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Grandfather Swinging Bridge, Linn Cove Viaduct: Two Spectacular Sites Celebrate 60th and 25th Anniversaries

Sept. 6, 2012. The 60th anniversary for the Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge and the 25th anniversary for the Blue Ridge Parkway Linn Cove Viaduct celebrations will be Sept. 11, 2012. 

11 a.m.: Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center Open House and 25th Anniversary Celebration

Historic photos will be on display for those who have a personal connection to the building of the Viaduct or for those who want to simply enjoy the beauty of the area. All are invited to stop by the Visitor Center throughout the day.  

Milepost 304, Blue Ridge Parkway

 

12 p.m.:  “Steel and Stone: The Nature Preserved by the Linn Cove Viaduct”

Enjoy a one-hour, strenuous hike through the nature saved by the viaduct, led by Blue Ridge Parkway interpretive ranger. Bring water and good hiking shoes.  

Hike departs from Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center, Milepost 304

 

1 p.m.:  “A Mountain Majesty: At Last, the Missing Link is Complete”

Join in this 30-minute, easy hike under a portion of the Linn Cove Viaduct, led by Blue Ridge Parkway interpretive ranger.  

Hike departs from Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center, Milepost 304

  

2 p.m.:  “60 Years of the Swinging Bridge”

Learn about the bridge’s 60 years in this forty-five minute, guided program led by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Director of Education and Natural Resources Jesse Pope focusing on the Bridge’s history, famous visitors and much more. 

 Top Shop/Swinging Bridge parking lot at Grandfather Mountain

The “Steel and Stone: The Nature Preserved by the Linn Cove Viaduct” hike will be repeated.  

 

3 p.m.: “A Mountain Majesty: At Last, the Missing Link is Complete” hike will be repeated. 

 

3:30 p.m.: Swinging Bridge & Viaduct Anniversary Commemoration

Meet Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Vice President Harris Prevost and Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis.

Top Shop/Swinging Bridge parking lot at Grandfather Mountain

 

4:15 p.m.:  “60 Years of the Swinging Bridge”

This program is a 45-minute, guided program led by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Director of Education and Natural Resources Jesse Pope focusing on the Bridge’s history, famous visitors and much more. 

 Top Shop/Swinging Bridge parking lot at Grandfather Mountain

 

Shuttles will run from 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. from the Black Rock Parking Area to the Top Shop/Swinging Bridge Parking lot at Grandfather Mountain.