Skip The Lines At Great Smoky Mountains National Park And Visit This Hidden Gem Instead

The unique Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America, with visitation numbers reaching 331 million in 2024. Whereas that is for good cause with the park attracting guests with its trails that lead to scenic overlooks and other amazing things to do, it does imply chances are you’ll be confronted with bumper-to-bumper traces and main foot visitors.

Nonetheless, if you would like a quieter however equally as gorgeous various to Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, this secret jewel within the Blue Ridge gives equally beautiful surroundings and superb landscapes.

From its rocky trails, blooming wildflowers, historic peaks, and wind-swept cliffs, Grandfather Mountain State Park feels wilder, uncooked, and splendidly numerous. This is why it is best to go to this hidden gem as an alternative!

Grandfather Mountain State Park Is North Carolina’s Hidden Gem

It is an ideal various to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park—uncrowded, however equally beautiful

Grandfather Mountain State Park lies on the japanese escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. It is the very best peak on this facet of the mesmerizing Blue Ridge and has an unparalleled ecological range, making it an Worldwide Biosphere Reserve.

It is positioned between the non-public parkland of the Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway trails ruled by the National Park Service. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation owns the 700-acre portion of the mountain, which incorporates mountaineering trails, wildlife habitats, the Mile Excessive Swinging Bridge, and the Wilson Middle for Nature Discovery, amongst others.

The Grandfather Mountain’s unspoiled 2,600 acres of backcountry is the Grandfather Mountain State Park, one of many state parks with Great Smoky Mountains vibes, but better!

A silent sanctuary, Grandfather Mountain, is perched excessive above the Carolina panorama, rising at 5,946 toes above sea degree. Regardless of its distinction in dimension and recognition with the Smokies, Grandfather Mountain shares equally putting traits, making it a kindred pure marvel with the Nice Smoky Mountains.

Their range, historic origins, distinctive rock formations, dramatic elevations, cultural significance, with a wealthy Appalachian spirit, and their year-round magnificence draw nature lovers in search of pure magnificence any time of 12 months.

However what makes the Grandfather Mountain State Park higher is its fewer crowds, which makes it much more relaxed and laid-back. It is one of many most overlooked state parks in North Carolina, worth a visit.

The Grandfather Mountain State Park was established in 2009, a 12 months after the state of North Carolina bought 2,600 acres of the untouched components of the mountain from the Morton household, following Hugh Morton’s loss of life, who inherited the Grandfather Mountain from his grandparents.

Right now, Grandfather Mountain is a non-profit vacationer attraction in Banner Elk, one of many most adorable North Carolina mountain towns worth visiting.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers a scenic drive through the North Carolina mountains, crosses the south facet of the mountain and over the close by Grandmother Hole.

So, whereas the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park attracts greater crowds, Grandfather Mountain State Park holds its personal with the identical spirit of wondrous nature and grandiosity, however in a extra intimate and serene setting.

The Grandfather Mountain State Park Is A Haven For Outside Lovers

Identical to the Smokies, Grandfather Mountain gives memorable outside excursions

Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park is America’s most visited nationwide park, and it isn’t onerous to see why. The Smokies are remarkably scenic, and their outside shenanigans lure many adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Nonetheless, as fashionable as it may be, the foot visitors is heavy, making it crowded, protecting you from having solitude with nature. The Grandfather Mountain State Park, alternatively, is equally beautiful, and its outside excursions are additionally unbelievable!

Hike the paths at Grandfather Mountain State Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the hardest hikes within the U.S., however so does the Grandfather Mountain State Park!

As an example, the Grandfather Trail Loop is a difficult route that consists of three trails and in addition extends throughout the Mile Excessive Swinging Bridge to Linville Peak. You may hike by means of wind-dwarfed spruce and fir, rock partitions and pinnacles, and surreal mountain vistas.

If you would like a better nature hike, the Nuwati Trail is an easy-to-moderately difficult out-and-back path that results in Storyteller’s Rock, with splendid views of the Boone space. It is a straightforward, however rocky hike by means of streams, big-tooth aspens, and a number of other campsites.

Stroll throughout the Mile Excessive Swinging Bridge

America’s highest suspension footbridge hangs from the Grandfather Mountain! The Mile Excessive Swinging Bridge is without doubt one of the highlights within the Grandfather Mountain State Park. With out crossing it, your go to to the park is incomplete!

The 228-foot suspension bridge treats you to 360-degree panoramic views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak.

Observe the wildlife at Grandfather Mountain State Park

The Grandfather Mountain State Park is extremely numerous, and this consists of the wildlife discovered inside its space.

It has habitats for black bears, bald eagles, river otters, elk, and cougars—all of which may be seen when they’re energetic and from a distance. Whether or not you are mountaineering, tenting, or picnicking, maintain a watch out for these animals on the park!

There are not any charges required to enter the Grandfather Mountain State Park aside from tenting and entry to the privately owned Grandfather Mountain attraction.

The Finest Time To Go to The Grandfather Mountain State Park

It is a year-round vacation spot, however it’s further beautiful in spring and fall

Whereas summertime offers lush greenery, heat climate, and full entry to the park’s trails, sights, and services, it may be busier, too, as that is the time when most vacationers have time to discover America.

For a extra intimate time with nature and vibrant surroundings, spring and fall are to not be missed! These are additionally the prime seasons for wildlife watching, notably the migratory birds and different animals energetic throughout these occasions.

Within the spring, Grandfather Mountain State Park bursts with colours, notably the blooming wildflowers and budding timber. Within the fall, the park transforms right into a fall wonderland, highlighting the autumn foliage with reds, yellows, and oranges.

Fall and spring additionally carry cooler temperatures, making it extra comfy for mountaineering and different outside actions throughout the park and the privately owned Grandfather Mountain space.

A hidden gem and secret sanctuary for wildlife and ecological range, the Grandfather Mountain State Park rivals the wild and lovely fantastic thing about the Nice Smoky Mountains, the place you may be met with lengthy traces and larger crowds. At Grandfather Mountain, each gust of wind and each rustle of the leaves is a breath of recent air!