NOTICE: The month of April is “Dollar Days” for those who live, work or attend school in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Mitchell, Watauga or Wilkes counties. Learn more here.

Purchasing advance tickets online is highly recommended. More info.

Things to Do

Welcome to Grandfather Mountain! Our nature park is home to amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty. From the Mile High Swinging Bridge to wildlife habitats, hands-on exhibits and hiking, find plenty to explore.

Daily Programs

Attend fascinating interpretive programs throughout the park, included in your admission. They are presented by our animal habitat curators and park educators on March 22–November 9. Read more & see the schedule.

Events Calendar 2025

See our upcoming events in 2025 on the mountain for all ages! Most of them are included in your admission ticket. Check back as more events will be added. Go to the calendar.

Experiences

For an extra special VIP tour that you will long remember, add on one of our experiences that take you behind-the-scenes with our naturalists and wildlife experts. Advance reservations are recommended. Read more.

Grandfather Glows

Our annual Grandfather Glows events open our nature park for three nights during mid-June to mid-July, the forecasted peak times, for special bioluminescent evenings, weather and conditions permitting. Learn more.

Spring Color Gallery

Look out for our spring color photographic reports as flowers begin to bloom on Grandfather Mountain. Enjoy a sampling of our colors in the park and nearby. Check out the blooms.