Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is one of the tallest mountains in the Blue Ridge and the only private park in the world that is designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. It serves as environmental habitats for native wildlife, including black bears, bear cubs, river otters, cougars, eagles and deer. Located in Linville, N.C., the mountain also maintains a nature museum that features a theater that shows nature movies made on the mountain, as well as operates a restaurant and a gift shop. Grandfather Mountain organizes a variety of special activities and programs with the mountain's naturalists during the summer months, as well as administers several guided tours and hikes.