Grandfather Mountain Highland Games - History of the Games

• September 16, 2008
• Rated 5 of 5 by flyingscot4 from Madison, Wisconsin

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Grandfather Mountain

• January 26, 2006
• Rated 4 of 5 by habw from Cary, North Carolina

In a resort community off the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 5,964-foot mountain with a mile-high swinging bridge to walk across. Grandfather Mountain has views that are breathtaking, and when viewing from the north, you might see the grandfather looking toward the sky. There is a museum and nature center for the kids to enjoy. You can feed the black bears, watch when the golden and bald eagles are fed, and see a panther roaming or sleeping, as well as see other native animals. Also nearby is the Tweetsie Railroad Western theme park. The family can ride the railroad (with a mock robbery), the kids can pan for gold, and go on the amusement rides. The younger children truly enjoy the rides and searching for gold. It is a fun getaway in summer or fall.

From journal Getaway to Grandfather Mountain

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Grandfather Mountain

• September 8, 2003
• Rated 5 of 5 by da2ofus from Oak Lawn, Illinois

Grandfather Mountain has a myriad of activities available for everyone, from hiking trails to the animal habitats and the nature museum. Grandfather Mountain is the highest elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you get to the summit, you are able to see around for miles and miles. The majesty of the mountains, the beauty of creation, the fresh mountain air, the scent of wildflowers all combine for an incredible day in nature. If you want to hike the trails on the mountain, you should plan on at least 4-6 hours, depending on the hiking trail you choose. If you are just planning on visiting the swinging bridge, animal habitats and nature museum, 3 hours or so should be enough time to see those. The Swinging Bridge is the most popular attraction at the mountain, as it is at the summit peak area of Grandfather Mountain. The views of the Blue Ridge range and Charlotte (about a 3 hour drive away!) are spectacular. Some more unique natural sites on the mountain are found in the picnic areas on the way up to the summit, such as the split rock. Also fun is Forrest Gump curve (yes, it is featured in the movie). The views of the Blue Ridge from that area are also spectacular. More information on everything available at Grandfather Mountain is available at the website at www.grandfather.com

From journal "Week in the High Country"

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Grandfather Mountain Wildlife Habitats

• September 7, 2003
• Rated 4 of 5 by da2ofus from Oak Lawn, Illinois

Grandfather Mountain has seven habitat areas that are the actual native habitat for black bears and bear cubs, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, golden eagles and white tailed deer. The habitat area is very different from a "zoo", because the areas the animals are in a natural mountain habitat, the same setting you would normally find these animals in.

You are separated by moats or bridges or retaining walls. Our most impressive chance was to be able to get close to bald eagles. You could see the beauty of their feathers, and we got to watch one of them even preening.

It was wonderful to be able to see all of these animals in a natural setting, going about their regular daily activities.

More information on the habitats at Grandfather Mountain is available at their website, http://www.grandfather.com/habitats/habitats.htm

From journal "Week in the High Country"

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Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum

• September 3, 2003
• Rated 4 of 5 by da2ofus from Oak Lawn, Illinois

When you first walk in to the museum, you are greeted by a life size statue of Mildred the Bear. Mildred was a resident bear at the animal preserve until her death. Walking up to the statue, you see in person the actual size of a live black bear.

There are exhibits available on the geography, geology, history and animals of Grandfather Mountain. You can see the finest amethyst ever found in North Carolina, along with the largest gold nugget on display in the state. There are many learning exhibits, such as the birds of North Carolina, history of Indians in North Carolina, Gems & Minerals of North Carolina, and many more. There are also "hands on" exhibits such as the billion year old rock. We stayed in the museum itself about an hour, and could have easily spent much longer were it not for time constraints on our part. We really enjoyed it, and definitely recommend making time to visit it as part of your trip to Grandfather Mountain.

There is more information about the museum available at the Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum web page at .

From journal "Week in the High Country"

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