http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/3630856/

Linville, N.C. — The state government plans to buy Grandfather Mountain and preserve the private park and popular tourist attraction against development.

North Carolina will gain ownership of the nearly 6,000-foot mountain and its surrounding 2,600 surrounding acres in Avery, Watauga and Caldwell counties, said Jack Morton, a board member of Grandfather Mount Inc. The deal, to be announced Monday, will cost about $12 million.

Thanks to Ron Gleason