Travel Date: July 2019
Written by: Brandy Caitlyn
Welcome back if you’re keeping up with all the amazing places to travel! If you’re new HELLOOOO, and welcome to the journey!
Today I am writing about Grandfather mountain and the Mile high swinging bridge!
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is one of the most popular places in the North Carolina mountains! Many people travel from all over to see this area. There are a few cute places you can camp, stay (such as hotels) or “camp” in little cabins.
I’ve never personally camped or stayed in the area due to having options close by to just drive. Although I do know people that have traveled, stayed in the area and they loved it! I do plan to eventually camp in this area and review it specifically at another time!
Grandfather mountain is a North Carolina state park. It is well known for hiking and back packing throughout the state park! There are several areas that have severe terrains you could encounter if you choose to venture out. Parts of the terrain include cliff areas you have to creep around and ladders you climb! I’ve seen many pictures especially from my mothers trip!
I can say that I have not done all the trails at Grandather mountain but my mother who also loves exploring like me has! She speaks highly of the area and spoke of stumbling on a plane crash!
If you research the plan crash on grandfather mountain it states the crash was fatal. The plan crash occurred in the year of 1978 around the top of the mountain. You can locate the plan crash off of the “Daniel Boone Scout Trail”.
When my mother went on the hike to the plane she told me that it is spread a long ways through the forest. She also told me that the family of the person lost had left a note on the plane and a bottle in memory of their special person.
That being said, if you venture into this area and stumble upon the crash sight, PLEASE respect the person who lost their life and their last resting spot. please respect the plane and the family who lost a love one.
The plane may just seem like an interesting piece that’s now permanent to the forest but to someone else it is their family members last place, their family members plan and a sacred area.
There are many other options in the state park such as a nature center. I personally am not going into detail about that portion of the mountain. I do recommend clicking on a link I’ll attach at the bottom for references so you can learn a little more!
As I drove up Grandfather mountain on my last trip to the area I stopped on a few overlooks and the views are AMAZING!
Peep photos below I took or my stepmother took of me with my phone!
Mile High Swinging Bridge
One of my favorite parts of the Grandfather mountain area is the mile high swinging bridge!
The mile high swinging bridge is one mile above sea level! That’s mind blowing!!
When I drove up to this portion of the mountain I took a ride that winded and ended in the parking lot. From this parking lot you can access trails, see beautiful views, the bridge and the informational center. There is also an elevator they installed to assist people!
When I got to the parking lot I immediately took in the breath taking views!
Of course this trip I went with my amazing step mom! So she snapped photos on my IPhone of me!
After looking at the view from the parking lot we ventured up to the swinging bridge!
When we went onto the bridge this day you could just hear the wind howling! It was windy and looking down I could see the bridge bounds moving. It’s magical being on a bridge that’s swinging, wind howling and breeze blowing around you!
Not only is the bridge experience beautiful but the view is breathtaking. It’s like your eyes can’t believe what you’re seeing.
I hope that you have enjoyed my snip it of Grandather Mountain, the plane crash and the swinging bridge.
As I always say if you’re going to venture out to any hike or places DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK, as did I.
Many people get hurt hiking, fatigued, or more. It is something you choose to do at your own risk.
ALSO!
As always, respect the earth. Respect nature and #LeaveNoTracesBehind.
REFERENCES BELOW:
- https://grandfather.com/visit/things-to-do/mile-high-swinging-bridge/
- https://grandfather.com
- https://www.ncparks.gov/grandfather-mountain-state-park/home
- https://www.highcountrync.com/play/grandfather_mountain/decades-later-grandfather-mountain-plane-wreckage-still-a-cautionary-tale/article_4014c8e4-a8b9-5028-9076-783bf3e0d93d.html
Much love, B.
A Travel Loving Momma 