Grandfather Mountain becomes newest state park

Gov. Beverly Perdue has signed legislation that allows Grandfather Mountain to become North Carolina's newest state park. Perdue's signature recently finalized an agreement to create Grandfather Mountain State Park and protect its nearly 2,500 undeveloped acres. The heirs of company founder Hugh Morton will continue operating the Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction, including its nature center and "mile-high" swinging bridge. The state also will gain a conservation easement on 749 acres of the property. The state parks system is coordinating an interim management plan with the Morton family for the backcountry property and its 12 miles of trails. The property lies in Watauga, Avery and Caldwell counties, and contains the headwaters of both the Watauga and Linville rivers.