$50

Grandfather Mountain is a place of amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty that towers 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina. A part of the United Nations’ Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve, the mountain is estimated to be 300 million years old — with certain rock formations dating back 1.2 billion years. One third of the mountain is operated as a scenic travel attraction by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. All proceeds from sales of tickets and souvenirs go toward preserving Grandfather Mountain and sharing its wonders in ways that deepen visitors’ appreciation of nature and inspire good stewardship of the earth. Guests to the attraction pay an admission fee to drive their own vehicles through the park, stopping along the way to enjoy a variety of activities, such as native wildlife exhibits, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, hiking trails and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge that connects two peaks at one mile above sea level. The primary allure is the exhilarating feeling of being on top of the world while looking out across views of mountain ridge after mountain ridge cascading to the horizon, made easily accessible via a paved road to the 5,300-foot elevation on Grandfather’s peaks.