Grandfather Mountain remains one of the most popular attractions in the North Carolina mountains, and the nearby town of Banner Elk makes it easy to visit this natural wonder.
Multiple lodging options in Banner Elk offer packages that include two tickets to Grandfather Mountain and a night of lodging for two. Additional tickets and/or nights can be added.
Despite the pandemic, visitors still enjoy Grandfather Mountain’s many wonders, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, scenic overlooks and hiking trails. However, the park is operating under a limited capacity to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
The biggest change is guests must purchase advance tickets online for a set date and time of entry. No tickets are available at the front gate. This limits the number of guests in the park at one time. For those purchasing packages through Banner Elk, your lodging host handles such logistics and provides tickets and entry confirmation at check-in.
A visit to Grandfather Mountain, an internationally recognized biosphere reserve, remains similar to years past. Notable exceptions are high-traffic pedestrian areas, such as the Mile High Swinging Bridge and wildlife habitats, where a one-way directional system ensures guests are able to social distance.
Capacity is limited in park buildings, such as the Fudge Shop, Top Shop and Mildred’s Grill. Takeout service from the grill has been popular this summer, allowing guests to dine in their vehicles or at one of the park’s 100-plus picnic sites.
Time limits are in place in busier areas, but not in the park’s lower-traffic areas.
Grandfather Mountain has enhanced its already stringent cleaning procedures and placed additional sanitization stations in key areas, while boosting staff presence to direct traffic flow and encourage social distancing.
Banner Elk’s Grandfather Mountain lodging packages start at $110, plus tax, for two tickets to Grandfather Mountain and one night of lodging. Details are available at BannerElk.com/specials
For visitor details and a complete list of restaurants, go to www.BannerElk.com.
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