

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Field Trip: Linville Caverns and Grandfather Mountain
- **Event Start and End Date**: Mon, 25 May, 2026 at 09:00 am (-04:00)
- **Event Description**: Field Trip to Linville Caverns and Grandfather Mountain
5/25/2026
Linville Caverns opens at 9am
Grandfather Mountain opens up at 8am

Linville Caverns
19929 US 221 North
Marion, NC 28752
828-756-4141

Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC 28646
1-800-468-7325

Linville Caverns Costs:
$14 Adults (13-61)
$13 Seniors (62+)
$12 Children (5-12)
Children under 5 years of age are admitted free with adult/senior admission.

Costs for Grandfather Mountain:
$28 Adult (13-59)
$26 Senior (60 &amp; over)
$12 Child (ages 4-12)
$26 AAA Adult (must be purchased online)
$11 AAA Child (must be purchased online)
$25 Military Adult (must be purchased online)
$11 Military Child (must be purchased online)

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Linville Caverns Information
Located at the southern gateway to western NC's High Country region, Linville Caverns is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.  The beauty of our mountains is echoed within Humpback Mountain and visitors are invited to explore the splendor and wonders nature created "inside a mountain".
For centuries, the marvels of Linville Caverns were unknown to man.  In the early 1800's a fishing expedition headed by Henry E. Colton, of eastern NC, were astounded to see fish swimming in and out of what appeared to be rather solid rock.  A small opening in the mountainous terrain allowed them to enter the subterranean recess that is still home to native trout in an underground stream.  Colton, who later served as the state geologist of Tennessee, wrote of his exploration in an 1858 issue of NC Presbyterian, "...now began the wondrous splendors of the hidden world...we emerged into an immense passage, whose roof was far beyond the reach of the glare of our torches, except where the fantastic festoons of stalactites hang down within our touch.  It looked like the arch of some grand old cathedral, yet it was too sublime, too perfect in all its beautiful proportions, to be anything of human, but a model which man might attempt to imitate.  It was not a large, gross cavern,...pendants were of a delicate lightness, and a most beautiful hue..." 
Linville Caverns was opened for public touring in 1937.  Since that time many upgrades to the pathways and lighting system have enhanced the safe touring experience that now exists.  Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature.  We invite you to visit often and experience the beauty of these age-old mountains from the inside!
Guided tours leave every 10 minutes. Tours are limited to 15 people total, including underage children.  We recommend you arrive early in the day to purchase tickets for the next available tour.  You can also purchase tickets for a later time, leave the grounds, &amp; then return 15 mins. before your tour time.  We operate first come first served.  There is no internet access on site &amp; we cannot take reservations or phone sales.  

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Grandfather Mountain Information
Whether you have a full day or a few hours, find a variety of things to do during your visit at Grandfather Mountain nature park – most included in your admission. 

Mile High Swinging Bridge
One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.
The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.
Accessibility
Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.
Tickets &amp; Hours
Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park.

Hiking &amp; Walking Trails
Explore trails for all fitness levels on Grandfather Mountain. Our network of nature walks and trails take you through gentle forests and meadows or atop rugged peaks accessed by ladders and cables. Either way, experience wildlife and breathtaking views for which Grandfather is famous.
Grandfather is part of the United Nation’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Our forests are typical of Canadian climates and home to 16 distinct natural ecosystems. The mountain is home to 73 rare or endangered species, including 32 that are globally imperiled. Visit our Wilson Center for Nature Discovery for more or attend of our free daily programs.

Easy / Moderate Hikes: Perfect for Families
Find several shorter nature excursions accessed from the road to the summit. These trails allow you to get out in nature without requiring a long and strenuous commitment. Click on the name for each for a detailed guide.
-Woods Walk: Looping from a picnic area near the entrance gate, it’s perfect for an easy woodlands stroll. 0.4 mile
-Bridge Trail: Begins at the Black Rock Parking Area and ends by the Top Shop at the -----Mile High Swinging Bridge. 0.4 mile each way
-Black Rock Trail: Very scenic trail that begins at the Black Rock Parking Area and ends with scenic views from atop a rock outcropping. 1 mile each way
-Grandfather Loop: Create a 1.5-mile loop hike by connecting several trails above 5,000 ft.
-Mile High Swinging Bridge: From the top parking area, take a few flights of steps or ride the elevator to a short path. For the more adventurous, continue out on the rock cliffs for spectacular views atop Linville Peak.

Technical / Strenuous Hike: Grandfather Trail along Crest
-Grandfather Trail: This 2.4-mile challenging trek is for experienced hikers, since there are areas of rocky cliffs where progress is hand-over-hand, with cables and ladders. Climb across rugged peaks of Grandfather, including our highest point at Calloway Peak at 5,946 feet.

Wildlife Habitats
Visit to our environmental habitats to see cougars (which no longer live in the wild on Grandfather Mountain), black bears, bald eagles, river otters and elk. Observing these animals up close in their native settings, it’s easy to imagine what it would be like to come face-to-face in the wild. They are located adjacent to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.
Environmental habitats are large enclosures that allow visitors to see animals in natural settings. Viewing areas give you an up-close perspective of the animals as they live in the wild. Separated from the animals by moats or elevated above the habitats on large retaining walls, these viewing areas allow you to stand only a few feet away from animals you probably wouldn’t see in your everyday life. A special aquarium-like viewing area allows you to enjoy watching the playful otters above or below the water.

Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is located about halfway up the mountain, adjacent to the Wildlife Habitats. It doubles the size of the original Nature Museum with more than a dozen new state-of-the-art interactive exhibits to explore the natural history, flora, fauna, geology and weather of the mountain. The center is thoughtfully designed to make the most of Grandfather’s natural surroundings, using moveable walls and large banks of windows to bring the great outdoors inside. Admission is included in your entrance ticket.

Take a Tour of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery:
-Paul &amp; Susie O’Connell Exhibit Hall: Experience the 16 natural communities that comprise Grandfather Mountain with 12 interactive exhibits.
-Flora Wall: Learn about our mind-boggling variety of plants on Grandfather with an interactive display.
-Tree Stories and Timeline: See how the park and the world have changed around a single growing tree.
-Migration Mapping and the World of Birds: Follow the extraordinary migration patterns throughout the park.
-Extremes and Weather: Use interactive elements to sample our extreme weather, and a well-known meteorologist guide budding climate scientists.
-Shadow Play: Step behind the frosted glass façade with a silhouette shape of your favorite animal, bird, bat or butterfly.
-Fauna Wall: Explore the diverse species on Grandfather with this interactive wall with bird sculptures and animal imagery.
-Interactive 3D Map: Use projection mapping and touchscreens to see how habitats change as elevation increases and where certain animals are found.
-Panoramic Viewing Towers: Enjoy outdoor views no matter the weather with views from around the mountain.
-Mineral Cave: Get an up-close view of minerals with built-in magnifying glasses.
-Mildred’s Grill: Take a break with lunch with hot, tasty food at reasonable prices.
-Sunroom: Find flexible seating for groups up to 50 people adjacent to Mildred’s Grill.
-Grand Deck &amp; Patio: Gather outdoors by Mildred’s Grill for picnics and bird watching.
-Gift Shop: Take home the perfect souvenir, artisan crafts, hiking gear and even animal art.
Outside the Wilson Center
-Williams Outdoor Learning Space: Gather families and groups here to listen to a naturalist presentation in the amphitheater or a picnic in the pavilion.
-Cobey Botanical Garden: Stroll the walkways and open spaces filled with native botanicals – including the pollinator garden.
-Pollinator Garden: See bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds and more visiting a variety of flowers that provide nectar or pollen. (Peak bloom is summer to early fall.)

Top Shop
The Top Shop is proudly situated at the pinnacle of the Grandfather Mountain attraction. Not only does the Top Shop provide access to the Mile High Swinging Bridge via its elevator, but it is also home to a gift shop and a photo exhibition of the life and work of Grandfather Mountain’s founder, Hugh Morton.
Constructed in 1961 and rebuilt in 2010, the 6,220-square-foot Top Shop was designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the mountain’s lofty elevation, including winds in excess of 130 miles per hour and frequent sub-freezing temperatures during the winter.
One of the unique qualities of the building that guests tend to notice first are its sloped roofs, which were designed to protect the building from the prevailing northwestern winds, and the way it appears to blend in with its rocky surroundings. This is due to the fact that the building was constructed with “Grandfather Stone” or stone that was originally quarried from the mountain itself and later reused when the building was reconstructed.

Mildred’s Grill
Enjoy casual dining in high style at Mildred’s Grill inside the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery – adjacent to the Wildlife Habitats. It’s just the spot to dine outdoors on the deck or watch the birds seek their seeds just outside our large picture windows.
This 140-seat restaurant serves hot, tasty food at reasonable prices. Order at the counter and your order will be freshly prepared. Currently the grill is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you can order snacks and drinks until 5 p.m. It’s name for Mildred the Bear!
Favorites include the loaded Mile High Burger, grand dogs, chicken wraps, garden salads, turkey and cheese sandwich, buffalo chicken salad and vegetable beef soup. Kid’s menu includes chicken strips and hot dogs. Sandwich combos include fries and a drink. Don’t forget the ice cream, slice of pie, apple cider and cookies!
Take home some of our homemade fudge, available in seasonal flavors and year-round favorites. Also, call 828-733-1058 to place an order for pickup or shipment.

Picnics on Grandfather
Find more than 100 picnic tables in scenic locations throughout the park. Grab-and-go items at Mildred’s Grill are perfect for picniking: sandwiches, wraps, chips, salads and more, or get any regular menu item “to-go”. 

Daily Programs
During your visit, attend one of our Daily Programs in April-October presented by our animal habitat curators and park educators. These fascinating interpretive programs throughout the park are included in your admission ticket.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/linville-falls/field-trip-linville-caverns-and-grandfather-mountain/200029493371630
- **Event Categories**: trips-adventures, trekking, business, exhibitions, art, sports, photography, dog
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 8

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: http://facebook.com/200029493371630?utm_source=AllEvents.in&utm_medium=event-discovery-platform&utm_campaign=linville+falls-events

## Event venue details

- **city**: Linville Falls
- **state**: NC
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Linville Caverns
- **lat**: 35.919095919405
- **long**: -81.938552618955
- **full address**: Linville Caverns, 19933 US-221, Marion, NC 28752-9301, United States, Linville Falls

## Event gallery

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## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Mon, 25 May, 2026 at 09:00 am (-04:00)
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** Linville Caverns, 19933 US-221, Marion, NC 28752-9301, United States, Linville Falls
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** trips-adventures, trekking, business, exhibitions, art, sports, photography, dog
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about Field Trip: Linville Caverns and Grandfather Mountain ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

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