attraction.
    Hikers wishing to access Grandfather Mountain State Park from the Swinging Bridge are required to purchase a general admission ticket to the attraction before driving to the summit."

    Approx 2600 of 4000 acres was sold to North Carolina.

  • July 13, 2012
    Rick Shortt from United States

    One of the most rugged and exciting mountains in the Southern Appalachians, this used to be a private attraction with an entrance fee but most of the mountain is now a North Carolina State Park with free entrance.

    There are many cliffs and outcrops on the crest and the trails climb ladders, scramble over many rocks, and have steel cables to hold onto in places. The often wild weather up high, combined with boreal forest and the challenging trails feel like hiking in the mountains of Maine or New Hampshire.