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.

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 Highland Games this Week

July 12-15   The 57th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering O' Scottish Clans Join 1000s of Scots in 85 clans decked out in their finest plaid for the annual celebration of Scottish heritage. Live Celtic music, tradition heritage events and Highlands games. New this year is a Saturday night Celtic Rock Concert.

Opening day events include The Bear: Assault on Grandfather, a five-mile footrace climbing 1,568 feet in elevation from the town of Linville to the summit of Grandfather mountain. Over 800 runners will start up the Old Yonahlossee Road from Linville at 7 PM, circle the Highland Games track around 7:15, and head up the Grandfather Mountain summit road.

Throughout the weekend activities include: traditional Celtic music, sheep herding, athletic competitions, music and dance exhibits, History & Genealogy Studies, Children's Tent and Field Activities, harp workshops and more.

On Sunday there will be a 9 AM Scottish Worship Service Outside main gate.  Bring a folding chair. The service ncludes Kirkin' of the Tartans. The day continues with the Children's Border Collie Demonstration on the main field and Celtic Grove Entertainment begins.

Guests of Honor and Distinguished Guests are introduced as all members of the sponsoring clans are invited to march in the Parade of Tartans behind the massed pipe bands. Additional events for the afternoon are: the  Scottish Fiddling Competition and the Atlantic International Highland Dance Championship Competition.

Competitions take place throughout the Games for Scottish athletic events, sheep herding, kilted miles, children's events, Scottish country dancing, Scottish harps and Clan Tugs-of-War.

Get a link for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and other things to do in the NC mountains on the NC Events Calendar