(Click on photos to enlarge.)
The drive up to the mountain this time of year is colorful!
There are a lot of animals and varieties of birds at Grandfather Mountain.
Not exactly something you want staring back at you through the bushes!
The drive up to the swinging bridge offers spectacular views
of the Smoky Mountains.
This is called Sphinx Rock because supposedly it looks like a Sphinx.
It doesn't look anything like a Sphinx to me - more like a messed-up gargoyle.
This is called Split Rock - for obvious reasons.
A cute little varmint.
I don't know where this otter came from!
The drive up to the Swinging Bridge (visitor center is at the top).
This is the Swinging Bridge. Apparently, there is
nothing holding it up but cables.
Walking on it is a little scary, because it does swing!
Those people are crazy to walk up there!
The view from the bridge is amazing.
There is a hiking trail under the bridge.
It was a very rugged trail despite being called "moderate".
It was a very rugged trail despite being called "moderate".
You could look up at the bridge on the hiking trail.
This thing is all that is holding the bridge up!
(I wouldn't have walked on the bridge had I known that!)
Views from up and down the mountain.
Great spot for a picnic!
Same meal, different day.
Forget those great views and fresh air - THIS
was what I was looking for!
