Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina

I was scared to death in this picture!

When you're from Florida, going to North Carolina is almost a Holy pilgrimage.They have everything we don't, namely big mountains, fresh air, autumn leaves and snow. But when we went, it was summer. Despite missing out on the leaves and snow, we got the best fresh air and mountain views from Grandfather Mountain.

The main attraction at Grandfather Mountain Nature Park is the Swinging Bridge. It's a narrow footbridge that sways when you walk over it. And at a 228 feet long and an 80 foot drop, it's definitely a scary thing to cross if you have a fear of heights like I do. I was able to walk all the way across but went right back as to get the trauma over with as soon as possible.

If you're brave enough to stay on the other side like my daughter did, you can climb to the top of Linville Peak. At 5,305 feet, the views are spectacular.

Linville Peak is beautiful, but I'll stay on the other side and take pictures!
That's my daughter with her hands up in the air.

They just don't have views like this in Florida!

But the journey doesn't begin on Grandfather Mountain itself. On the way up, the scenery is just gorgeous. Below is a typical view from the drive up. And thankfully there are tons of places to pull off and take pictures or just admire the view.

Fiddlehead Ferns growing in the rocks is another beauty of the area.

Grandfather Mountain Drive also has two very famous "rocks" that you can stop and see. My idea of a rock is something I can hold in my hand, but when you're in North Carolina, you stand next to them and take your picture. Two such rocks are Split Rock and Sphynx Rock.

At first glance, it almost looks like there's something wrong with the picture.

Sphynx Rock is named because it resembles a Sphynx, although it's not quite as impressive, but at just 20 feet away, it's definitely worth a photo stop.

Sphynx Rock is quite majestic.

You have to be in fairly good shape to make this trek. Below a view from the parking lot to get to the trail that leads to the Swinging Bridge

In addition to a convenient handicapped parking spot, there is an elevator
that you can use to get up to the trail.

The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is another fun and educational place to visit while you're there.

Charlotte next to a giant tree burl that grew nearby. Just one of many interesting exhibits!

Lastly, my favorite picture from this trip is below. It so fully captures all that is North Carolina to someone who is from Florida.

Charlotte in her element.

If you go, you'll want to Google the current conditions and amenities. Things change from year to year, but the mountains and fresh air will definitely still be there!