 Grandfather Mountain's "mile-high swinging bridge" was originally constructed in 1952 at a cost of $15,000 and was rebuilt with qalvanized steel in 1999 at a cost of $300,000. |
 Grandfather Mountain rises to 5,964 feet above sea level making it the highest peak in the Blue Ridge range and an ideal habitat for Catawba Rhododendron blooms that cover its rugged slops. |
Grandfather Mountain is about 5,000 acres and is 5,964 feet above sea level, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Range. It has been singled out by the United Nations as a member of the international network of Biosphere Reserves. To meet biosphere criteria, properties must have global ecological significance. They must be legally protected from development, have a history of scientific study, and provide for public education. Grandfather is the only privately owned biosphere in the world. The mountain supports 66 rare and endangered species, including 25 that are globally imperiled.
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 This is a bridge over the Blue Ridge Parkway. |
 The entrance sign to Grandfather Mountain. |
 Another entrance sign. |
 A very narrow road up to the museum, animal encounters and visitor center. |
 Mildred the bear was Grandfather Mountains mascot. |
 All Gold in this case is 24 Kt. natural Gold. The 13.9 oz. nugget is the largest NC gold nugget on display in the state. |
 Gold Crystals. |
 There is a small zoo here that has a black bear that people throw peanuts to. |
 He is getting peanuts out of the water. |
 They have two American Bald Eagles. |
 A Golden Eagle. |
 There is also a Cougar. |
 White Tail deer fawn. |
 The forty steps to the mile high bridge. |
 This sign is On one of the steps to the bridge. |
 This is the mile high swinging bridge, Nancy passed on this one. |
 After crossing the bridge this is looking back to where Nancy is standing. |
 See all the people on the rock ledge on the other side of the bridge. |
 close up of the people that are out on the edge of the world. |
 Woodchucks are hard to get a picture of. If we stop they run. |
 We foled this Woodchucks by having the camera ready and just slowing down some. |
 This is called Split Rock. |
 This rock is called Sphinx Rock. |
 Post card of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge parkway to navigate around Grandfather Mountain without destroying or disturbing its rugged slopes. |