Gecko's North Carolina

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Just 2 miles outside of Linville is Grandfather Mountain. Due to the mountains 4,000 acres of natural diversity, the United Nations made Grandfather Mountain a member of the international network of Biosphere Reserves. Criteria for this honor included proving its global ecological significance, legal protection from development, a history of scientific study, and provisions for public education.

Grandfather Mountain has 16 distinct habitats which are home to the southeast’s most diverse groups of flora and fauna. When you visit Grandfather Mountain, you can see natural wonders like Split Rock and Linville Bluffs or manmade features like the seven wildlife habitats. You can tour the Nature Museum. As you visit the museum, you will see award winning nature films, weather stations, and two dozen displays of plants, animals and minerals.

You can take a scenic drive to the top of the mountain. Along the drive, there are several points to stop and view the forest and mountains beyond. You can also bring along a picnic basket and stop at the panoramic Cliffside Picnic Area. About 2 miles from the top, you will find the entrance to the Black Rock Nature Trail and the Bridge Trail.

Other trails on Grandfather Mountain include Daniel Boone Scout and Cragaway Trails, the Tanawha Trail, and the Profile Trail. It is important to note that there is a fee for hiking permits which includes a copy of Backcountry Trail Guide.