The $1.7 million project, paid for through the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, also includes a new road, ample parking and new restroom facilities. The land for the new access is made up of two tracts. The new development is located on a 32.6-acre tract purchased in 2012 with $1.1 million from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, and a 33.3-acre tract adjoining the new access was donated to the park by The Nature Conservancy in 2015.

Bulla Smith Design Engineering, P.A., of Charlotte, designed the project, and Garanco, Inc. of Pilot Mountain was the general contractor.

Grandfather Mountain State Park was established in 2009 and encompasses 2,687 acres of Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry, offering stunning views of the iconic mountain from eight trails ranging from leisurely to rugged and camping at 13 sites.