Grandfather Mountain is a mountain near Linville, North, U.S.A.  It is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a truly rustic and fun adventure, at 5,964 feet above sea level. At the top enjoy 360° panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The view above is of an old man with a long beard lying down.
 

In 1952, Morton opened the mountain for hiking and added wildlife habitats and mile high swinging bridge to complete the attraction. In 2008, the State of North Carolina purchased the property from the late Hugh Morton’s family.
 

Seven animal habitats offer close-up views of native wildlife including bears, cougars, otters, and eagles in natural settings.

Grandfather supports 16 distinct habitat types in less than 5,000 acres, including Red Spruce-Fraser Fir Forests, heath balds, northern hardwood forests and high elevation rocky summits. If you visit Grandfather from mid-April through mid-July, you will be treated to many showy wildflowers.

The Grandfather Mountain Marathon: The Highland Games will begin in the afternoon of Thursday July 9 Events that day will include opening ceremonies, a piping concert, sheep herding exhibition, the running of “The Bear”. Prior to the torchlight ceremony, over 900 runners will participate in a 5-mile footrace. Tickets are $5 dollars each day for children ages 5-12 with children under five free