The Science Behind Grandfather Mountain’s Fall Leaf Season
In autumn, Grandfather Mountain beautifully blends a landscape of rock faces and granite cliffs, the dark-green hue of evergreens and a kaleidoscope of fall colors….
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Fall Visits: Insider Tips
The fall season on Grandfather Mountain (September & October) is certainly a favorite for many as the crisp cooler temperatures usher in the leaf color…
Fall Color Ramble
As the Blue Ridge Mountains begin to burst with fall color, Grandfather Mountain invites leaf-lookers to see the brilliant change from one of the best…
Fall Color Gallery 2024
Look out for our daily fall color photographic reports during October. Enjoy a sampling of our colors on Grandfather Mountain and our surrounding area, including…
Fall 2023
Enjoy a sampling of our fall colors this season with these photographs. During this time, more detailed daily color reports can be found on Grandfather…
Mountains of foliage: What does Grandfather Mountain do with its fallen leaves?
Autumn at Grandfather Mountain draws visitors from across the country to witness the vibrant changing of the leaves, as hues of yellow, orange and red…
Grandfather Mountain animal habitats prepare for winter
Do you trim a tree for the holidays? So do Grandfather Mountain’s resident elk. Every year, the resident animals at Grandfather Mountain receive a special…
Winter Work Behind Welcoming Guests
Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is known for its extremes: an impressive rise in elevation above the…
High Country Charitable Foundation grant makes a splash with new bear pond
The coming of spring marks changes in the behavior of animals on Grandfather Mountain. For bears, they begin to move around and emerge from a…
Elk
Grandfather Mountain’s elk not only provide an exciting opportunity to see one of North America’s most majestic animals in its natural habitat, but also highlight…
Daily Programs
During your visit, attend one of our Daily Programs in April-October presented by our animal habitat curators and park educators. These fascinating interpretive programs throughout…
Birding
Grandfather Mountain towers above its surrounding region with a 1,500-foot vertical drop into the Linville River Valley to the west and a 4,000-foot vertical drop…
Field Trip Scholarship Fund
In spring 2015, Grandfather Mountain launched its Field Trip Scholarship Fund to benefit school groups in need of financial assistance to defray the cost of…
Highland Games 2023 Track & Field Winners
At the 67th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 2023, two track and field athletes secured their first Outstanding Men’s Athlete and Outstanding Women’s Athlete…
When Are We Open?
2024 Operating HoursGrandfather Mountain is open every day of the year, weather permitting, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Mountain also closes early…
September 2022 Weather
September 2022 saw average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for September…
Eagles
Bald Eagle nests along fresh or salt waters in North America, with more than two thirds of the U.S. population native to Alaska. In the…
Firefly Species on Grandfather
Research on Grandfather Mountain has confirmed the presence of 10 species of fireflies or luminous insects: Photinus carolinus – Synchronous FireflySynchronous firefly males produce a…
Family Fun
Find plenty of family fun things to do on Grandfather Mountain! Generations return with their children and grandchildren to Grandfather to walk across the Mile…
October 2022 Weather
October 2022 saw average weather on Grandfather Mountain, and fairly cool temperatures, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average…
Half Moon Overlook
Half Moon Overlook is the first overlook guests come to after entering the park on the Scenic Drive to the Top. The overlook is definitely…
Weather
Grandfather Mountain has some of the most extreme and quick changing weather on the east coast. Temperatures are usually 10-15 degrees cooler than the foothills…
Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is located about halfway up the mountain, adjacent to the Wildlife Habitats. It doubles the size of the original…
Rhododendron Rambles
During the last week of May and the first week of June, parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains tend to look a little more pink…
FAQs
1. What is included with admission? Paid admission includes many things to do! At the Wilson Center for Nature Discover, find exhibits about the mountain,…
August 2022 Weather Report
August 2022 saw at least trace amounts of rain on 27 days – two days shy of the record 29 days of precipitation for this…
Holiday Shopping
The holiday season is officially underway here at Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Those looking for unique…
Travel Tips for a Thoughtful Post-Helene Visit to Grandfather Mountain and the N.C. High Country
Book your Grandfather Mountain visit in advance. As always, booking tickets and a reservation time online in advance is highly recommended. Booking online in advance…
Grandfather Mountain Hiking Tips
UPDATE: The park reopened Oct. 23. The Profile Trail in Grandfather Mountain State Park is the only trail that remains closed at this time.Hiking on…
Cobey Botanical Garden
Surrounding the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, the Cobey Botanical Garden is a newly reimagined space that provides a home to plantings of several species…
