LINVILLE, N.C. — People who use wheelchairs and those with other mobility challenges will now be able to experience the popular Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain.
The advancement in visitor access comes with the help of two newly purchased vehicles. One of those vehicles is a shuttle that can take up to 14 people and two wheelchairs.
“This is not just a place for people who can go on a rugged hike,” John Caveny, Grandfather Mountain’s director of conservation and education, said. “We hope by having these new opportunities that we can serve people of all abilities.”
After the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, Grandfather Mountain had record visitation, officials with Grandfather Mountain said. It was then one of a few dozen museums and nature parks to receive a grant from the North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program in 2022, supported by an allocation of federal American Rescue Plan funds.
In 2023, Grandfather Mountain used part of the $144,439 it received to purchase the new shuttle as well as a new utility task vehicle (UTV), which can travel over rough terrain. Now, the park is spreading the word so more people can experience Grandfather Mountain.
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