Grandfather Mountain Kidfest Theme Inspired by Pokémon GO

September 10, 2016   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.

“KidFest is Grandfather's annual event to showcase the park’s natural wonders to our younger visitors,” said Mickey Shortt, director of education and natural resources for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that oversees the Linville NC travel attraction and nature preserve. 


This year’s theme is “Grandfather GO,” inspired by the popular mobile video game, “Pokémon GO,” in which players must use their handheld device to “capture” simulated creatures.  In “Grandfather GO,” however, young participants will focus on finding the real deal in a park-wide scavenger hunt. “The purpose of the scavenger hunt is to get kids thinking about wildlife on Grandfather Mountain, particularly that which is unique to the mountain,” Grandfather Mountain education specialist Amy Renfranz said.

Running from 11 AM to 4 PM, “Grandfather GO” will feature a series of stations located throughout the mountain, which participants can find using a map they’re given at arrival.

Find complete details at the website.

National Get Outdoors Day at Chimney Rock State Park

June 11, 2016 - National Get Outdoors Day    Bring your family and friends for a day of outdoor-themed activities, which could include live animals and programs on how to enjoy the great outdoors responsibly. Daytime activities and times will vary so check the website for last minute details. Continue the fun and bring a picnic to enjoy a special viewing of The Last of the Mohicans that evening. 


5th Annual Movie on the Meadows    The gate opens at 7:30 PM and the movie begins at 9 PM.  Watch The Last of the Mohicans on a giant outdoor movie screen surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and under a canopy of stars. Don’t forget to pack a blanket or camping chair and a flashlight. This event is presented by Ingles Markets and Mast General Store.   

Get complete local information on our Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

 

Take a hike and Create a Journal at Chimney Rock State Park

March 14, 2015   Naturalist Niche: Creating a Nature Journal A nature journal allows you to explore your relationship with the great outdoors by providing a place for interpreting observations and thoughts. Nora visual artist with over 30 years’ experience in developing and leading educational programs for folks of all ages, will demonstrate how to create a journal you can use to document your discoveries in the natural world. Advance registration required. 

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. 

Chimney Rock Park Hosts Spring Girl Scout Day and Camp-out

May 18 - 19   Spring Girl Scout Day and Optional Camp-out   The annual spring program not only has a day of fun and educational programs but also the rare opportunity to camp beneath the stars at Chimney Rock Park.

Scouts can participate in a variety of education and enjoyable nature programs including Wildflower Watercolor, Wilderness First Aid, Spectacular Spiders and Touch-Me-Not , an introduction to some of the misunderstood and often unknown threats that can be found lurking in the forest or our own backyards.

The Park will also be opening the 32-foot Climbing Tower exclusively to Girl Scouts from 1:30-3:30 PM.  The cost is $2 per person (all ages) to attempt the32-foot Climbing Tower; be sure you sign up when you register. A reservation time will be given to each troop prior to the event.

Price and Registration Info:

Day Program
- Scouts: $14 includes admission, all programs and one patch per scout. This rate has been reduced due to the closure of the Hickory Nut Falls trail. 
- Parents: 1 adult per 10 scouts is required and admitted at no cost; $10 per additional adult when registered with the group; otherwise adults are $12 each. 
- Additional Youth (ages 5–15): $4.50 per youth when registered with group; otherwise $6 each.

Overnight Option  
- Scouts/Additional Youth (ages 5 to 15): $8 each 
- Adults: One adult per 10 youth is required and camps at no cost; additional adults $8 each 
Campers are responsible for bringing their own tents and all camping supplies. We provide rock fire rings and firewood. For more information on camping, please email education@chimneyrockpark.com.

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.