Cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain

Step onto the Mile High Swinging Bridge for a unique blend of adventure and nature's beauty, high above North Carolina's scenic landscape.

Last updated: Apr 2024

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Adults $24, Children (4-12) $10
More than 500 Miles from you
State Gem: Exceptional experiences within your state that are bucket list-worthy
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Description

Step onto the Mile High Swinging Bridge for a unique blend of adventure and nature's beauty, high above North Carolina's scenic landscape. As you venture to Grandfather Mountain, prepare to be captivated by the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a marvel that combines nature's grandeur with human ingenuity. This iconic bridge, hovering above an 80-foot chasm, offers unparalleled 360-degree vistas from Linville Peak's summit, making it a highlight for visitors since its inauguration in 1952. Whether you ascend the 50 stairs beside the Top Shop or opt for the elevator, reaching the bridge is an adventure in itself, accessible to all. Beyond the bridge, the mountain beckons with its wildlife habitats, hiking trails, and the Top Shop's amenities, ensuring a memorable journey through this breathtaking slice of North Carolina's High Country.

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For families with kids

For parents and grownups

Outdoorsy

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Itinerary

Arrival: Enter Grandfather Mountain at 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC.
Top Shop: Visit the Top Shop for gifts, snacks, and the elevator to the bridge.
Bridge Crossing: Walk the short, paved path to the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
Explore More: After crossing, consider hiking to Linville Peak or visiting the wildlife habitats.

Location

2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646

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Packing List

Comfortable walking shoes
Camera or smartphone for photos
Layered clothing for changing mountain weather
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Water bottle

4.8 ● Google reviews

Absolutely stunning. The drive up was beautiful and the walk across the bridge is breathtaking. I recommend going on a weekday because it wasn’t too crowded and it would’ve been a very different experience if the bridge was filled with people. We saw a lot of children there but I think parents should know that besides on the bridge itself there isn’t a lot of guard rails so keep the young ones close.

Great park, although the state park is separated from the top part of the park, the bridge piece. It’s super confusing. The park is free, the top of the park where the bridge is, is not free. I paid $96 for 2 adults and 3 children. Pricy in my opinion. Per person is greed. Park was well maintained. Clean. Staff were friendly. The visiting center was nice, little museum and zoo with nice bathroom. The food was pricy. You can drive to the top and walk to the bridge, there is an elevator to get you to the rock where the bridge is but you still have to walk and climb over cliffs and rocks to get there. You can also park half way up and take a 15-20 minute hike. Well worth it but it is not an easy route. My kids did fine (12, 10, and 6). Didn’t have to carry any of them up or down. Is the bridge worth the entrance fee?… undecided. Nonetheless, great view. Peaceful.

Such a great experience from the top! It does get windy so dress accordingly! I highly recommend starting up here early and getting here to start off your itinerary! It’s such a great view!

Nice experience, it was too cold and windy to enjoy a bit more outside, but it was worth the entrance fee, it's a really beautiful place we could barely see the view because of clouds rain/snow but it cleared from time to time and it was beautiful 😍

Amazing piece of god's creation! High country residents check out the dollar days deal for April, and be sure to do online in advance. Saves a lot of money!

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