To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has moved admission online, meaning guests must purchase their tickets and book their visit online. Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots to limit the number of guests in the park at one time.

On weekdays only, a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at the Entrance Gate, although guests are strongly encouraged to book online to guarantee their availability.  

As of now, reservations are only available through Aug. 1, 2021.

Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. Prices are as follows:

Adult: $22
Senior (age 60+): $20
Child (ages 4-12): $9
AAA Adult: $20 (must present valid AAA card)
AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card)

Bridge Club members will receive complimentary admission, per their membership agreement, but must reserve a time-slot and present a valid Bridge Club membership card upon arrival. Without a valid Bridge Club membership card, guests must pay full price. To join the Bridge Club, please visit https://grandfather.com/product/bridge-club-membership/.

Proceeds from admission tickets benefit the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the park for future generations.

Currently, tickets will be sold from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the park closing at 7:00 p.m.

Opening dates, availability and operating procedures are subject to change.

Special Information

While guests will still be able to enjoy Grandfather Mountain’s many wonders, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge, environmental wildlife habitats and hiking, the park will be operating in a modified capacity to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. 

Safety measures include:

• Guests must purchase tickets online to guarantee admission. A very limited number of tickets may be available at the Entrance Gatehouse (not the drive-through ticket booths) during weekday hours. Arriving at the gate will not guarantee admission. To guarantee admission, visitors must book online in advance. On weekends, tickets will only be available online.
• In accordance with new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, which state that fully vaccinated individuals can, in most situations, safely interact in public without wearing a face covering, as well as the March 14 announcement from N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper lifting all mass gathering limits and social distancing requirements in North Carolina, all vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a face covering indoors or outdoors while on Grandfather Mountain.
• Guests who are not vaccinated should still wear a mask and maintain a physical distance of at least six feet indoors. Non-vaccinated individuals are also asked to wear a mask outdoors when six feet of social distancing is not possible.
  

Refund Policy

As of Nov. 1, 2020, Grandfather Mountain admission tickets are non-refundable once purchased. However, Grandfather Mountain will honor the monetary value of one's ticket(s) for a future visit. Unused tickets will be valid for one (1) year from the original visitation date printed on the tickets. Please contact us for special arrangements beyond one year from your ticket purchase date.

Ticketholders are also welcome to gift their passes to friends or family. When booking this future visit, please call the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate at 828-733-4337 with your reservation number to exchange your booking for a future time and date. Prices are subject to change.

Helpful Links

• Centers for Disease Control: COVID-19
• CDC Travel Guidelines
• N.C. Dept. of Health & Human Services
• Avery County Health Department
• Watauga County Health Department

For more information or assistance, please call (828) 733-2013 or (828) 733-4337.