Grandfather Mountain is state's newest park!
Information bprovided by Scott Nicholson
Grandfather Mountain
in North Carolina is officially a state park now, with Friday's passage
of a legislative bill, one of the last steps of a year-long process
that secures the long-term future of the biological treasure.
It
joins 33 other state parks, including Elk Knob State Park in the Meat
Camp community in Watauga County. The Morton family, heirs of the
attraction's founder Hugh Morton, reached the deal while continuing
operation of a portion of the park that has been a popular travel
destination.
The state purchased 2,456 acres of the mountain
last year, and a bill to name it a state park was introduced by N.C.
Rep. Cullie Tarleton (D-93) and Sen. Steve Goss (D-45), among other
regional sponsors. The bill now goes to Gov. Beverly Perdue for her
signature.
An agreement for the state to purchase the
undeveloped, backcountry portion of Grandfather Mountain was announced
by former Gov. Mike Easley in September. Funding for the $12 million
acquisition came from the N.C. Parks and Recreation and Natural Heritage
trust funds, with no additional appropriations needed in a tight budget
year.
State park officials have been meeting with the
Morton family to finalize a management plan for the property and its 12
miles of trails. The 749-acre travel destination and theme park will
remain in operation by the Mortons, though a conservation easement on
the property ensures it will remain much as it is and prevent
residential development. The theme park features a nature center,
wildlife habitats and the famous "Mile High Swinging Bridge."
It
was developed as an attraction by Hugh Morton in the 1950s and lies in
Watauga, Avery and Catawba counties. It reaches nearly 6,000 feet in
altitude.
4 Seasons Vacation Rentals & Sales is convenitently located near Grandfather Mountain. Plan your next vacation here in one of our Ashe County Cabins. Choose one of our pet friendly cabin rentals in NC. Check out the attractions link on our website to find more attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
