New vehicles assist more people to explore Grandfather Mountain

The state used a portion of federal pandemic relief funds to purchase a wheel-chair accessible van and all-terrain vehicle that means more North Carolinians and visitors can enjoy the view from Grandfather Mountain's Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Two vehicles now allow those in wheelchairs or with other mobility limitations to tour the mountain.

A single shuttle can accommodate up to 14 people and two wheelchairs, which means private groups or school groups can travel the entire mountain together.

An all-terrain vehicle allows those with mobility issues to reach more places on the mountain than ever before.

“This is not just a place for people who can go on a rugged hike,” says John Caveny, Grandfather Mountain’s director of conservation and education. “We hope by having these new opportunities that we can serve people of all abilities.”

Like other outdoor escapes, Grandfather Mountain experienced record visitation after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“Because of COVID, people realized the outdoors were hugely important in their lives,” says Margaret Thiele, Grandfather Mountain’s vice president of development.  

In 2022, it was one of 55 museums and nature parks to receive a special grant from the North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program, funded by a state allocation of federal American Rescue Plan funds. Grandfather Mountain received $144,439, which contributed to the purchase of the accessible shuttle and UTV in 2023.