Banner Elk, North Carolina August 9 – September 2, 2020
Grandfather Mountain dominated the area where we stayed. One third of the mountain was operated as a scenic travel attraction by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. Access to this part of the park was by car from midway up the mountain to the top of the mountain (about a 3500 feet climb). Along the way you could view native wildlife exhibits and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge that connects two peaks at one mile above sea level. At one time the bridge was wood, and I am pretty sure it would be scarier than the current bridge which is made of steel.
We walked through the animal habitat.
The other two thirds of the wild and undeveloped sections of Grandfather Mountain are owned by the state of North Carolina. Accessible only on foot, visitors to Grandfather Mountain State Park can hike several miles of rugged alpine trails that lead across or around rock walls and pinnacles. We hiked the trail to Foscoe View.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye