Grandfather Mountain Annual Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble

June 1 - 12, 2016   Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble at Grandfather Mountain   Enjoy this special

photo courtesy of www.exploreboone.com

program designed to help visitors get the most out of the memorable sight of Catawba rhododendron blooming up the mountain's slopes in early summer.

Staff naturalists offer programs and guided walks daily at 1 PM. All events are included in the price of admission

Grandfather Mountain  is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. Grandfather Mountain inspires awe through an abundance of natural wonders. Today it is  designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve and protected forever by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, there is nowhere else on Earth that you can enjoy such a variety of mountain life in one amazing place.

Grandfather Mountain is located off Highway between Blowing Rock NC and Linville NC. 

Last Chance to Participate in the Grandfather Mountain Attraction Sustainability Survey

Attraction Sustainability Survey, a project of the Center for Sustainability at East Carolina University in partnership with Grandfather Mountain.

If you have not yet completed the brief survey, there is still time. As a reminder, one respondent will be selected to receive four complimentary admission tickets to Grandfather Mountain.

This survey is being conducted to learn about how visitors select attractions to visit and if being a green attraction plays a role in that choice. The survey can be accessed at the link provided below.

Please give a few minutes of your time to share your opinions. Your opinions will provide Grandfather Mountain with valuable information to help in sustaining this incredible NC Park.

CLICK HERE to take the survey 

Grandfather Mountain Offers "Secret Season" Passes

As the last of autumn’s leaves drop from the trees and fall leaf lookers retreat back to warmer climates, winter’s chill sweeps through the High Country and paves the way for a "Secret Season" on  Grandfather mountain .

Grandfather offers "Secret Season" passes good any time from November 1 through April 30, to experience the wonder of the mountain during the winter at a very affordable price.

The price of an adult pass is $32, which means the pass holder can visit every day for six months at a price less than the cost of two adult tickets. An individual pass for a child between the ages of four and twelve years old, is $18 each. The group pass (good for six people traveling in the same vehicle) sells for $90 and pays for itself on the first visit.

Secret Season passes go on sale November 1 at the Grandfather Mountain entrance gate and are valid until April 30. Winter hours, weather permitting, are 9 AM to 5 PM. The park is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

Grandfather Mountain is a magical place when rime ice covers the surrounding peaks. Opening is delayed until all roads and paths can be cleared of snow and ice, but a phone call to the entrance at 828-733-4337 can confirm the day’s conditions and set the stage for a memorable outing for the entire family.

Learn more about Grandfather Mountain on the NC Parks Guide.

Grandfather Mountain Habitat has a New Eagle

Sitka, a new female bald eagle arrived at Grandfather Mountain on October 16 2013, and was introduced to Griffin, the male bald eagle that has been living in the habitat since May 2013. The female eagle came from the Alaska Raptor Center and has been named after the town where the center is located, Sitka. 

Sitka had suffered an injury to her right wing before arriving at the Alaska Raptor Center and was deemed unable to survive in the wild. Before Sitka was released into the habitat at Grandfather Mountain she received a medical check from Lee Bolt, DVM of Sweeten Creek Animal and Bird Hospital in Asheville, NC, and was found to be very healthy. Sitka's exact age is not known but darker feathers on her head may indicate that she is around five years old.

Sitka’s introduction to the eagle habitat and to Griffin is going very well. As expected the raptor is showing some signs of stress and anxiety but overall the habitat staff members and Dr. Bolt couldn’t ask for a better transition. The two eagles have been observed flying to sit on the same perch with each other...Read more

Grandfather mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet.  The Mile High Swinging Bridge gives visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Grandfather Mountain is a Nature Lovers' favorite offering Wildlife habitats, Nature Walks and Trails, Nature Programs, and a Nature Museum.  The complex natural terrain includes 16 different classifications of natural communities with backcountry trails providing access to all.

Grandfather Mountain Creatures of the Night and Bonfire

October 5   Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight at Grandfather Mountain   Families will enjoy this rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain after dark. Get your Halloween juices flowing while listening to scary stories told by firelight and keep a tight hold on your loved ones' hand as you set off on a rare after-dark tour of the Mountain that includes a nocturnal animal prowl. Must be age 8 or older.  

There is an additional cost and Reservations are required: 828-733-8715.

Grandfather Mountain is located just off US 221 between Blowing Rock and Linville NC and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305.  The street address is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646. The GPS coordinates are 36.08502N, -81.84646W. The road to the summit is referred to as Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road, Linville, NC.

Naturalist Weekend at Grandfather Mountain

May 17-19   Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend   This year's special weekend at Grandfather Mountain  includes a Naturalist's Nightwalk at 7:30 PM on Friday. A fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain.

All programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist’s Weekend are included in the price of admission. Those who plan to attend for both Saturday and Sunday should keep to their receipt on Saturday and present that for discount admission on Sunday. 

Name the New Eagles at Grandfather Mountain

April 5, 2013 - Grandfather Mountain has announced two new additions to the Grandfather Mountain Animal Habitats: two bald eagles.  The currently unnamed raptors will be christening a brand new eagle habitat, slated for completion in the coming weeks, and are the subject a naming contest.

The two bald eagles are a pair of male and female birds acquired from the Nebraska Raptor Recovery Center.  Both animals were injured in the wild and deemed unfit for release because of their inability to hunt and survive on their own.

An online naming competition kicked off April 5 in which the public can submit name ideas for the two eagles along with a one-dollar donation online.  Submissions will be due by April 22. Habitat staff will select the two winning names and the winners will receive a pass for four to Grandfather Mountain as well as a complimentary Behind the Scenes Tour for their group.  The new names will be announced in late April when the Eagles move into the new eagle habitat.

Learn more about Grandfather Mountain and other NC Mountain Attractions HERE.

Grandfather Mountain Resgistration for Critter Crawl is Underway

Registration for the 2013  Grandfather Mountain Critter Crawl 5K began March 1.  There are a total of 500 spaces available for runners and the Habitat Staff hope to have as many people participating as possible. "Last year was the first ever Critter Crawl and we had a little over 100 people sign up," said Habitat Manager Christie Tipton.  "We hope we can really make that number jump this year as word spreads about the event."

The 5K starts in MacRae Meadows at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 23;  travels up the paved road of the attraction; weaves through the animal habitats and ends at the top parking lot near the Swinging Bridge. 
Many people are familiar with The Bear 5-Mile Run during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games that takes a similar course but begins down in Linville.  The Critter Crawl is a great race that provides the challenge of the grueling Bear Run with a shorter distance.  Some utilize the Critter Crawl as great practice for the July 5-mile event.

All proceeds from the Critter Crawl go toward the Eagle Habitat Renovation Fund.  The renovations make it possible for Grandfather Mountain to house flighted or partially-flighted eagles in the future that can't survive in the wild for reasons such as eye or neurological damage.

To find out more details about the race or to access the online and paper form registration click HERE.

Come to Grandfather Mountain after dark for Creatures of the Night Program

October 6   Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight at Grandfather Mountain   Families will enjoy this rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain after dark. Get your Halloween juices flowing while listening to scary stories told by firelight and keep a tight hold on your loved ones' hand as you set off on a rare after-dark tour of the Mountain that includes a nocturnal animal prowl. Must be age 8 or older. Additional cost. Reservations required: 828-733-8715.

Get more information about Granfather Mountain and special events on the NC Attractions Guide.

KidFest Today at Grandfather Mountain

September 8   KidFest at Grandfather Mountain A day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains through fun and entertaining activities. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. The events are free with park admission.

Grandfather Mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and is operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge was one of the original features of the attraction giving visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Today, there are dozens of of things to do and events offered including walking and hiking trails; Naturalist programs; the Nature Museum; birding and geology; wildlife habitats; Mildred's Grill and The Fudge Shop. Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville NC.

Grandfather Mountain's Mile High Swinging Bridge Celebrates 60 years

September 2 marks 60 years of Grandfather Mountain's famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. The bridge, originally constructed with wooden planks in 1952 and rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers and galvanized steel, has seen its share of wild weather, celebrity guests, wedding proposals and family memories.

Grandfather Mountain will commemorate this landmark throughout the month of September with special programming and guest appearances. Events such as the 41st Annual Girl Scout Day and The Bridge-to-Bridge Incredible Challenge Bike Ride will offered.

Get a link and more details about Grandfather Mountain on the NC Parks Visitor Guide.

Grandfather Mountain Celebrates Wildlife Habitats

June 13   Birthday Party at Grandfather Mountain's Wildlife Habitats Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in the park with games, contests, crafts and surprises. Grandfather's habitat staff has prepared a fun-filled day for guests as well as programming to celebrate its furry inhabitants.
Grandfather Mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and is operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge was one of the original features of the attraction giving visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Today, there are dozens of of things to do and events offered including walking and hiking trails; Naturalist programs; the Nature Museum; birding and geology; wildlife habitats; Mildred's Grill and The Fudge Shop. Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville NC.

Get a link for Grandfather Mountain on the NC Parks Guide

Grandfather Mountain's Guided Hike Season

Four Featured Hikes headline Grandfather Mountain's 2012 Guided Hike Season. The Guided Hike Series, now in its second year, has four pre-planned hikes to showcase the wonderful scenery and wildlife of the mountain. The hikes are scheduled for May, June, July and August and offer opportunities to explore Grandfather’s backcountry while learning about the ecology and history of the Mountain.
The Series begins with the half day “Spring to MacRae” hike over 0.9 miles, using cables and seven ladders to gain almost 600 feet in elevation. The second hike, the “Ridgeline of Diversity”, is 2.4 miles, traversing large boulders, climbing ladders and gaining 700 feet in elevation. The “Grandfather’s Attic” hike is a challenging endeavor involving a trek to Attic Window Peak and Indian House Cave over the most rugged terrain on the mountain. The Series concludes with the “Nature on the Edge” hike, showcasing the resiliency of plants and animals in the adverse conditions of the mountain. Throughout the journey, interpretive rangers will discuss the needs for habitat and point out signs of survival.

Get more details about Grandfather Mountain's Hike Series and other mountain events HERE.

NC Halloween Event: Beary Scary Halloween, Bonfire Bash and Spooky Stroll on Grandfather Mountain

October 29  10 AM - 3 PM  Beary Scary Halloween at Grandfather Mountain Celebrate Halloween with the creatures of the Grandfather Mountain Animal Habitats. Halloween activities take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included with regular admission. Kids in costume will get in at half price. Activities will include storytelling, Halloween-themed crafts, a costume contest, trick or treating in the animal habitats, animal enrichment and the chance to participate in an interactive program titled “Going Batty for Bats.”

 7 PM - 9 PM  Grandfather Mountain Bonfire Bash and Spooky Stroll after dark event features frightening ghost stories told by firelight and guided walks through the pitch-black woods and a spooky cemetery. Admission is $15 per person. Participants must be 12 years of age or older. Space is limited and reservations are required. Phone 828-733-8715.

NC Mountains Leaf Report: Grandfather Mountain advanced color at the top

It's officially fall and time to follow the progress of the incredible NC mountains leaf color. There are already noticeable changes in a variety of areas while green still dominates at 80% - 90%. in most lower elevations.

According to Howie Neufeld, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Physiology at Appalachian State University, "If I had to make a guess right now, I would predict a slightly earlier peak to the fall foliage colors this year in the mountains, with perhaps the weekend of October 7-9 being the peak in the Boone/Grandfather area, and maybe the next weekend further south around Asheville. In the Highlands/Cashiers area, you can often expect colors to peak at around the same time as in Boone, or just slightly afterward. In the Smokies, colors will peak in early October at the higher elevations, and then work their way down slope, with a delay of about 5 days for every 1,000’ drop in elevation."
Neufeld reports that on Grandfather Mountain, "color is very pronounced on the heath balds and rock outcrops. Above 4,500’ color is quite advanced, and on the eastern and lower flanks of Grandfather (the side facing the Blue Ridge Parkway) there are one or two ridges with excellent color already. You can get a great view of this from the Beacon Heights parking lot, and also on the rock outcrops at Beacon Heights (take the short trail to the top for spectacular views). Species displaying the most right now include sugar and red maples which initially turn yellow and then convert to an orange/red hue."

The leaf reports will help you determine where to go in the NC Mountains whether you are already in the mountains or just planning your trip. Western North Carolina has one of the longest leaf seasons in the country thanks to varying elevations and climate conditions.

New Interactive Climate & Weather Exhibit at Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain recently installed its first interactive exhibit since opening the Nature Museum in 1990. Made possible by a partnership between NASA, Appalachian State University and Grandfather Mountain, the exhibit focuses on weather and climate.

Guests use touch screens to view a presentation on the weather-related science behind the earth’s climate. The presentation provides information on current conditions on Grandfather and on the Mountain's weather records. It also allows visitors access to the NASA Climate Kids website, EPA website, and an ASU climate quiz.

The new exhibit is part of a large-scale effort by Appalachian State University and Grandfather Mountain to conduct educational programs centered on climate curriculum.

Grandfather Mountain   is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is now owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.

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).