There is a reason that Grandfather Mountain is one of the most frequented attractions in North Carolina. Finding a Bed and Breakfast near Grandfather Mountain is an excellent idea because there is so much to do on the mountain and in the nearby area. There are also plenty of cabin rentals near Grandfather Mountain.
The high country of North Carolina has so much to offer, and we will help guide the way.
Visiting Grandfather Mountain
Did you know that the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation operates the nature park and swinging bridge? These are surrounded by Grandfather Mountain State Park, but the fact that the attractions are operated by a non-profit makes it a fun and unique place to visit.
Reasons To Visit Grandfather Mountain
The team will provide you with a USB or CD when you enter the park to learn about the park as you drive up the mountain. Along the way, there are multiple places to pull over to take pictures. And you will want to take pictures, but the scenic views are so beautiful they are hard to believe you are seeing with your own eyes.
About halfway up the mountain, you find the Wilson Center, an educational exhibition where you can learn more about the mountain. The Wilson Center is informational for visitors of all ages, but it is particularly great for kids.
You will find the Wildlife Habitats next to the Wilson Center. Sometimes you will hear people refer to the Grandfather Mountain Zoo. While it is not quite a zoo, the collection of bald eagles, bears, cougars, elk, and river otters is still impressive. Several of these animals were rehabilitated from injury or saved from bad situations.
The Mile High Swinging Bridge can be accessed from a parking lot at the top of the mountain. The bridge is more than 200 feet across and is suspended above an 80-foot chasm. The bridge is the highest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States. While that’s impressive, the 360-degree views are even more impressive.
There are also hiking trails across the nature park. Some are easy to moderate. A few are very difficult and require climbing with ladders and cables to traverse the entire trail.
Needless to say, there are so many things to do at Grandfather Mountain that you can spend the entire day inside the nature park. Fortunately, there are snacks at the Top Shop, near the swinging bridge. You will also find Mildred’s Grill at the Wilson Center.
Other Area Attractions
One of the reasons we love Grandfather Mountain is that there are so many other things to do near Boone, in this area of the high country.
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is just a few miles away from Grandfather Mountain in Banner Elk. The Alpine Coaster requires a reservation before you show up, but it is well worth the effort. You can purchase a single ride on the coaster, but we recommend the package of three rides. One ride isn’t enough to fully enjoy this experience.
You will also find Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Ziplining in the area. While not skiing or snowboarding, snow tubing and ziplining are more exhilarating activities near Grandfather Mountain.
For lower-key experiences, we recommend making the drive to visit the Moses Cone Manor or Tweetsie Railroad. Both attractions can be found in nearby Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Bed and Breakfasts Near Grandfather Mountain
Finding a Bed and Breakfast near Grandfather Mountain is a fantastic way to truly enjoy the area. In addition to the attractions we listed above, you will also find golfing and skiing opportunities.
The most popular Bed and Breakfast in the area is the Lovill House Inn, which is a few miles away near Boone, North Carolina. The historic house was built in 1875 and converted to a bed and breakfast in the 1990s.
We like the Lovill House Inn because it is within walking distance of downtown Boone, which has plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy. You will like the bed and breakfast because the beautiful house includes six newly-update guest rooms. There is also a hidden waterfall!
The Lazy Bear Lodge is also near Boone. The timber used to build the log cabin was reclaimed from a forest fire. And the windows are recycled from an 1800s trading post! Talk about a cool place visit, but as cool as it is you will always stay warm next to the huge fireplace.
Admittedly, there aren’t many bed and breakfasts directly next to Grandfather Mountain, but these bed and breakfasts near Boone are great options. You might consider a cabin rental near Grandfather Mountain if you want something closer.
Cabin Rentals Near Grandfather Mountain
Closer to Grandfather Mountain, you will find the Gable Haus Cottages, which might be in the perfect location. The Gable Hause Cottages are only two miles away from Grandfather Mountain and only three miles away from an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
With mountain views and a wooded setting, we recommend you consider visiting the Gable Haus Cottages during the fall. The colorful foliage is breathtaking, and there is no better time to drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For something that is a little more intimate, we recommend using a service such as Airbnb or VRBO. There are local services, too, such as Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals, which is worth checking out.
The beauty of using one of these services is that you can find the amenities that are perfect for your situation. Whether you are looking for a couples getaway, or need more space for a family vacation, you will find exactly what you need.
Places to Stay Near Grandfather Mountain
If you are looking for a Bed and Breakfast near Grandfather Mountain, the best options are close to Boone and Blowing Rock. Both are about 30 minutes away from the park, but there are plenty of other things to do in the area as well.
For those interested in staying closer to the park, we recommend considering cabin rentals near Grandfather Mountain.
