News - Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain mourns the loss of Yonnie the black bear

Jun 26, 2026

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has bid farewell to Yonahlossee (Yonnie) the black bear. Yonnie was humanely euthanized Wednesday, June 24, following advanced-age-related complications,...

Grandfather Mountain expands accessibility initiatives with new viewfinders

May 7, 2026

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has installed free, ADA-accessible viewfinders. Two are placed at Half Moon Overlook, and two are near the Mile High Swinging Bridge. These special viewfinders...

Grandfather Mountain mourns the loss of Kodiak the black bear

Apr 27, 2026

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, bid farewell to one of its beloved black bears, Kodiak, on April 24. A resident of the nature park’s Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats, he was humanely...

“Dollar Days” Set to Begin April 1 at Grandfather Mountain

Mar 11, 2026

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, will open its gates to High Country residents, employees, college students and their guests for only $5 each during the month of April, as the park’s “Dollar...

A Look Back

Feb 17, 2026

Your support in 2025 made a difference on Grandfather Mountain. Thank you! 2025 allowed us to grow further into our mission through the construction of Yonni’s Clubhouse, the expansion of educational programs offered in Avery County and on the mountain and...

Winter Work Behind Welcoming Guests

Jan 8, 2026

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 North Carolina Piedmont, access to some of the South’s most challenging hikes, vast...

Job & Volunteer Fair: Jan 20, 2026

Jan 7, 2026

Grandfather Mountain to hold job and volunteer fair Tuesday, Jan. 20 LINVILLE, N.C. – Grandfather Mountain is inviting folks to take their careers to new heights – literally. The Linville, N.C.-based nonprofit nature park and preserve, owned and operated by the...

2025 Hawk Watch Report

Oct 16, 2025

Results are in from Grandfather Mountain’s annual Hawk Watch for 2025. Staff and volunteers at Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, came together during the month of September for a vast...

Grandfather Mountain says goodbye to Nova the river otter

Oct 9, 2025

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, bid farewell to one of its beloved river otters, Nova, on Oct. 1, following complications from a suspected blood clot during a dental procedure. She was 12...

Grandfather Mountain hosts international “summit”

Oct 2, 2025

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, played host to the “Grandfather Summit” on Sept. 23, in partnership with the British Consulate General Atlanta and NC Forever. The day-long event included a...