A FREE Daily Visitor Guide for the North Carolina Mountains and 50+ NC Mountain Cities: What to do in the NC Mountains: Grandfather Mountain's Habitats

Saturday, February 26, 2011

What to do in the NC Mountains: Grandfather Mountain's Habitats

photo by Monty Combs

As if there weren't already enough reasons why Grandfather Mountain is a "MUST SEE" on any trip to the North Carolina Mountains, there is yet another addition to the wonders of the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Luna, Grandfather Mountain's newest otter in residence, is now on display in the Otter Habitat along with her pal Nottaway. Luna and Nottaway currently have the habitat to themselves until keepers are confident that she is ready to meet Oconee and Santee, long-time favorites at the Otter Habitat. Luna is young and playful and will provide a full range of "otter antics" for visitors. Read more...

Grandfather Mountain is a scenic attraction and recognized nature preserve managed by a nonprofit

stewardship foundation. It offers a variety of activities from the Mile High Swinging Bridge to the Nature Museum to Alpine hiking trails and native wildlife habitats. Special naturalist programs and guided hikes are available throughout the summer months. The recently built Fudge shop provides a homemade sweet treat in an eco-friendly building. And then, of course, there's also the breath taking mountain scenery - as awe inspiring and pristine as you'll find anywhere.

The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on US 221, two miles north of Linville, North Carolina, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. The GPS coordinates are 36.08502N, -81.84646W. (2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville, NC).

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The Blue Ridge Parkway at 469 miles long is the nation's longest scenic rural parkway. Now 70 years old it is administered by the National Park Service and host to approximately 20 million visits annually. It connects the Shenandoah Valley National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Along the route are opportunities for lodging, dining, camping, hiking and simply enjoying breathtaking views from easily accessible overlooks and picnic areas. For additional information visit :The Blueridge Parkway Association

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