Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has installed free, ADA-accessible viewfinders. Two are placed at Half Moon Overlook, and two are near the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
These special viewfinders allow people with color blindness to see and experience the natural world in a whole new way through EnChroma’s patented lens technology. EnChroma’s lens format and filter design are modified for the viewfinders’ high-power zoom optics, creating a vibrant scene for those who are color blind. Colorblind individuals may only see about 10% of the hues and shades that color-sighted individuals do, so these viewfinders provide a vibrant opportunity for all.
Unlike the previous viewfinders on the mountain, the new additions are available at no cost to guests.
Funds that aided in the purchase of the viewfinders were provided through the N.C. Science Museums Grant Program, which is a program of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and is one of the ways the state of North Carolina invests in sustaining and advancing one of the most diverse and widespread networks of science museums in the country.
“Our staff has worked hard behind the scenes to identify changes we can make to increase accessibility on the mountain,” said Tommy Oakley, vice president of operations for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “Now, many more guests can enjoy our viewfinders for free as we continue to strive for more accessible features.”
These viewfinders were installed shortly after Grandfather Mountain was awarded a 2026 Best of the Blue Ridge award by Blue Ridge Outdoors for accessible outdoor experiences.
Accessibility at Grandfather
In addition to these viewfinders, accessibility has been a goal for Grandfather Mountain since its start as a tourist attraction.
When Hugh Morton, the late founder of Grandfather Mountain, inherited the mountain in 1952, he aspired to make one of the East Coast’s most rugged mountains available to everyone.
Part of his vision of the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which connects two of the mountain’s prominent peaks, came from the desire to give his grandmother access to the lofty heights and the unique vantage point they provide. Knowing that she and others would not be able to hike or climb to these magnificent views, he created another way to provide those with limited mobility with this opportunity. Since 2010, the Top Shop has provided elevator access to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, making the span truly accessible.
Aside from the iconic bridge, both the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and the new Yonni’s Clubhouse are fully wheelchair accessible and allow space for folks of all ages and abilities to learn about the wonders of the mountain.
Most special events and behind-the-scenes experiences on the mountain are accessible as well thanks to the mountain’s ADA-compliant shuttle, which has spaces for two wheelchair-bound passengers and a 1,000-pound Braun Lift, and utility terrain vehicle (UTV).
Additionally, Grandfather Mountain welcomes guests with disabilities who choose to bring their trained service animal to the park. While pets are not allowed inside buildings or habitats, service animals and service animals in training are permitted in these areas.
Learn more about accessibility at Grandfather Mountain.