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I
first saw a brochure for this attraction when I visited the Asheville
area in December, 2001. I really wanted to see that "mile-high
swinging bridge," but at that time temps were in the 20's with
50 mph winds on the bridge, so common sense prevailed (and besides
that it was closed). I always had it in the back of my mind to return
when I could really explore here. It took 6 years, but my plan finally
came together!
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Grandfather
Mountain
2050
Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC 28646
(800) 468-7325 - Office
(828) 733-4337 - Gate
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It should
come as no surprise that the exaggeration about the bridge's spanned
depth started with a politician. The governor who dedicated its
opening in 1952 coined the phrase "Mile-High Swinging Bridge."
Will you see straight down a mile when gazing giddily down from
the center of the bridge? Nope - but the 80 feet down you do see
is plenty daunting, anyway. And is the bridge actually a swinger?
Not really anymore. Since the opening, they attached cables that
tether the bridge to the ground below. The mile-high claim can be
supported if measured from sea level, though, and even if not free-swinging,
it still sways a bit which gives that twinge of fear as you wonder
what would happen if it snapped just at the moment you were halfway
over.
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So it's still a thrill to walk across and millions have done so
marveling at the experience and the views. And thousands have chickened
out after walking up the 50 steps it takes to get to the foot of
the bridge. They actually did a survey of 10,000 visitors and found
that 30% of women and 12.7% of men reach this point and refuse to
cross. I also got a kick out of hearing why the sign cautioning
a load limit of 40 people was placed. It seems people would hold
back at the start if one or two people were already on the bridge.
Actually, the bridge could hold 500 people with no problem. But
Mr. Morton (owner of the property) figured no more than 40 people
would be on the bridge at any one time and if they would count and
see they were safe, it would help the traffic across the bridge.
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Here's what waits on the other side. If you trust your balance, you
can walk out on the cliffs like these brave souls and witness these
magnificent views. I guess I'm not as foolhardy as I used to be because
I just went a little ways before I decided I was not as steady on
my feet on the rocks as I should have been. I wished I had brought
along my trusty walking stick, but I left it behind thinking I wouldn't
need it just for the walk across the bridge. |
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about hairpin S curves! This is why they don't allow anything longer
than 28' up the summit road. So get settled in a campground and take
your tow vehicle up to explore this beautiful NC High Country attraction. |
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While the bridge and the expansive views were the big attractions
for me, the animal sanctuary was definitely an added bonus. I passed
by this cougar's domain a couple of times before he graced us with
his company. He was well worth the wait - what a powerful creature!
You can also visit bald and golden eagles, playful otters and graceful
deer on relatively easy paths located next to the museum. There's
an 80-seat restaurant in the museum to rest and revive yourself
here.
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But
the show stealer in the animal section is definitely Dakota da black
bear. There were three others here sitting up at attention when
people started tossing food that you can buy from a booth here.
The helper said Dakota was notorious for hamming it up which made
people throw more to her. She also was obnoxious about running off
the other more fraidy cat bears. So as the helper was ignoring Dakota
and trying to get food to the others, Dakota threw herself fully
prone on the ground, stretched out both hands and feet as if determined
to get something one way or another. It was one of the funniest
things I've ever seen - and despite knowing I was being duped by
a ham, I couldn't resist throwing her more food to reward such a
show!
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Entrance
located on US 221, two miles north of Linville, NC, and one
mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. 19 miles
from Boone; 70 miles from Asheville.
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Click
arrow to return to the Parkway
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