Day trip to Grandfather Mountain

It’s easy to think you’ve seen ‘everything’ after numerous trips to different locations in whatever area you live … but sometimes you can be surprised.

Yesterday I decided to take my lovely wife and beautiful daughter on a day trip to Grandfather Mountain, which we had ‘seen’ when passing by once or twice before. But it’s Autumn/Fall now and thought we would have a closer look.

However, the day started with a crisp chill in the air, and quite foggy – and the idea of staying home and starting the first fire of the season was a real temptation. Still, we left the house with hopes that the day might improve during the 2 hour drive. It turns out that we timed ‘everything’ perfectly … as we only had to wait for one car upon arriving at the entry gate.

We were given a CD to play (USB was an option), and which gave a great commentary of the things we passed on our drive up the hill. The views were progressively better at each vantage point, and we felt compelled to stop at each one we reached. There wasn’t much room at some spots, so I’m glad we arrived early and didn’t have any problems finding space to park.

We especially loved the stop immediately after the ‘Forest Gump’ curve (from the running scene in the movie). It was a bit windy to use the picnic facilities, but on any other day it would be an amazing place to spend some time for a scenic lunch.

There is a Split Rock and Spinx Rock which are popular spots to stop for a photo, just before the Museum, gift-shop, cafe, and animal habitat. If you haven’t seen a Black Bear before, this is a great chance to see one up close.

It was also a great chance to see a Bald Eagle from close range, although I’m sure this one would have much rather had freedom to roam the skies.

If you follow the road to the end, you arrive at the Mile High suspension bridge – although there’s also a short walking track from a larger car park part-way up the hill. It was very windy and a little chilly, so make sure you take multiple layers … just-in-case.

If you’re up for some rock-hopping, you can scramble out to a rock promontory with 360 degree views. It’s a great place for some photos, but be very careful of your footing.

The hills of Western North Carolina have a wistful beauty that pulls you in, and makes you feel at home. The people who live here are amongst the nicest I’ve met anywhere on this planet, and I would highly encourage you to come and visit.

Dad’s Recommendation: Arrive early when visiting Grandfather Mountain … there was a massive queue to get in by the time we were leaving (shortly after lunchtime), and parking spaces seemed scarce!