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Fall Visits: Insider Tips

Fall Visits: Insider Tips

The fall season on Grandfather Mountain (September & October) is certainly a favorite for many as the crisp cooler temperatures ushers in the leaf color…

Fall Color Ramble

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 Visits: Insider Tips

Fall Color Gallery 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…

Fall Color Ramble

Fall Color Ramble

From October 5 through 13, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather…

Winter Work Behind Welcoming Guests

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…

Elk

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

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

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

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

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?

When Are We Open?

2024 Operating Hours Grandfather Mountain is open every day of the year, weather permitting, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Mountain also closes…

September 2022 Weather

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

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

Firefly Species on Grandfather

Research on Grandfather Mountain has confirmed the presence of 10 species of fireflies or illuminating insects: Photinus carolinus – Synchronous FireflySynchronous firefly males produce a…

Family Fun

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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…

Grandfather Mountain Hiking Tips

Grandfather Mountain Hiking Tips

Hiking on one of the most rugged peaks in the eastern United States offers spectacular scenery and special challenges. Here are some tips to help…

Cobey Botanical Garden

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…

Hawk Watch

Hawk Watch

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can…

53rd-Annual Girl Scout Day

53rd-Annual Girl Scout Day

Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are…

Grandfather Mountain | Home to the Swinging Bridge, Animal Habitats and Nature Museum

GPS: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646
Mailing: PO Box 129, Linville, NC 28646
1-800-468-7325

Owned & operated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
Go here for Grandfather Mountain State Park information.
Member of Southern Highlands Attractions