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Grandfather mountain5/30/2023 The cases contain 62 kinds of minerals (350 specimens in all) including crystals, rubies and the largest emerald ever found in North America. As guests enter the gallery, they encounter the finest collection of North Carolina gems and minerals available on display. Rolland Hower, former Chief of Natural History Exhibits for the Smithsonian Museum. The principal designer of the exhibits was Dr. The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum houses more than two dozen excellent exhibits designed to educate guests about the natural history of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding region. A special aquarium-like viewing area allows you to enjoy watching the playful otters above or below the water. ![]() 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. Viewing areas give visitors an up-close perspective of the animals as they live in the wild. Unlike the exhibits found in zoos that bring in plants and boulders to create an appropriate setting, these enclosures were built around the animals’ natural habitats. Environmental habitats are large enclosures that allow visitors to see animals in natural settings. Observing these animals up close in their native settings it’s easy to imagine what it would be like to meet them in the wild. But what about the more elusive wildlife? It only takes a visit to one of the seven environmental habitats to see cougars, red tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles and river otters. Take a walk on Grandfather Mountain and you’re likely to spot squirrels, songbirds and other forest animals. It is in the backcountry of Grandfather Mountain State Park that you come up against the more challenging hikes. Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle talk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks. Access to the trails from the Swinging Bridge requires the purchase of a ticket to the attraction. Hikers can access the trails inside Grandfather Mountain State Park for free from trailheads outside the attraction. Hiking trails within the attraction are subject to weather-related closings throughout the winter months. Grandfather Mountain’s network of nature walks and trails can take you through gentle forests and meadows or if you choose, through rugged terrain navigated by ladders and cables. Now Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to paint the span. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not need to be repainted. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. In 1999, the bridge was rebuilt using the original towers. The bridge was built and dedicated in 1952 an designed by Charles Hartman, Jr. ![]() Surveys show that the journey to the other side is always considered a highlight of a trip to Grandfather Mountain. The 228 foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. The swinging bridge is now completely wheelchair accessible. Whether you cross it to challenge yourself, for the scenery or to admire this engineering masterpiece, the experience will make your trip to Grandfather complete. The bridge has been in place since 1952, and for just as long it’s excited the thousands who’ve walked across with the thrills of mile-high elevation. A true landmark of a pioneering spirit, the Mile High Swinging Bridge welcomes all visitors to admire 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain.
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