LINVILLE, N.C. — Following a two-month closure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Grandfather Mountain is planning a soft reopening this weekend.
The park will be implementing enhanced health and safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and federal, state and local authorities, including moving all ticket sales online and limiting the number of visitors.
Visitors will still be able to enjoy Grandfather Mountain’s popular attractions such as the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the environmental wildlife habitats but a one-way directional system will be used in those areas to help ensure that guests do not come within six feet of each other.
In addition, advanced reservations will also be required. No tickets will be sold at the gate.
Visitors can reserve a date and time of entry online at grandfather.com.
Buildings such as the Nature Museum and Fudge Shop will remain temporarily closed, with public restrooms available at the Woods Walk Picnic Area.
The park’s on-site restaurant, Mildred’s Grill, will offer curbside pickup, allowing guests to dine in their vehicles or at one of the park’s 100-plus picnic sites.
“It’s going to be a different experience for our Grandfather Mountain friends and family — almost like a guided tour, in a sense,” said Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the nature preserve.
“But guests will still be able to share the mountain’s many wonders, and in a quieter, less crowded setting. When we get to Phase 2, there will be more facilities open and more people allowed to come to the park, and the same with Phase 3,” Pope said.
Grandfather Mountain will be open Friday through Sunday and will open again May 22.
The park will be closed May 18-21.
According to park officials, the opening date and new guidelines are subject to change, based on current conditions and federal, state and local regulations. Check grandfather.com for updates and more information.
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