Adventure junkies, listen up. If you’re looking for your next fix, you might want to check out the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina. If you’ve never heard of it before, the name pretty much says it all — it’s a really long and really high bridge that swings to and fro as you walk across it. Intrigued yet? Let’s explore North Carolina’s gorgeous mountain views from the top.
The Mile High Swinging Bridge is the highest suspension footbridge in the country. It offers unmatched 360-degree panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding scenery at over a mile in elevation. It was constructed to give visitors easy access to Linville Peak, which sits 5,295 feet above sea level.
Since it was first built in 1952, thousands of visitors have come to admire the views and challenge themselves with the walk across it. At 228 feet long, it’s no short stroll, and the view of the 80-foot chasm below doesn’t make it any easier — but that’s what makes it so exciting. That and the bridge sways freely in the wind, hence the name. Think you’re brave enough to give it a try?
Although it was originally built more than 60 years ago, you can take heart in the fact that it was rebuilt in 1999, and all of the cables, floorboards, and side rails were replaced with galvanized steel. Not only is the bridge itself sturdier, but the “Top Shop” — the visitors center and gift shop located at the top of Grandfather Mountain –has also recently been renovated. Now, visitors with disabilities can also access the bridge using the elevator in the Top Shop. There is a small distance from the shop to the bridge (about 50 feet), but there is also a bench near the bridge if you need to rest before you start your trek.
Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646
Phone Number: 1-800-468-7325
Website: https://grandfather.com/things-to-do/mile-high-swinging-bridge/
