My girlfriend and I made our second visit to Grandfather Mountain during our Blue Ridge trip. The mountain is privately owned so there is an entry fee, but it's definitely worth visiting at least once. The main attraction, other than the magnificent view, is the mile high swinging bridge. Prior to our first visit, I was under the impression the bridge was literally a mile above the ground. That turned out not to be the case, of course. The elevation is a mile, but there's not that much space between the bridge and the ground. That said, the bridge is still high enough off the ground that some people won't cross it. If you have that whole "I don't like high places" virus, it can be a bit unsettling, especially if the wind is gusting. The reward, though, is a breathtaking view in all directions. I walked out on the rock formations as far as I could go and when I looked over the side of the mountain, there was a flock of vultures soaring below me. That put the elevation in perspective.
