No one can tell me that social media isn’t an influence. A week or two back I saw a friend’s instagram story, sharing their trip to Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains at 5,946 ft.
It had been on my list to visit for a while, but had fallen off my radar. This past Friday when David had some wiggle-room in his schedule, we decided to make the two hour trip northwest to explore. We arrived in the area around 11:30 and already hungry for lunch. Unsure if they had food in the park (they do), we stopped at a new-to-us BBQ spot in Banner Elk called The Pedalin’ Pig.
The food was wonderful! I opted for the veggie plate because I never take the time to make fried okra myself, but maybe I really should because I forgot how delicious it is! I should mention the service was outstanding too, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite before continuing on.
Six miles down the road was the entrance to the privately-owned, non-profit Grandfather Mountain Park. We found out it was the weekend of the 40th Annual Wooly Worm Festival (which may sound silly but is actually a big deal) and there was a line of cars waiting to get in. We rolled the windows down to soak up the mountain air while we waited, paid our $59 (a heads up to visitors, it’s $20 per adult and $9 per kid older than 4 so be prepared), and headed up the mountain.
I knew exactly where I wanted to head to first: the animal exhibits. The have habitats set up for Bald Eagles, otters, cougars, and BEARS. I thought seeing the bears would be neat but it exceeded my expectations as I was immediately enamored with the beautiful, powerful creatures that were chillin’ only about 20 feet from me.
I was enthralled. We left to go see the other animals, but I begged to swing back by the bears one more time. I mean, just look! Wow.
I probably could have stood there all day watching those magnificent creatures, but there is a lot to see, hike, and do within the gates of Grandfather Mountain, so we continued to higher ground. We opted to park the car and hike the .5 mile trail up to the Mile High Bridge, which is their most well-known attraction.
I was really proud of the girls. I knew Hailey was a good hiker, but impressively Kaitlyn kept up just fine and even led the way a time or two. The hike is a fun one, with lots to see, rocks to climb over, and boulders to play on and under.
The park was rather full that day and though we passed several people on the trail, it really didn’t feel too congested to enjoy. When we arrived at the top, it was immediately obvious why people seek this spot out. Breathtaking!
And I mean that in more than one way. It’s beautiful, of course, and the leaves were just beginning to change (local friends, I imagine that in 1-2 weeks the foliage will be ideal). However, my breath was stolen because I forgot the fact that I’m not a big fan of heights until I was halfway across the mile high bridge that began to sway in the wind.
My hand gripped the rail and I started shaking. I just kept telling David to stay right with the girls, who were fearless, because all I could concentrate on was putting one foot in front of the other. I really don’t want to pass my height issues onto them so I stayed a few feet behind, finally making it across with white knuckles.
Across the bridge there are several rocky areas to climb around on and multiple picture taking opportunities. Though the drop-offs aren’t as insane as they appear in the above picture, there are a lot of steep sides which immediately made me understand why some people leash their children.
We snapped some pictures then headed back across the bridge and down the trail. Along the way Hailey enthusiastically declared it the best day of her life. Though we stopped by the park’s famous Split Rock and the nature museum before leaving, Hailey still had fat tears rollings down her cheeks as we pulled out of the park. Poor thing was just so sad to leave!
We decided to stop by Blowing Rock before heading home. The small nearby town has an incredible playground right in the town center, and Hailey’s tears soon dried up as the girls took off playing. Afterwards we wandered over to Blowing Rock Brewery Company.
We waited out back by the brewery (which sits behind the restaurant) and watched the kids play corn hole while sipping a pumpkin brew. It was cool out and a perfect fall scene. Eventually our name was called and while I’d recommend stopping by for a beer, I would suggest you grab food elsewhere.
Girls’ hoodies (great price, super soft, and have thumb-holes!)
After one last swing through the park, we loaded up and took the winding Blue Ridge Parkway towards home. We stopped once or twice at overlooks (which were all filled with others soaking in the same views) to admire the majestic beauty of the mountains one last time before the sun set.
As we drove off, Hailey stated that she wanted to live there. Me too, kiddo, me too.
I feel so lucky to live within driving distance to so many wonderful hikes and outdoor adventures. Other local favorites include South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park (gosh, this makes me miss Koda), and Tweetsie Railroad.
I’d love to compile a list of must-see destinations and RV all over the country to see them, so if you have a favorite, please share it with me!
Karen says
I feel Hailey’s pain…..I cried too when we left that same area two weeks ago.
I can only wish to live so close to mountains someday….
You really aught to check out Sedona, AZ with the family. Many of the hikes are family friendly and a whole different kind of mountain beauty. Its so strange how some mountains are tree covered and some are red rock but still bring solitude to the sole of many of us.
Brittany Dixon says
Sedona is solidly on my list! Everyone I know who has been says it is truly indescribable. Hopefully one day!
JOHN J STATHAS says
Great fun, super pics of your spectacular field trip! Thanks for sharing. I could do that one!
sherry says
What a perfect day! Loved all the pictures of the family and the scenery. Makes me want to take a trip up that way. The vegi plate looks delicious!
Brynn says
Stunning! What a wonderful day to enjoy as a family. I love my babies, but also look forward to making memories exploring and going on adventures. A day to remember for sure.
Brittany Dixon says
I feel the same way about every age we hit! At times I really miss those baby snuggles and gurgles, but it’s amazing to get to to explore and listen to their thoughts too. Every stage has something wonderful about it!
Heather says
What a fun time! Talk about spectacular views…. whoa!
montessoriishmom says
Wow, that place looks amazing! I love the mountains and love hiking, but sometimes I definitely get scared of heights too. It’s amazing how fearless kids are!
Laura says
What a wonderful day trip! 2 hours is my max for an out and back day trip; beyond that it is an excuse for a hotel stay :). Love hiking with my family and I’m amazed at how quickly kids take it on themselves! My oldest started getting interested in hiking on his own at age 2 and by 2.5 was completing legit hikes with us (although we’d still carry the backpack just in case). My littlest is still in the backpack (1.5) but I know it won’t be long before he is on his own. The hardest age for me was age 2; they have the desire to go out but will get in the mood of wanting to stop and overturn every rock and leaf, so a 1 mile hike would take over an hour. My RV recommendation: anywhere in the four corners region. We have unlimited trails in our backyard here in Colorado, but also love to venture out to the national parks and lesser known canyons of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. New Mexico steals my heart (and that’s saying a lot coming from someone living in Colorado!). Not only beautiful hikes and gorgeous scenery, but the most amazing culture- food, architecture, arts- native American and Spanish.
Brittany Dixon says
Well now you have added New Mexico to my list for certain! Gosh I’d love to drive around and see it all!
Rachel says
Ok, question! I know both of your kids are potty trained. How do you manage hiking with two kids who need to go to the bathroom!? I really want to take my kids hiking, but the fact that bathrooms aren’t always available literally scares me to the point where I just don’t plan it. My kids are 3 & 1. The 3 year old is perfectly potty trained since 20 months and the 1 year old has quite some time to go. Can you tell me how you did driving 2 hours and then staying all day and how your kids did! Thank you!!
Brittany Dixon says
3 and 6 looks so much different than 3 and 1! I make them go before we get in the car, then I made them go after we ate lunch, too. They were fine until we made them go at the playground in Blowing Rock. They just don’t need to go very often! I actually have to keep an eye on it for Kaitlyn because she’ll sometimes just try to hold it even if she needs to go which drives me crazy.
Laura says
I don’t think there is anything wrong either with stepping off trail when nature calls (of course, much easier if just need to pee, technically anything more should be packed out). I am on pretty remote trails, so maybe this is easier for me, but my 4 year old already knows this is an option. The reality is if I am drinking plenty of water and on a longer hike, I often need to step off trail myself! Same goes for other necessities- changing diapers, nursing, etc.
Kacie says
Wow, gorgeous pictures!! What a beautiful weekend!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, the name is intriguing! I wonder how it was named.
Susan says
Funny that I stumble across this article..my family & I were just at Grandfather Mountain this past Friday!! We loved the views too, such a beautiful place!
Eva says
I just spent a weekend in the white mountains of New Hampshire which are just breath taking!!! Especially in the fall 🙂 would def recommend some time there just driving around/hiking — and there are so many quaint small towns all around too 🙂