February 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for February 2025 was 41.75 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 26.09 degrees and a mean of 33.92 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 55.9 degrees on both Feb. 3 and Feb. 26, just over 8 degrees shy of the mountain’s record February high of 64 degrees, observed Feb. 22, 1977, and Feb. 15 and 16, 1989. Feb. 20 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with minus 0.4 degrees. A wind chill of minus 32.65 was noted that same day. There were seven other days in February that also recorded negative wind chills. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of February (not counting wind chill) was minus 19 degrees on Feb. 25, 1967. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 12 days in February with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Feb. 16, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 79.7 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 53.9 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 5.81 inches of precipitation in February 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson...
Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is gearing up for springtime, with daily programs, special experiences, a slate of events — including new happenings! — and beautiful blooms all ahead. “We are especially excited for spring this year,” said Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “With our area ready to welcome visitors after Hurricane Helene and greatly needing the economic boost tourists provide, we are eagerly anticipating a return to a busier season on the mountain.” Check out these fun ways to explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain in the spring season. DAILY PROGRAMS Spring is an ideal time to visit Grandfather Mountain, as the park’s flora and fauna become energized with the initial signs of warmer weather — and Grandfather Mountain’s talented team of educators is on hand to showcase these natural wonders, all included with the price of admission. Starting March 22, Grandfather begins offering daily programming, including Keeper Talks, during which guests can talk with park educators about the habitat animals — black bears, cougars, river otters, bald eagles and elk — and watch them receive an enrichment. Enrichments are special treats, new toys or unfamiliar scents designed to break up the animals’ routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Keeper Talks run between 10 and 15 minutes and are held daily, every half hour from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 22 to Nov. 9, in the environmental wildlife habitats area. During Grandfather’s Junior Naturalist program, park educators help younger guests use scientific tools to make observations...
January 2025 saw exceptionally chilly temperatures on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for January 2025 was 26.32 degrees Fahrenheit (the second-lowest on record), with an average low of 12.93 degrees (the sixth-lowest on record) and a mean of 19.63 degrees (the third-lowest on record). The warmest temperature recorded last month was 50.9 degrees on Jan. 31, just over 14 degrees shy of the mountain’s record January high of 65 degrees, observed on Jan. 30, 2002. Jan. 20 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with minus 4.4 degrees. There were three other days that saw temperatures dip below zero. Multiple days in January also had negative wind chills, though an issue with the anemometer prevented an exact count. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of January (not counting wind chill) was minus 32 degrees on Jan. 21, 1985. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 10 days in January with a wind gust higher than 60 mph, not including multiple days of incomplete data when the anemometer was offline. On Jan. 29, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 93.4 mph, with a sustained wind speed clocking in at 60.1 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 1.62 inches of precipitation in January 2025, the third-lowest total on record for this month. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent...
Grandfather Mountain is a rugged place known for its wild and fast-changing weather. While no records were set or broken in 2024, the year saw Tropical Storm Helene strike the area in late September, bringing with it high winds, significant rainfall and flooding. Despite its severe impact on the region, the nature park was very fortunate to receive only minor damage. That said, Grandfather’s official weather reporting stations did have equipment go out during the storm, which resulted in a few days of missing wind and temperature data for that month and into October. Staff members were also not able to access the sites to record precipitation measurements in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Nonetheless, the data that was available and collected reflects some of the extreme conditions that the mountain experienced during Helene, including the second-highest monthly rain total on record for September. Some other notable highlights from the year, and how they compare to Grandfather’s 70 years of recorded data, are included below. Precipitation The station at the Swinging Bridge observed 74.61 inches of rain for the year over 209 days, shy of the mountain’s standing records of a cumulative 110.67 inches in 2018 and 242 days of precipitation in 2020. The rainiest month in 2024 was September, when 21.13 inches were recorded over 23 days (not including three days of missing data from Helene), matching the record high number of days of precipitation for this month seen in 2020. The driest month of 2024 was June, with only 0.95 inches – the second-lowest total on record for this month – observed. January’s 7.94 inches of...
December 2024 saw pretty standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for December 2024 was 37.29 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 24.67 degrees and a mean of 30.98 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded for the month was 54 degrees on Dec. 18, exactly 9 degrees shy of the mountain’s record December high of 63 degrees, observed on Dec. 7, 1956. Generally, December sees winter weather conditions set in on Grandfather Mountain. Dec. 6 saw the coldest temperature recorded during the month with 2.3 degrees. A wind chill of minus 22.68 was noted that same day. There were 10 other days that also recorded negative wind chills. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of December (not counting wind chill) was minus 21 degrees on Dec. 25, 1983. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted five days in December with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Dec. 11, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 91.5 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 53.4 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 5.97 inches of precipitation for December. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 8.01 inches of precipitation for the month...
November 2024 saw fairly average conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for November 2024 was 47.24 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 35.67 degrees and a mean of 41.46 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded for the month was 63 degrees on Nov. 7, exactly 6 degrees shy of the mountain’s record November high of 69 degrees, observed on both Nov. 1 and 2, 2004. Generally, November sees winter weather conditions start to take hold on Grandfather Mountain. Nov. 30 saw the coldest temperature recorded during the month with 8.8 degrees. A wind chill of minus 21.26 was noted that same day. Nov. 21, 22 and 29 also recorded negative wind chills. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of November (not counting wind chill) was minus 12 degrees on Nov. 15, 1959. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted six days in November with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Nov. 22, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 90.7 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 52.8 mph on Nov. 20. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 3.03 inches of precipitation for November. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 3.83 inches of...
Your support in 2024 made a difference on Grandfather Mountain. Thank you! Despite the significant impact of Hurricane Helene, 2024 was full of festivities and excitement. Many wonderful events were hosted across the mountain and we enjoyed celebrating the opening of the Ginny Burton Education and Animal Care Facility with staff and friends of the mountain. We also announced that Yonni’s Clubhouse will be opening in 2025! We have much to be thankful for. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from the past year. New Kiosk Offers Behind-the-Scenes Views of CougarsWe added behind-the-scenes habitat cameras and a new kiosk with television screens at the cougar overlook, giving guests more opportunities to see these elusive animals. It’s fun to see Logan and Trinity snuggled up in their dens. Read more. Grandfather Mountain’s Summer Reading ListTo accompany our Grandfather Presents speaker series in 2024, we launched a summer reading list. Speakers included extreme angler and biologist Jeremy Wade, journalist and author Richard Louv, retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall and ecologist and explorer CanopyMeg. Read more. Conservation Campus Expands With a New Education and Animal Care FacilityIn July, we opened the Ginny Burton Education and Animal Care Facility. The space is tailored to the needs of Grandfather’s growing education and habitat teams. While the new space is not open to general guests, it is a stop on Behind-the-Scenes Tours (one of the mountain’s special add-on experiences) offered by habitat staff. Read more. Hurricane Helene and Grandfather MountainDue to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Grandfather Mountain was closed Sept. 26 through Oct. 22. The storm left...
Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Grandfather Mountain was closed Sept. 26 through Oct. 22, 2024. The storm left behind unimaginable effects on the communities surrounding Grandfather Mountain. The nature park was extremely fortunate to receive only minor damage. A small number of trees fell during the storm, and only a few washouts or small landslides have been discovered. The mountain was impacted by the electricity, internet and cell signal outages that were widespread across the region in the weeks following the storm. A few days after Helene, the park was able to confirm that all staff and the mountain’s resident habitat animals were safe. The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation immediately turned its focus from park operations to humanitarian efforts in Avery County. The organization worked with dozens of nonprofits (local to international), regional businesses, tourism colleagues, generous donors, good Samaritans and many others in an effort to bring relief to the mountain’s surrounding communities. A few examples of this work include purchasing generators and gas grills for community members in need, feeding local rescue crews, helping with grading repairs so flood-damaged businesses could get closer to reopening, assisting in flood cleanup at a local affordable housing complex, volunteering in donation distribution centers and coordinating the installation of Starlink kits where needed. Staff were excited to reopen the park Oct. 23 and have a return to some sense of normalcy. Over the next two months, all of the other major tourism areas of the High Country were also able begin welcoming visitors again. Our area needs you now more than ever to continue our rebound. Please make...
Following the historic Tropical Storm Helene hitting Western North Carolina with extreme winds, rainfall and flooding in late September, Grandfather Mountain saw a return to fairly normal weather in October 2024. That said, equipment that went out at the park’s official weather reporting stations during the storm remained offline for a few days into October, which resulted in some missing wind and temperature data. Likewise, staff members were also not always available to access the sites to record precipitation measurements in the wake of the storm. Nonetheless, the data that was collected reflects pretty standard conditions for the month on the mountain. The average high temperature for October 2024, not including three days of missing data, was 56.20 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 44.65 degrees and a mean of 50.43 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded for the month was 66.2 degrees on Oct. 13, almost 9 degrees shy of the mountain’s record October high of 75 degrees, observed Oct. 3, 1986. Generally, October sees fall weather conditions continue on Grandfather Mountain, with cooler temperatures starting to take hold. Oct. 17 saw the coldest temperature recorded during the month with 25.2 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of October (not counting wind chill) was 12 degrees on Oct. 26, 1962. After being down the first three days of the month following Helene, the weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted one day in October with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Oct. 14, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 72.4 mph. The highest...
September 2024 saw the unprecedented weather event that was Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina with high winds and significant rainfall. While it had a devastating impact on the area, the Grandfather Mountain nature park was extremely fortunate to receive only minor damage. That said, the park’s official weather reporting stations did have equipment go out during the storm, which resulted in a few days of missing wind and temperature data. Staff members were also not able to access the sites to record precipitation measurements in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Nonetheless, the data that was available and collected reflects some of the extreme conditions that the mountain experienced during Helene, including the second-highest monthly rain total on record for September. The average high temperature for September 2024, not including three days of missing data, was 60.80 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 51.89 degrees and a mean of 56.35 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded for the month was 70.7 degrees on Sept. 22, more than 8 degrees shy of the mountain’s record September high of 79 degrees, observed Sept. 24, 2010. Generally, September sees fall weather conditions take hold on Grandfather Mountain, with cooler temperatures arriving. Sept. 4 saw the coldest temperature recorded during the month with 43 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of September (not counting wind chill) was 24 degrees on Sept. 30, 1967. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge registered a wind gust of 72.6 mph on Sept. 27, the day Helene struck, before the equipment went down for the remainder of...
August 2024 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for August 2024 was 66.94 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 57.14 degrees and a mean of 62.04 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded for the month was 73.6 degrees on Aug. 28, almost 10 degrees shy of the mountain’s record August high of 83 degrees, observed Aug. 22, 1983. Generally, August sees summertime weather conditions on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly cooler fall-like temperatures starting to arrive. Aug. 21 saw the coldest temperature recorded during the month with 45.1 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of August (not counting wind chill) was 36 degrees on Aug. 29, 1986. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in August with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 2.92 inches of precipitation for August. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 2.80 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. The mountain’s rainiest August was recorded in 2008, when 12.47 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest August on record was observed in 1956, when 0.81 inches were recorded. There were 17 days of at least trace amounts of recorded...
Grandfather Mountain kicks off 2025 hiring season with Jan. 16 Job and Volunteer Fair 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 Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is hiring across its various departments for the 2025 season and beyond. Both seasonal and year-round positions are available, offering mountains of opportunities for job- and career-seekers. The organization is kicking it all off with the Grandfather Mountain Job and Volunteer Fair on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 2-5 p.m. The event will take place in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery’s Classroom in the Clouds. Ten departments from across the mountain will be represented. Attendees will be able to chat with staff members from each department, learn about Grandfather and the open positions on the mountain and enter to win door prizes. The event will also provide the chance for those interested in being a volunteer to hear more about this program, for which the nature park is currently recruiting. “Those who are in search of either a job or a volunteer opportunity in the area are encouraged to join us on the mountain for our Job and Volunteer Fair,” said Tommy Oakley, vice president of operations for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “There’s never a dull moment around here, and we plan to make this an informative and engaging event. The team looks forward to providing more insight about what it’s like working at Grandfather and what types of opportunities are available at the park this year.” It is an exciting time to...
While Grandfather Mountain’s annual Hawk Watch – a vast citizen-science project during the month of September to count and identify the numerous species of raptors making their journey to warmer climates – was cut short in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, staff and volunteers were still able to conduct a solid count overall. Raptors are birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles, owls and vultures. The telltale signs of the raptor are sharp talons, a hooked upper bill and keen eyesight. While some raptors remain in place during winter, most will travel south, where food is more abundant. Visitors had a front-row seat to one of nature’s most stunning spectacles and were invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they tallied the number of migrating passersby in the sky from viewing locations on Linville Peak and Half Moon Overlook. Grandfather Mountain is one of more than 300 Hawk Watch sites officially designated by the Hawk Migration Association of North America. Despite the conditions later in the month, this year saw the fourth-highest tally on record (since 2008), with a total of 5,795 raptors recorded overhead. Broad-winged hawks were the most-counted species. The year with the most birds observed from the park was 2015, when 10,723 were spotted that September. The busiest day of the count came on Sept. 23, with 2,831 birds recorded. The second-busiest day came on Sept. 21, when 2,084 raptors were counted. “Weather is always a key factor when it comes to Hawk Watch and is ultimately what determines if we see large numbers of birds, or if they get pushed further east or west,” said...
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 gifts for loved ones that will also help support the foundation have plenty of options to choose from this year. Get your shopping done and feel good knowing your gifts are giving in more ways than one. GIFT IDEAS TO ORDER FROM HOME Adopt an AnimalLooking for a gift that’s warm and fuzzy? While Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals are not for sale, the Adopt-an-Animal Program is the next best thing. The program allows participants to symbolically adopt any of Grandfather Mountain’s furry or feathered creatures, including black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, elk and more. By adopting an animal, individually or on behalf of a friend, family member or loved one, the recipient will get a special gift package. Gifts vary, depending on the donation level, and can include photographs, plush toys, footprint paintings, day passes and more. Learn more. Behind-the-Scenes ToursTreat your favorite animal lover to an up-close-and-personal experience with Grandfather’s resident animals. Hosted by Grandfather’s knowledgeable and experienced keepers, Behind-the-Scenes Tours show guests where the park’s resident animals sleep overnight, while sharing the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round. Behind-the-Scenes Tours are offered April through October but can be booked in advance. To give a Behind-the-Scenes Tour as a gift, please call the Wilson Center Gift Shop at 828-733-1059 and purchase over the phone. The gift recipient will be responsible for contacting the habitat staff and scheduling their tour. Please note, a gift of a...
“It’s our job to foster a child’s curiosity of nature and science, and help them to understand the world around them.” – Stewart Gray Stewart and Martha Gray have taken their two grandchildren across North Carolina exploring science museums. For them, an important part of being grandparents is to provide fun, educational experiences that will create lasting impacts and memories. No matter which museums they explore, they always come back to Grandfather Mountain. “The mountain changes daily,” says Stewart. “That is what is so wonderful about it.” Martha grew up in the Raleigh area and was familiar with Grandfather Mountain, whereas Stewart is from Massachusetts and knew less about the North Carolina mountains. They met while Stewart was in graduate school at North Carolina State University and Martha was working in medical research at Research Triangle Park. They moved to Ithaca, N.Y., where Stewart accepted a U.S. Department of Agriculture research scientist position with a faculty appointment at Cornell University and Martha started a new career at Ithaca College in institutional research. Meanwhile, their son settled in Western North Carolina after graduating from Appalachian State University, as did their daughter. After visiting the area for over a decade, the Grays knew they wanted to retire here. They landed only a few miles from Grandfather Mountain. While on a National Geographic trip to Alaska, Stewart learned about the role that naturalists play in parks to help educate visitors about the world they are exploring. After retiring, Stewart began volunteering as a naturalist at Grandfather, helping guests learn about its wonders by leading fall color rambles, teaching children to identify different...
Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, recently wrapped up construction on the Ginny Burton Education and Animal Care Facility, part of the nature park’s growing Conservation Campus. While the new space is not open to general guests, it will be a stop on Behind-the-Scenes Tours (one of the mountain’s special add-on experiences) offered by habitat staff. The facility is tailored to the needs of Grandfather’s growing education and habitat teams, providing more collaborative work space, a break room and private offices, while also allowing keepers to give top-level care for the animals that call the mountain home. It includes a commercial-grade kitchen with the capacity to prepare healthy meals for Grandfather’s resident creatures, as well as a dedicated area for preparing fun, interactive enrichments that ensure the best possible life for them. There is also a room for the mountain’s ambassador animals and space for minor veterinary care, laundry services and extra storage. A dedication ceremony for the new office building took place in July. Ginny Burton – who has long expressed her love for Grandfather’s animals (such as by regularly bringing them treats!) and her gratitude for the people who care for them – provided a major gift to support the construction of the facility. “It warms my heart to be able to be a part of this and to have my name associated with Grandfather Mountain, one of the most beautiful places on earth and one of my favorite places to visit – it’s just an honor,” said Burton during the ribbon-cutting event. In addition to the Wilson Center for...
July 2024 saw a near-record high number of days of precipitation on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for July 2024 was 68.38 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 58.95 degrees and a mean of 63.67 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 77.7 degrees on July 14, more than 5 degrees shy of the mountain’s record July high of 83.2 degrees, observed July 1, 2012 (which is also the highest temperature ever recorded at the park). Generally, July sees summertime weather conditions on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly warmer temperatures having arrived. July 2 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 48.6 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of July (not counting wind chill) was 41 degrees on July 27, 1962. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted one day in July with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On July 30, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 68 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 5.98 inches of precipitation in July 2024. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 6.46 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. The...
June 2024 was the second-driest June on record for Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for June 2024 was 65.34 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 55.68 degrees and a mean of 60.51 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 74.5 degrees on June 26, more than 7 degrees shy of the mountain’s record June high of 82 degrees, observed June 1, 2011, and June 9, 2008. Generally, June sees spring-like weather conditions continue on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly warmer, summertime temperatures starting to arrive. June 10 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 46 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of June (not counting wind chill) was 31 degrees on both June 1, 1966, and June 3, 1956. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in June with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 0.95 inches of precipitation in June 2024, the second-lowest total for this month on record. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 0.89 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. The mountain’s rainiest June was recorded in 2019, when...
At the 68th-annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 2024, two track and field athletes secured their first Outstanding Men’s Athlete and Outstanding Women’s Athlete honors. Samuel Cleek from Kingsport, Tenn., and Natalie Bitetti from La Crescenta, Calif., earned the respective titles. Cleek placed first in five events, securing top scores in the men’s 100-yard dash, long jump, high jump, triple jump and pole vault. Bitetti placed first in the women’s 440-yard dash, 880-yard dash and 1-mile run, while placing second in the 2-mile run. Cleek, 22, started competing in track and field in middle school and has continued for the past 12 years. He intends to coach track and field at his alma mater, Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn. He last competed in the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games six years ago and did not have the success he achieved this year. “Competing at the Highland Games is a really rewarding experience,” said Cleek. “I only placed second in the pole vault last time I was here, so it’s special for me this time.” Blaine Metcalf from Powell, Tenn., placed in the top three in six events, including the men’s triple jump, 100-yard dash, 880-yard dash and 1-mile run. He placed first in the men’s 440-yard dash, finishing in 1:03, and the 2-mile run, finishing in 11:20. In her first appearance at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Bitetti excelled in distance-running events with a 1:10 finish in the women’s 440-yard dash, a 2:43 finish in the 880-yard dash and a 5:38 finish in the 1-mile run. The 22-year-old began competing in track and field as a college sophomore just...
Adriane Wilson finished first in four of the seven women’s heavy athletic events during the 2024 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, thereby claiming the top spot overall for the competition. This is a repeat win for Wilson, who took first place at these games in 2023 and was the runner-up in 2022. The 44-year-old personal trainer who resides in Columbia, S.C., has been competing in heavy athletics for over 15 years. Wilson has also coached adaptive sport for wounded soldiers. This year saw 13 women competing in front of an exceptionally large crowd this past Saturday. Wilson was previously a professional shot putter. She trained for the 2004 Olympics but finished fifth in the tryouts, falling just short of qualifying. Wilson keeps up with weight training and throwing throughout the week and is at the gym every day for her job. The spectators at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are a big part of what makes this particular competition so special to Wilson. “I just love the crowd here,” Wilson said. “We have such an incredible crowd that cheers us on, and they come out every year and just overwhelm us with so much positive energy. It’s super fun.” Wilson competes in 12 to 15 different games a year, which keeps her on the road. “I do travel quite a bit from coast to coast, and sometimes I go international,” she said. Wilson won the clachneart (stone) throw, the 28-pound-weight throw for distance, the 14-pound-weight throw for distance and the caber (large pole) toss events. Madison Weinreich was this year’s runner-up, winning the 28-pound-weight toss for height and coming in...
Nik Aston placed in the top four in all seven men’s heavy athletic events during the 2024 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, earning him the top spot overall for the competition. This year marked Aston’s sixth competing at these games and his second as a professional. The 29-year-old from Los Lunas, N.M, is a personal trainer and strength-and-conditioning specialist. During his time as a graduate student at Appalachian State University, he approached someone at his gym with a Grandfather Mountain Highland Games shirt and asked how to get involved. This year, in his second competition as a pro, he notched first-place honors. “There’s really no other venue like this in the country where so many events are happening at once,” Aston said on why these games are special to him. “The crowd is awesome and super engaged the entire time, and it makes me love the Highland Games.” Aston secured first place in the clachneart (throwing a stone for distance) and 22-pound hammer (spherical weight fastened to a wooden handle) throw, while tying for first in the caber (large pole) toss and 56-pound-weight toss for height. He also placed third in the sheaf toss, during which competitors use a pitchfork to hurl a burlap bag stuffed with straw over a horizontal bar. Jonathan Harding, the 2022 overall winner, placed second overall, including first place in the lightweight (28 pounds) and heavyweight (56 pounds) throws for distance. He also placed second in the clachneart and the hammer throw. 2023 overall winner Garrett Blatnik finished third overall, with a top score in the sheaf toss and first-place ties in the caber toss...
The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 11, continuing through Sunday, July 14. (See our Highland Games newsfeed for 2024 winners.) This marks the 68th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina. Throughout the weekend of events, guests can take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of traditional Scottish athletic competitions, which includes Scottish heavy athletics, track and field competitions, Highland wrestling and more. Additionally, guests can enjoy signature Scottish cuisine, cultural enrichments, traditional and contemporary Scottish music, dancing competitions, the Parade of Tartans and the ever-popular sheep dog herding demonstration. The Highland Games offer a unique experience for the whole family that guests will enjoy whether or not they have any direct Scottish lineage. Grandfather Mountain offers a distinct backdrop to these games that is not so different from the original Braemar Gathering that inspired the founders of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games decades ago. Operated and organized by Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Inc., the festivities begin Thursday, July 11, with border collie sheepherding demonstrations and Celtic entertainment. Shortly thereafter, the games officially get underway with the Torch Light Ceremony on Thursday evening, where representatives from all of the clans — many of whom travel from across the country and world to attend the games each year — announce their families’ participation in the gathering. Truly a sight to behold, the “raising of the clans” proclaims that they have convened to celebrate their heritage....
May 2024 was a pretty rainy month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for May 2024 was 59.60 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 49.32 degrees and a mean of 54.46 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 65.7 degrees on May 2, more than 12 degrees shy of the mountain’s record May high of 78 degrees, observed on May 19, 1996. Generally, May sees spring-like weather conditions arrive on Grandfather Mountain, though some chilly temperatures can still persist. May 11 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 35.8 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of May (not counting wind chill) was 15 degrees on May 6, 1957. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in May with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 9.90 inches of precipitation in May 2024, the seventh-highest total for this month on record. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 10.01 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. The mountain’s rainiest May was recorded in 2018, when 19.70 inches were observed near the bridge. That year saw...
The mountain’s annual speaker series, Grandfather Presents, returns for the summer season with an inspiring slate of Thursday evening presentations. This year, all four of the scheduled presenters have authored books, and Grandfather is launching a reading list to accompany these talks. The 2024 lineup, below, has an emphasis on those who make it their life’s mission to highlight the challenges, opportunities and good work happening around exploration, nature and conservation. Thursday, June 27: Extreme angler, biologist, “River Monsters” documentary TV host and author Jeremy Wade *This event is sold out. Thursday, July 25: Journalist, commentator and author Richard Louv Thursday, Aug. 15: Retired Ducks Unlimited CEO, retired director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and author Dale Hall Thursday, Sept. 19: Biologist, educator, ecologist, explorer and author Margaret Lowman, Ph.D., also known as “CanopyMeg” “We invite Grandfather enthusiasts, Grandfather Presents attendees, book lovers and those always up for an adventure to join us in reading this exciting lineup of books,” said Landis Taylor, vice president of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “With a 2024 speaker series filled with authors and dynamic storytellers, a summer reading list felt like a perfect pairing to Grandfather Presents.” Whether you’re planning to attend one of these ticketed events (which will feature allotted time for guests to have their books signed) or just want to follow along with us over the next few months, check out this list of books that’s sure to spark some curiosity and wonder, with each one delving into different facets of the natural world. Grandfather Presents 2024 Summer Reading List: “River Monsters” by Jeremy...
Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has added behind-the-scenes habitat cameras and a new kiosk with television screens at its cougar overlook, enhancing visitors’ experience and their chance to see these elusive animals. Cougars are crepuscular, meaning they are most active around dusk and dawn, and they spend a large portion of the day sleeping. Grandfather’s resident cougars, Logan and Trinity, follow this same pattern and are typically most active first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. In addition, the cougars are elusive and shy toward park guests, often choosing to sleep or lounge in sections of the habitat that can’t be seen by the public. Several departments within the organization collaborated to develop and install the elements of this project that debuted in late May at Grandfather’s Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats. Four new cameras were installed in the cougars’ habitat in locations that would be most likely to provide views of the feline “hide-and-seek champions,” but also not interfere with the animals’ behavior and well-being. The live video footage is displayed at a new informational kiosk at the cougar habitat overlook that all park guests can access. Two television screens rotate through the different camera feeds from the habitat, providing scenes never seen by guests before, such as the cougars sleeping in their den boxes. These new views will also supplement the park’s “Keeper Talk” daily program at the cougar overlook, as well as guided group tours through the habitats. The video footage is not accessible as a livestream outside of the park or on the internet....
April 2024 saw some high winds on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for April 2024 was 52.73 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 39.96 degrees and a mean of 46.35 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 69.1 degrees on April 15, more than 10 degrees shy of the mountain’s record April high of 80 degrees, observed on April 7, 2010. Generally, April continues to bring winter weather to Grandfather Mountain before more spring-like conditions arrive. April 6 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 19 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of April (not counting wind chill) was 5 degrees on April 7, 1982. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted nine days in April with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On April 13, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 95.2 mph. The month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 56.9 mph on April 12. This day also saw a gust of 93.7 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 6.55 inches of precipitation in April 2024. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 6.28 inches of precipitation and also noted 1 inch of...
March 2024 was a fairly blustery month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for March 2024 was 48.40 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 32.68 degrees and a mean of 40.54 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 65.48 degrees on March 31, more than 6 degrees shy of the mountain’s record March high of 72 degrees, observed on March 30, 1985. March 19 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 10.76 degrees. A wind chill of minus 15.2 was noted that same day. There were three other days in March that also recorded negative wind chills. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of March (not counting wind chill) was minus 9 degrees on March 9, 1996. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 10 days in March with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On March 11, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 94.1 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 61.2 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 6.12 inches of precipitation in March 2024. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery likewise totaled 6.12 inches of precipitation and also...
February 2024 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for February 2024 was 43.63 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 27.46 degrees and a mean of 35.55 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 51.8 degrees on Feb. 26, just over 12 degrees shy of the mountain’s record February high of 64 degrees, observed Feb. 22, 1977, and Feb. 15 and 16, 1989. Feb. 18 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 9.9 degrees. A wind chill of minus 12.47 was noted that same day. There were five other days in February that also recorded negative wind chills. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of February (not counting wind chill) was minus 19 degrees on Feb. 25, 1967. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted five days in February with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Feb. 28, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 88.7 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 49.3 mph that same day. A 49.3 mph sustained wind speed was also noted on Feb. 17. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 3.06 inches of precipitation in February 2024. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the...
Lory and Ray Lockwood have been coming to Linville in the summers since the 1970s with their parents Peggy and Bill Lockwood. Grandfather Mountain was their playground, and it loomed large over their family’s mountain getaway. “It was just where we went to relax and have fun,” remembers Lory of her childhood. “Grandfather was defined by fun.” Lory moved to New Orleans for college and ended up staying there for 50 years, until she and her husband, Tony Watts, who’s also fallen in love with Grandfather, decided to move to North Carolina in 2023. The move was fueled by a desire to be closer to Grandfather Mountain and to their grandchildren. Ray, who lives in Atlanta, continues to bring his children and grandchildren up to Grandfather each summer. “The fourth generation of the Lockwood family is now loving Grandfather as much as my parents did as the first generation,” said Ray. “It is so fun to hike the trails and then enjoy a picnic lunch at Cliffside Overlook, the same place Lory and I picnicked with our parents many years ago.” When Lory and Ray learned about the Boulder Club, they knew that having a boulder named for their family would be a lasting treasure that symbolizes their love of the mountain and provides a special place for their grandchildren to make memories of fun and family at Grandfather. Having shared so much as brother and sister and through their times at Grandfather, Lory and Ray said it just made sense to share a boulder, too. Now, the “Lockwood Family Rocks!” boulder, located by their picnic spot at Cliffslide...
January 2024 saw quite a bit of snowfall on Grandfather Mountain, as well as some blustery conditions, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for January 2024 was 34.30 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 20.64 degrees and a mean of 27.47 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 53.2 degrees on Jan. 26, just under 12 degrees shy of the mountain’s record January high of 65 degrees, observed on Jan. 30, 2002. Jan. 21 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with minus 5.1 degrees. A wind chill of minus 34.41 was noted that same day. There were 13 other days in January that also recorded negative wind chills, with the lowest being minus 35.49 on Jan. 20. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of January (not counting wind chill) was minus 32 degrees on Jan. 21, 1985. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted nine days in January with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Jan. 28, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 89.5 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 49 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 7.94 inches of precipitation in January 2024, the fifth-highest total on record for this month. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow...
