Overlooking the fairgrounds is Grandfather Mountain, which is a well maintained state park. There are several hiking trails and a small wildlife exhibit, plenty of picnic areas and an interpretive visitors' center. The highlight is a very high, cable-strung, swinging, steel pedestrian bridge that spans a very deep gorge.

On the day that I decided to go, there wasn't much to be seen. I thought it was about to clear up just before I left, but people say the weather changes constantly here.

Here is a new visitors' center under construction at the summit. From just across the parking lot, it was shrouded in mist.



The first view of the bridge, emerging from the mist.



Halfway across, overlooking the gorge:



Some scenes on the other side:









On a clear day, I suppose you could see forever.

More to come...