Mile High Swinging Bridge in Grandfather Mountain

Mile High Swinging Bridge

Experience Breathtaking Views from Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge

Nestled within the stunning natural landscapes of North Carolina’s High Country lies a collection of captivating attractions that draw visitors from far and wide. Among these gems, a visit to Grandfather Mountain offers a truly unique experience: a walk one mile above sea level across the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Discover the Mile High Swinging Bridge

The Mile High Swinging Bridge stands as a celebrated landmark within the Grandfather Mountain preserve. Originally constructed in 1952, this remarkable suspension bridge underwent a significant renovation in 1999. During this rebuild, the bridge’s critical components – including its cables, floorboards, and side rails – were replaced with robust galvanized steel, ensuring its continued safety and longevity.

Perched at an impressive elevation of 5,280 feet and spanning a length of 228 feet, the Mile High Swinging Bridge offers an unparalleled perspective of its surroundings. As you traverse this suspended walkway, you’ll be treated to breathtaking 360-degree panoramic vistas of the majestic Grandfather Mountain.

Grandfather Mountain. Mile High Swinging Bridge. Photo by Todd Bush Photography
©Todd Bush

Beyond the expansive views, the Mile High Swinging Bridge also serves as an exceptional vantage point to witness the mountain’s spectacular transformation during the autumn season. The vibrant hues of fall foliage paint the landscape in a breathtaking display of color, creating an unforgettable experience for those who visit during this time.

North Carolina’s High Country is filled with beautiful attractions in the region’s natural setting. People travel from all over to see these and experience them. When you visit Grandfather Mountain, take a walk one mile above sea level across the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Click here to read more about the fall colors in the High Country.

Mile High Swinging Bridge Admission

Guests can walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge as many times as they want in a day when they purchase a ticket to Grandfather Mountain.

Base Days: These are quieter days, mostly in the winter months.

  • Adult: $22
  • Senior (60 & over): $20
  • Child (ages 4-12): $12
  • AAA Adult: $20
  • AAA Child: $11

Mid-Level Days: These include most, not all, March-October dates. Extra experiences in the park, such as Grandfather’s schedule of Daily Programs, run April-October.

  • Adult: $28
  • Senior (60 & over): $26
  • Child (ages 4-12): $12
  • AAA Adult: $26
  • AAA Child: $11

Peak Days: These are the in-demand days, usually around a holiday or fall color season, that also typically feature extra experiences in the park.

  • Adult: $32
  • Senior (60 & over): $30
  • Child (ages 4-12): $12
  • AAA Adult: $30
  • AAA Child: $11

Mile High Swinging Bridge Hours

The Mile High Swinging Bridge is open seasonally when Grandfather Mountain is. Grandfather Mountain is open every day of the year, weather permitting, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Mountain also closes early on Christmas Eve and occasionally on other dates for staff training.

  • SPRING 2025 (March 9 – May 9)
    9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)

  • SUMMER 2025 (May 10 – Sept. 1)
    8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Last entry at 5:30 p.m., trails close at 6 p.m.)

  • LATE SUMMER 2025 (Sept. 2 – Oct. 3)
    9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)

  • FALL 2025
    (Oct. 4 & Oct. 5): 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Last entry at 5:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)
    (Oct. 6 – Oct. 10): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)
    (Oct. 11 & Oct. 12): 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Last entry at 5:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)
    (Oct. 13 – Oct. 17): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)
    (Oct. 18 & Oct. 19): 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Last entry at 5:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)
    (Oct. 20 – Oct. 24): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)
    (Oct. 25 & Oct. 26): 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Last entry at 5:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)
    (Oct. 27 – Nov. 1): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m., trails close at 5 p.m.)

  • WINTER 2025 (Nov. 2 – Dec. 31)
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last entry at 3:30 p.m., trails close at 4 p.m.)
    Closed: Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27)
    Closing Early: Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Last entry at 2:30 p.m., trails close at 3 p.m.)
    Closed: Christmas Day (Dec. 25)

  • Opening dates, availability and operating procedures are subject to change.


More Information about the Mile High Swinging Bridge

The Mile High Swinging Bridge is located within Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, N.C.

For more information about the Mile High Swinging Bridge, visit Grandfather.com

high country visitors guide cover 2024

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