America’s Highest Suspension Footbridge Hangs From Grandfather Mountain
Would You Dare Cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge?
Mile High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina
Modern cities have skyscrapers and tall structures, which are beautiful to look at. High-rise structures enhance the attractiveness of the area and provide a fantastic perspective of cities. Despite the fact that bridges are just as beautiful as contemporary skyscrapers, few people notice them. The world is renowned for having some of the top structures in the United States. This covers bridges that have been beautifully conceived and built. When they were first built, several of the tallest bridges in the US were among the tallest in the world. While many still occupy that space, a handful has been replaced by other tall bridges in Asia and Europe. However, Mile High Swinging Bridge remains the United States’ highest suspension footbridge. It is nestled in Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, offering splendid panoramic views. Here is an overview of it.
Would You Dare Cross America’s Highest Suspension Bridge?
The highest bridge and the tallest bridge may cause confusion among people. Here is a brief explanation for that: The elevation from the highest bridge to the level surface, which might be the ground or the surface of the water, is taken into consideration. When viewed from a distance or through photographs, these bridges appear to be stunning. However, they could also be frightful if visitors are on top of them and glance down to see what is below. Grandfather Mountain is a famous peak in Western North Carolina, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and 75 miles (120.7 km) north of Asheville, N.C. The region is renowned for its breathtaking views and unparalleled natural variety. At Grandfather Mountain, 5,945 feet (1812 meters) above sea level, on a clear day, tourists can see Charlotte’s skyline 90 miles (144.84 km) distant.
Exploring the kid-friendly, nonprofit park that offers access to the well-known Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, and nature museum is the most convenient way to explore Grandfather Mountain. The Mile High Swinging Bridge, as its name indicates, is a mile (1.6 km) above sea level and provides an exhilarating vantage point from which to take in Grandfather Mountain’s 360-degree panoramic vistas. For access to Linville Peak, visitors shall cross the bridge. This construction is the highest suspension footbridge in America. The location of Mile High Swinging Bridge draws thousands of visitors each year and offers travelers an unrivaled view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What Is The Story Behind Grandfather Mountain?
Hugh Morton, a conservationist and photographer received the mountain from his grandfather in 1952. Grandfather Mountain was a fitting moniker for the place. Morton saw how his grandmother was having difficulty moving about at this point. She missed hiking as she got older. Therefore, he was determined to find a way to accommodate his grandmother on Grandfather Mountain, so she could continue to take in the breathtaking views from the peak. He started working on the Mile High Swinging Bridge in the same year. The bridge connected the neighboring Linville Peak with Grandfather’s Convention Table Rock. Morton’s grandma could safely take in the brisk mountain air and the Blue Ridge scenery from the bridge. Millions of residents and visitors have enjoyed the same panorama from the Mile High Swinging Bridge since Morton’s grandmother first saw it in 1952.
The bridge’s distinctive style is the main attraction for travelers from all over the world. They can find solace in the fact that the swinging bridge does not actually swing all that much if they are afraid of heights. A suspension bridge is referred to as a “swinging bridge” in the title because vertical cables are used by suspension bridges to sustain their own weight. Another illustration of this style of suspension construction may be found at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
How Can You Reach The Mile High Swinging Bridge?
The 228-foot (69.49-meter) suspension bridge crosses an 80-foot (24.38-meter) gap. Visitors shall drive the 2 miles (3.21 km) up the mountain on the winding, picturesque road to the summit parking lot beside the Top Shop to get to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. To get to the small footpath leading to the bridge, they have to climb 50 stairs outside the parking lot or inside the Top Shop. Additionally, the store has an elevator that takes visitors to the third floor, where they may walk to the bridge.
Where Can You Buy Your Ticket?
The Grandfather Mountain entry ticket, which also includes access to a variety of other activities in the nature park, includes crossing the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Visitors can purchase park admission tickets online and reserve a visit time. The bridge does not require a separate booking. Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge is open on all days of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and when the weather does not permit it.
- Opening hours: From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: $24 per adult, $22 per senior above 60 years old, and $10 per child between 4 and 12 years old.