Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Grandfather Mountain State Park adventure.
This park has sweeping views, challenging trails, and a mile-high swinging bridge.
Unmatched views await at the top of Grandfather Mountain, the famed monolith that rises high above the Piedmont plateau in North Carolina. Views from the overlook encompass the surrounding hills, mountains, and lakes, although the adventurous can try crossing the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a suspension footbridge that connects two peaks and often sways in the wind. The park has more than 12 miles of hiking trails that vary widely in difficulty—some are so steep, they require ladders and ropes. Permitted camping is allowed at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail system (you can register for a permit on-site).
Grandfather Mountain is open year-round (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). The park can get crowded with visitors in summer, especially on weekends, and during fall foliage (typically mid-October). To beat the crowds, try to arrive before 11am or after 3pm on summer and fall color weekends, as well as on holidays. If visiting in winter, be prepared for closures due to inclement weather.