• Avoid ledges and supervise children. The rocks and terrain of Grandfather Mountain can be rugged. Know your surroundings and watch your step.

• Alcohol is not permitted.

• Please observe speed limit and other informational signs.

• If you go hiking, please use appropriate footwear. Rock climbing and other extreme sports are not permitted.

• Due to the steep grades and curves in the roadways, walking on the roadways is not permitted. Bicycling is not permitted on the roadways or on the trails.

• No motor homes longer than 28 feet in length are allowed through the entrance gate.

• No hinged vehicles are allowed through the entrance gate. Guests who wish to unhitch trailers and leave them at the entrance gate may drive through in the tow vehicle.

• Hunting is not permitted.

• If you do see a wild bear on Grandfather Mountain, do not approach it and do not feed it. Encounters with bears are rare, but Black bears do live throughout this area of the country. Wild bears will almost always try to avoid humans, however, if you do see one please let a park employee know where and when you saw the bear.

  Please do not approach the other wild animals such as deer, groundhogs, turkeys and raccoons. These animals live naturally in the park and are not monitored or maintained like animals in the Habitats. If they are sick or feel threatened, they may try to bite. It is best to enjoy and observe these animals from a distance and allow them to carry on without interference.

• Ticks are extremely scarce on Grandfather Mountain, especially when compared to areas of lower altitude in the Piedmont and Coastal regions. However, in a park this size which welcomes guests accompanied by pets, it is impossible to declare the park 100 percent tick-free. If you would like to use some repellent, free of charge, please ask staff members at the Top Shop, Nature Museum shop or entrance gate.

• If you hear thunder or see lightning, take shelter in the nearest building or inside your car and avoid touching metal. If you are out on the trails, return to your vehicle as quickly and safely as possible.

  Do not go off the trail or seek shelter under an overhanging cliff or tree. It is safer to be moving. If you are camping, crouch down on something that will insulate you from the ground like a dry backpack or rolled sleeping bag.

• Use extra caution in high winds. Park your car facing into the wind and open one door at a time. If strong gusts are rocking the car, wait until the gusts subside before opening doors. Also be careful opening and closing doors to buildings.

• Pets on a leash are welcome on the mountain. They are not permitted in the animal habitat area or inside buildings where food is sold.

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P.O. Box 129 - US 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway - Linville, NC - 28646

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