Boulder Club

Very large boulder located just slightly southwest of Linville Bluffs.

This boulder is the highest rock at Cliffside Overlook, the original terminus of the road. From here, past visitors would hike up to the higher peaks of Grandfather Mountain. From the top of this boulder, you can enjoy nearly 360 degree views of the surrounding region.

This boulder is one of the largest boulders at Cliffside Overlook, the original terminus of the park road. This area is a great place have a picnic. Views to the east look to Grandmother Mountain and the peaks on the rim of the Linville Gorge, the closest congressionally designated wilderness area to Grandfather Mountain.

This boulder is nestled in the vegetation at Cliffside Overlook. It has an interesting diversity of plants beside it. Huckleberries, Blue Ridge Goldenrod and Silverling are found alongside this boulder.

Low cluster of boulders located under the nice Red Spruce (the Burton Tree) on the right side of the parking lot at Cliffside.

Very large boulder at Cliffside Overlook. Located on the left side, looking out onto Linville. This was the original location of the Top Shop.

Very large boulder in the Elk Habitat located near the Elk Barn.

This unique cluster of boulders, with multiple cracks and fractures is a favorite of visitors. It lies just beneath Linville Peak and provides an incredible vantage point to peaks in the High Country, including Mount Mitchell.

This petite boulder has a unique feature. This hole likely started as a weathering pit; these pits are formed from the erosive power of wind and water swirling sediments around an area to form a circular indention in the rock.

This large round boulder is located near the top of the Bridge Trail below the Swinging Bridge. It serves as a great resting stop and reflection point for park visitors. The Mile High Swinging Bridge was originally placed across the gorge below in 1952.

This boulder is located near the top of the Bridge Trail under the Mile High Swinging Bridge. American Mountain Ash, a common tree of the high elevations of Grandfather Mountain, is found nearby this boulder. The tree produces an abundance of red berries for wildlife in the fall.

This elongated boulder near the summit of Linville Peak is a great vantage point to areas on the eastern side of Grandfather Mountain. Points of interest here include the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pisgah National Forest and on the clearest days, the skyline of Charlotte, NC.

This boulder is the gateway boulder to the Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats. School groups often visit the animal habitats to learn about the park’s native wildlife.

On July 13, 1974, John Harris became the first man to fly a hang glider off Grandfather Mountain. The 1500-foot flight was described in The State magazine this way: For a few glorious moments, Harris soared free of the earth, sailing effortlessly over the valley, with nothing but the mountain winds and a single wing to keep him aloft.

This large block-shaped boulder, presumably was once connected to Morton Peak. It is currently resting on the western slope and prominently visible from the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Morton Peak was formerly known as Second Peak is located north of Linville Peak. It is roughly twenty feet higher than Linville Peak. It is named in honor of the Morton family, the founders of the park. This family has worked tirelessly to create the nature park and preserve the unique plants and animals found on the mountain.

This boulder, located in the lower bear habitat, was once a popular location for Mr. Morton, who photographed bears with park visitors. As a park policy, we no longer enter the bear habitats.

Collection of 4 boulders at Cliffside Overlook. Located on the right of the parking lot, directly behind and up the hill from waste container, on the right, prior to the picnic table.

This massive boulder is located just off of the Swinging Bridge parking area. High elevation rocky outcroppings provide habitat for rare and endangered plants and animals including Blue Ridge Goldenrod.

This rectangular boulder is located on the west end of the Swinging Bridge parking lot. Some of the highest winds in the state funnel through this parking lot, especially in the winter.

Writer’s Block is located at the foot of the famous Anvil Rock cabin. The cabin was a month-long residence for the late author Charles Kuralt. Kuralt used this location to write Charles Kuralt’s America. This historic cabin has been a retreat for special guests to Grandfather Mountain. The western wall of the building is the Anvil Rock boulder.

This boulder is located just above the North American River Otter Habitat. A park amphitheater which hosted bear programs was once situated at the base of this rock. Today it forms a boundary to the River Otter habitat area.