Photography and Video Policies

For decades, photographers have flocked to Grandfather Mountain to photograph the spectacular vistas and unique terrain. Please familiarize yourself with our Photography and Video Policy, and contact the Marketing and Communications Team at media@grandfather.com with any questions and requests. If you are writing a feature about us, please see our Media Center for more resources.

Personal Photography and Video Policies

Taking photographs and video while on Grandfather Mountain property is permitted for personal use only. Guests wishing to photograph and video the Mountain must abide by all regular rules and conditions of the park, including but not limited to:

— Refrain from walking on roadways.
— Stay on designated trails and pathways at all times. This includes marked nature trails, habitat pathways and designated pathways at the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
— Do not move, remove or alter the park property or natural landscapes without prior written approval from the Marketing and Communications Team.
— Do not block guest traffic at any time. Do not block pathways (including the Mile High Swinging Bridge), scenic areas or trails.

We invite you to share your images on social media by tagging #GrandfatherMtn and @grandfathermtn. When sharing your location, please note that you are at the Grandfather Mountain attraction and nature park, not Grandfather Mountain State Park.

Aerial Photography and Video

Recreational aerial photography and video of Grandfather Mountain, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, is strictly prohibited. Commercial aerial photography and video is prohibited without consent from our Marketing and Communications Team, available during regular office business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please note that the vast majority of requests are not approved.

Commercial or Portrait Photography and Video

All commercial uses of photography and video taken at Grandfather Mountain are prohibited without written consent from the Marketing and Communications Team. Any company or brand wishing to film or photograph at Grandfather Mountain must receive prior approval.

In addition, engagement, bridal, wedding or any other portrait photography or video sessions are not permitted without written consent from the Marketing and Communications Team. Simply paying park admission and entering the park does not give one permission to conduct a photo or video shoot. Bridge Club annual passes do not entitle holders to conduct photography or video sessions either. This policy also applies for MacRae Meadows.

All requests much be made at least two weeks in advance.

Engagement and Portrait Photography Sessions

From engagement sessions to family portraits, Grandfather Mountain offers a stunning natural setting for professional photography. With panoramic mountain views, peaceful landscapes and some of the High Country’s most recognizable scenery, every session becomes a memorable experience.

Grandfather Mountain locations are available to be booked for engagement and portrait photography sessions before, during and after park hours. (Please note location availability does depend on the time of day and year.) Sessions must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Grandfather Mountain State Park (backcountry trails)

Please note that the Grandfather Mountain State Park has its own procedure for approval of commercial photography or filming. Contact the State Park Superintendent at (828) 963-9522 for information.

Other Guidelines

The image, logos and name of Grandfather Mountain are registered trademarks and cannot be used by outside parties without permission from the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

The Stewardship Foundation reserves the right to charge fees associated with photography and/or film sessions as deemed necessary by our Marketing and Communications Team or to modify our policy based on the nature and required conditions of the requested session.

To obtain consent for a filming or photography project, please email media@grandfather.com or call (828) 733-2013.