1
Grandfather Mountain State Park
State park
Expansive mountain park with challenging trails, rocky cliffs, scenic views & camping (with permit).
4.80 (6.1K reviews)
(~9.89 km from centre)
2
Grandfather Mountain
Nature preserve
Nature preserve with rugged peaks, alpine hiking trails, a nature museum & backcountry camping.
4.80 (5.8K reviews)
(~8.4 km from centre)
3
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Tourist attraction
Built in 1952, this mile-high pedestrian bridge offers sweeping views of Grandfather Mountain.
4.80 (3.2K reviews)
(~8.39 km from centre)
4
Beacon Heights Overlook Trail
Hiking area
👍👍 Stay on the trail to the very end. There is an overlook that’s worth seeing before you reach the end, but the best sunrise spot is all the way back. Amazing sunrise spot. We had breakfast and watched the sunrise. It’s a short hike with parking right at the trailhead.
4.90 (456 reviews)
(~8.52 km from centre)
5
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Tourist attraction
👍 So much fun!!! This was probably the best part of our weekend trip. No line when we went. Very friendly staff. Only complaint is you can't divide up the bundle 3 packs. My daughter needed an adult to ride so we got an adult 3 pack and kid 3 pack and figured my husband would go 2x with her and I'd ge...
4.70 (1.8K reviews)
(~9.39 km from centre)
6
The Pineola
Hotel
Country motel featuring basic rooms with a homey feel & rustic log cabins with kitchens.
4.70 (874 reviews)
(~5.85 km from centre)
7
Flat Rock Loop Trail
Hiking area
👍👍 Great trail, especially for families. The trail isn't very difficult or very long, but there's some great views at the top. If you're looking for a quick hike with some great views for your effort, definitely check this trail out.
4.90 (220 reviews)
(~6.58 km from centre)
8
Kaye's By The River
American restaurant
👍👍 Delicious food with a unique dinner menu each day. Not a bad meal yet.
$$ $$
4.60 (911 reviews)
(~0.89 km from centre)
9
MacRae Meadows
Tourist attraction
👍 The Highlands Games at Grandfather Mountain NC is definitely worth it if you are visiting NC. After the battle of Culloden many scots immigrated to the US, a big amount in the state of North Carolina. The Festival is filled with booths that gives visitors a glimpse of the rich history of all these...
4.80 (266 reviews)
(~6.71 km from centre)
11
Waterfalls Park
City park
👍👍 We stopped on our drive to the Airport to stretch our legs and so glad we did! It was a nice walk/hike down to the falls, with the trail being very doable (gravel) but be careful at the end there are rocks and steep steps to navigate to actually get to the falls area, for those with mobility issues....
4.60 (518 reviews)
(~2.67 km from centre)
12
Grandfather Mountain Overlook
Scenic spot
👍👍 Grandfathers Mountian due to the high winds we did not get to go. They was having 70 to 80 mph winds at the top of the mountain, the reason we wanted to go was to see the mile high bridge. If you look closely at the last two you can see it in the pictures.
4.80 (214 reviews)
(~7.31 km from centre)
13
Lowes Foods of Banner Elk
Grocery store
Supermarket chain known for chicken prepared on-site, plus pantry staples, produce, bakery & more.
$$ $$
4.50 (1.6K reviews)
(~9.06 km from centre)
15
Food Lion
Grocery store
👍 Nice, well-stocked, clean. Typical Food Lion, much like the one we use back home. Horrible location; a left hand turn out of the parking lot is an exercise in faith, as the shopping center entrance (only one) is situated on a blind curve with a downhill grade.
$$ $$
4.50 (1K reviews)
(~8.99 km from centre)
16
The Tin Trout
Restaurant
👍👍 Not from the area, stopped by for lunch on the recommendation of a local. Very small unassuming place. Had driven by it a couple times and didn't even notice it. Glad some one told us to go. Food was excellent. My husband had the salmon which he said was cooked perfectly. I had the Pot Roast which w...
4.70 (259 reviews)
(~6.4 km from centre)
17
Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co.
Coffee shop
👍👍 Nice spot right next to grandfather mountain. Well designed and quality drip. Had a variety of other stuff too. Plenty of cozy seating. Outside the shop was a little plain but inside was awesome.
$ $$$
4.60 (395 reviews)
(~8.97 km from centre)
18
Puerto Nuevo
Mexican restaurant
👍👍 Love this place. It’s great service and awesome food. Highly recommend this place. You won’t regret it. Parking can be tricky but we had a great experience. We will be back.
Edit: Another great meal. Great service too.
Edit: Another great meal. However I ordered a fajita (steak) and it came out on...
$ $$$
4.50 (692 reviews)
(~1.18 km from centre)
19
Fred & Larry's Coffee
Coffee shop
😠 The place is beautiful lovely atmosphere. BUT I ordered a drip coffee as they have it on the menu unfortunately it wasn't , the lady did a shot and added water. When I approached her about it she denied it and try to convince me that it was drip coffee. So long story short if you want drip coffee or...
$$ $$
4.50 (440 reviews)
(~8.87 km from centre)
20
Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate
Nature preserve
👍 I’ve been visiting for years, but went the other day with family for the first time since Covid. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because I think it is overpriced. I would go more often if it was more affordable. The mile high swinging bridge is amazing with breathtaking views. I also love t...
4.50 (409 reviews)
(~6.96 km from centre)