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...
Grandfather Mountain is a rugged place known for its wild and fast-changing weather. While no records were set or broken in 2023, the year saw many noteworthy monthly totals, according to data collected at the nature park’s official weather reporting stations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Some notable observations, and how they compare to Grandfather’s 69 years of recorded data, are included below. The average high temperature for February 2023 was 45.65 degrees Fahrenheit (the fifth-highest on record), with an average low of 31.20 degrees (the second-warmest on record) and a mean of 38.43 degrees (the third-highest on record). The average high temperature for May 2023 was 55.26 degrees Fahrenheit, the third-lowest on record. The average high temperature for June 2023 was 61.16 degrees Fahrenheit, the third-lowest on record. The coolest average high temperature on record for June at Grandfather is 60.27 degrees in 1997. Meanwhile, the average low of 50.94 degrees was the eighth-lowest on record, while the mean of 56.05 degrees was the fifth-lowest on record for this month. There were 22 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for June 2023, one day short of the record 23 days in 1994, 1995 and 1997. There were 21 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for September 2023, two days short of the record 23 days in 2020. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 1.46 inches of precipitation in October 2023, the...
December 2023 saw quite a bit of rainfall on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for December 2023 was 40.41 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 28.91 degrees and a mean of 34.66 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 52.7 degrees on Dec. 2, more than 10 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. 19 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 6.6 degrees. A wind chill of minus 20.65 was noted that same day. Dec. 6, 7, 11, 18 and 29 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 six days in December with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Dec. 18, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 83.7 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 49 mph on Dec. 10. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 9.44 inches of precipitation in December 2023, the fourth-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). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery...
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 ecological abundance and, at times, wild weather. Winter is the time of year when the weather at Grandfather – one of the most rugged mountains in the Eastern U.S. – is at its most extreme, and park staff must be prepared to encounter a variety of conditions. Many significant weather records have been set on the mountain during the colder months. Grandfather Mountain has been providing daily weather observations from the top of the mountain since August 1955. The highest winds of the year are experienced in winter, with the current record gust set at 124 mph on Feb. 25, 2019. In addition, the coldest temperature recorded on the mountain is minus 32 degrees Fahrenheit on Jan. 21, 1985. Grandfather has seen the extremes of 24 inches of snow in one day (March 16, 1993), 55.06 inches of snow in one month (January 1977) and 128.71 inches of snow in a winter (1959-1960). The arctic blast that hit a large portion of the country at Christmas 2022 brought frigid temperatures to the mountain. Dec. 23, 2022, saw a low temperature of minus 17 degrees and a wind chill of minus 54.2 degrees, and Christmas Eve brought a low of minus 18.2 degrees and a wind chill of minus 56.8 degrees. Grandfather Mountain is open, weather permitting, in the winter – and while the majority of winter days at the park can be...
November 2023 was another dry month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for November 2023 was 45.89 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 33.33 degrees and a mean of 39.61 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 61.3 degrees on Nov. 7, more than 7 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. 1 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 11.7 degrees. A wind chill of minus 14.6 was noted that same day. Nov. 27, 28 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 three days in November with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Nov. 28, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 86.3 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 52.8 mph on Nov. 27. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 1.38 inches of precipitation in November 2023, the third-lowest 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). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery...
Munroe and Becky Cobey wake up to a view of Grandfather from their home near the base of the mountain. This sight is one that they do not take for granted, as it was a top priority for them when they selected their homesite. “Grandfather Mountain is a gift that keeps giving because it changes every day,” says Becky Cobey in talking about the mountain she admires from her backyard. The Cobey family gives back to the mountain they love by helping to protect its unique environment and by helping create learning opportunities for all who visit, from schoolchildren to the general public. They value the discovery that takes place while being in nature and feel fulfilled while exploring outside, whether that be at Grandfather Mountain or at home in their garden. Becky grew up visiting her grandparents in Blowing Rock, N.C. Her grandmother grew up in the Martin House, the second-oldest building in Blowing Rock, and was related to H.C. Martin, the town’s second mayor from 1890-1892. Trips to Grandfather Mountain were always a part of Becky’s summer visits. Becky shared her love of the mountains, particularly Grandfather Mountain, with her husband Munroe. In 2007, they began traveling from their home in the North Carolina piedmont to spend their summers in Linville. Munroe and Becky’s daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, and their four grandchildren also have a place in their hearts for Grandfather Mountain. Becky regularly brings the grandchildren to visit the bears and other animals. Before they even arrive at the nature park, they can always check the weather on the mountain just by looking out their window!...
October 2023 was a pretty dry month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for October 2023 was 52.94 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 41.23 degrees and a mean of 47.09 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 62.8 degrees on Oct. 2 and 25, more than 12 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. 31 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 24.6 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. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted six days in October with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Oct. 21, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 86 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 55.8 mph on 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 1.46 inches of precipitation in October 2023, the sixth-lowest 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). Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 1.25 inches of precipitation and also noted trace amounts of snowfall on Oct. 16 and 17. Precipitation...
September 2023 saw fairly average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for September 2023 was 62.06 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 52.35 degrees and a mean of 57.21 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 74.5 degrees on Sept. 5, over four 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. 18 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 45.3 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 did not note any days in September with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 2.58 inches of precipitation in September 2023. 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 2.58 inches of precipitation, as well. 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 September was recorded in 2004, when 32.30 inches were observed near the bridge. That year saw widespread flooding and damage across the region from Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. The driest September on record was observed in 2019, when 0.68 inches were recorded. There were...
Staff and volunteers at Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, recently participated in Hawk Watch, a vast citizen-science project during the month of September to count and identify the numerous species of raptors making their annual journey to warmer climates. 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. This year saw the second-highest tally since 2008, with a total of 6,744 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. There were 41 different volunteers who contributed more than 700 hours of service to Hawk Watch 2023. The busiest day of the count came on Sept. 22, during which 2,482 birds were recorded. The second-busiest day came on Sept. 19, when 2,338 raptors were counted. “Weather conditions – such as fog, rain, cloud cover – and prevailing winds were definitely in our favor this year,” said John Caveny, director of conservation and education for the Grandfather...
What is the story and inspiration behind the vibrant new bear portrait hung prominently in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery? The project had been in the works since 2019, when artist Kent Paulette first proposed the idea of creating and then donating an original painting of a bear to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. He met with President and Executive Director Jesse Pope and Vice President Lesley Platek, and they discussed the expansion of the nature museum and possible spots for the artwork to hang. At 10 feet wide and 7.5 feet tall, the finished piece was the biggest painting Paulette had ever done! Paulette has shared how it all came to be. “Grandfather Mountain is such a special place to me. This painting was inspired by my visits to the wildlife habitats and seeing the bears there. I collected water from a waterfall at Grandfather Mountain and mixed the water directly with paint to stain the canvas with my Creek Washes. A bear came to visit my home studio as I was working on this painting outside on my deck. I think it was coming to see the painting because I hadn’t seen a bear there in three years. … I painted it outside on my deck in May 2022 during a week of extremely heavy rains. The rain water helped keep the canvas wet as I was painting my Creek Washes, so the colors were able to continue to flow together instead of drying as I went. It was a collaboration with the rain and wind. The wind blew the rain randomly on me and kept...
In autumn of 2019, a special animal adoption took place at Grandfather Mountain in memory of Ralph Wheeles. His wife, Carolyn, and their son, Wayne, adopted Carolina, one of Grandfather Mountain’s resident habitat black bears, because of their deep emotional connection to the mountain as a place of healing. After many years of traveling the globe, the Wheeles family always thought of Grandfather Mountain as home and “one of the single most beautiful places on earth.” It made sense in their time of grief that they would return to Grandfather Mountain to find peace and remember Ralph. At 26 years of age, Carolina is the oldest black bear residing in Grandfather’s animal habitats. Her caretakers describe her as sweet, calm and loving. In her younger years, she gave birth to several cubs and even adopted a couple to raise as her own. She’s one of the more recognizable bears at Grandfather as she’s missing the top end of her left ear, which only makes her appearance more adorable! Following the reopening of the mountain during the pandemic, Carolyn and Wayne were among the first in line to visit Carolina again and have been back to see her and the other black bears that call Grandfather Mountain home several times, which helps keep Ralph’s memory and legacy alive. This past August, Wayne reached out to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation about helping Carolyn, who is in the late stages of Parkinson’s Disease, connect with Carolina and fond memories of the mountain. She is no longer able to physically travel to Grandfather Mountain to visit Carolina, so Wayne asked if the...
August 2023 saw fairly average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for August 2023 was 66.55 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 57.51 degrees and a mean of 62.03 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 73.8 degrees on Aug. 25, just over nine degrees shy of the mountain’s record August high of 83 degrees, observed Aug. 22, 1983. Generally, August sees summertime weather conditions continue on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly cooler fall-like temperatures starting to arrive. Aug. 16 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 51.4 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 noted two days in August with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Aug. 15, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 67.7 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 42.4 mph on Aug. 18. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 9.87 inches of precipitation in August 2023. 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 saw 8.91 inches of precipitation. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. The...
July 2023 saw fairly average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for July 2023 was 68.73 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 58.90 degrees and a mean of 63.82 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 76.8 degrees on July 29, over six 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 10 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 55 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 three days in July with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On July 29, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 74.2 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 44.3 mph on 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 4.61 inches of precipitation in July 2023. 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 saw 4.43 inches of precipitation. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to...
June 2023 was among the coolest on record on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for June 2023 was 61.16 degrees Fahrenheit, the third-lowest on record. The 68-year coolest average high temperature on record at Grandfather is 60.27 degrees in 1997. Meanwhile, the average low of 50.94 degrees was the eighth-lowest on record, while the mean of 56.05 degrees was the fifth-lowest on record for this month. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 70.2 degrees on June 30, just under 12 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 8 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 42.6 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of June (not counting wind chill) was 31 degrees on June 1, 1966, and June 3, 1956. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted one day in June with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On June 26, 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 43 mph on 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 8.03 inches of precipitation in June 2023. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of...
Adriane Wilson finished first in five of the seven women’s heavy athletic events during the 2023 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, thereby claiming the top spot overall for the competition. Wilson was the runner-up at these games in 2022. The 43-year-old personal trainer who resides in Columbia, S.C., has been competing in heavy athletics for 15 years and is a five-time Women’s World Champion. Wilson also coaches adaptive sport for wounded soldiers. This year saw 10 women competing in front of an exceptionally large crowd of spectators 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. As for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, she noted that both the venue and the spectators make this particular competition so special. “Obviously, the location is incredible,” Wilson said. “The crowd always cheers us. It’s so much fun to see how many people are just into the Scottish Highland Games.” When asked what her favorite event is, she said she loves the caber toss, which she described as a “crowd-pleaser.” “I’m usually pretty solid with my heavy weight for distance,” she added. “That’s a fun one for me.” Wilson won the stone throw, the 28-pound-weight throw for distance, the 28-pound-weight toss for height, the caber toss and the hammer throw events. Morgan Palmer was this year’s runner-up, winning the 14-pound-weight throw for distance and coming in second in five other individual events. Asylnn Halvorson, who...
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 honors. Ty Smith from Elizabethton, Tenn., and Amanda Pasko from Charlotte, N.C., earned the respective titles. Smith placed first in the men’s 220-yard dash, 440-yard dash and long jump, while Pasko placed within the top three in five events, including first place in the women’s 440-yard dash and triple jump. Growing up, Smith attended the games and participated in kilted running events. A graduate from nearby Avery County High School, he was a three-sport athlete participating in football, baseball and track and field and was a two-time All-State and three-time All-Conference selection in track, earning Conference Runner of the Year as a senior. He has played football at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia for two years and is transferring to join Tusculum University’s program (in Tennessee) in the fall. “It was great,” Smith said about being named Outstanding Men’s Athlete. “I’ve raced in that competition before, and it didn’t go nearly as well, so it was a thrill out there.” Pasko recorded a 1:10 finish in the women’s 440-yard dash and jumped a distance of 30′ 9 ½” in the women’s triple jump. Alongside Pasko in the women’s events, Tai’lah Ward placed first in the 100-yard dash, while returning competitors Kimora Chawlk and Carissa Chambers secured first in the 220-yard dash and 1-mile run, respectively. First-time competitor Sasha Ledford recorded four top-two finishes, including first-place finishes in the women’s pole vault and long jump. For participating athletes, the Highland Games offer a chance to display...
Garrett Blatnik finished first in four of the seven men’s heavy athletic events during the 2023 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, earning him the top spot overall for the competition. This year marked Blatnik’s fifth time competing at these games and his third as a professional. The 30-year-old from Memphis, Tenn., is an entrepreneur and owns four pizza restaurants, a gym and a takeout baked potato restaurant. Blatnik turned pro in 2021 and finished as the runner-up in last year’s games. He has competed at the last five Grandfather Mountain Highland Games alongside his brother, Justin, who turned pro this year. “The crowd and the atmosphere make this such a special place to throw,” Blatnik said on why these games are important to him. “It’s one of the bigger [Highland Games] in the Southeast.” Blatnik secured first place in the clachneart (throwing a stone for distance), lightweight (28 pounds) throw, caber toss and 56-pound toss for height en route to a top finish. He also achieved second-place finishes in the heavyweight (56 pounds) throw and sheaf toss, marking a top-two finish in six of the seven events. Wes Kiser, who secured top-three finishes in six of the seven events and first place in the sheaf toss, was this year’s runner-up. Adam Sizemore finished third overall with first-place finishes in the heavyweight throw and the 22-pound hammer throw, while Jonathan Harding, last year’s overall winner, secured fourth place. The men’s professional competition is by invitation only and featured nine competitors, three more than last year, vying to best each other in seven different categories: sheaf toss, 56-pound-weight toss for height, caber...
May 2023 saw cooler-than-average temperatures on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for May 2023 was 55.26 degrees Fahrenheit, the third-lowest on record. Meanwhile, both the average low of 44.12 degrees and the mean of 49.69 degrees were more comparable to temperatures historically observed on the mountain during this month. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 65.8 degrees on May 16, just over 12 degrees shy of the mountain’s record May high of 78 degrees, observed May 19, 1996. Generally, May sees spring-like weather conditions arrive on Grandfather Mountain, though some chilly temperatures can still persist. May 1 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 27.9 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed for this month (not counting wind chill) is 15 degrees on May 6, 1957. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted five days in May with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On May 1, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 81.9 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 48.5 mph on May 3. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 4.46 inches of precipitation in May 2023. 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 saw 4.85 inches of precipitation and a trace amount of snowfall on May 3. Precipitation is also...
April 2023 saw fairly average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for April 2023 was 52.83 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 38.19 degrees and a mean of 45.51 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 66 degrees on April 20, 14 degrees shy of the mountain’s record April high of 80 degrees, observed April 7, 2010. Generally, April continues to bring winter weather to Grandfather Mountain before more spring-like conditions arrive. April 2 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 23 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed for this month (not counting wind chill) is 5 degrees on April 7, 1982. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted five days in April with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On April 1, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 76.4 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 54.7 mph on April 2. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 5.70 inches of precipitation in April 2023. 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 saw 6.47 inches of precipitation and no snowfall. 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 April was recorded in 2018,...
March 2023 saw fairly average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for March 2023 was 45.03 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 29.89 degrees and a mean of 37.46 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 67.3 degrees on March 24, just under 5 degrees shy of the mountain’s record March high of 72 degrees, observed March 30, 1985. March 19 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 6.8 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed for this month (not counting wind chill) is minus 9 degrees on March 9, 1996. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted eight days in March with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On March 10, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 82.1 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 52.7 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 4.45 inches of precipitation in March 2023. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation. Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery saw 4.56 inches of precipitation and also noted three days with at least trace amounts of snowfall, amounting to approximately 1.10 total inches. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations...
Two recent vehicle purchases at Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, further the organization’s mission to help all people explore, understand and value the wonders of the natural world. The new ADA-compliant shuttle and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) allow the organization to make the park more accessible for school groups, other visiting groups, behind-the-scenes guests and special event participants. The origin story of Linville, N.C.,’s Grandfather Mountain nature park is rooted in the desire for accessibility – the aspiration of Hugh Morton to make one of the East Coast’s most rugged mountains available to everyone. When Morton, the late founder of Grandfather Mountain, inherited the mountain in 1952, he dreamed up the idea of the Mile High Swinging Bridge, connecting two of the mountain’s prominent peaks. Part of his vision came from the desire to give his grandmother access to the lofty heights and the unique vantage point they provide. Knowing that she and others would not be able to hike or climb to these magnificent views, he created another way to provide those with limited mobility with this opportunity. With an immense vision and the help of architect Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C., and others, the Mile High Swinging Bridge opened Sept. 2, 1952, and immediately started offering guests awe-inspiring views. Fast forward to June 2010, and the reopening of Grandfather Mountain’s Top Shop. After a few different versions of the souvenir and snack shop, located just below the Swinging Bridge, served guests for nearly 60 years, the Top Shop was rebuilt with an elevator inside and a new outdoor...
Thanks to the support of the High Country Charitable Foundation, Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, was able to make improvements to its elk habitat. High Country Charitable Foundation, based in nearby Banner Elk, N.C., is a nonprofit organization with a vision to help the Avery County, N.C., community by providing for neighbors and animals in need. This specific funding allowed for two important updates to the behind-the-scenes area of Grandfather Mountain’s elk habitat – a reliable water source in the animals’ shifting paddock and the reinforcement of the fencing in this location. Downhill from the guest overlook at Grandfather Mountain’s elk habitat, and toward the back of the enclosure, are two shifting paddocks, or smaller enclosed areas. These paddocks are used daily to temporarily secure the mountain’s two male elk while animal habitat keepers access the primary habitat to clean, distribute food and perform other duties. The paddocks can also be used to isolate an animal. For instance, last year, Merle, a resident elk in the habitats, sustained a hoof injury and needed to be housed in the paddock as he healed over a number of weeks. The elk may also be placed in the paddocks if a lengthy maintenance project is required in the main habitat. During this time, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation staff realized the need to have a watering system in this behind-the-scenes area. When given any kind of bucket or pool, the elk immediately turn it over, and when temperatures dip below freezing (which is very common during a Grandfather Mountain winter), there was no way to...
Grandfather Mountain had a pretty mild February with some above-average temperatures, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for February 2023 was 45.65 degrees Fahrenheit (the fifth-highest on record), with an average low of 31.20 degrees (the second-warmest on record) and a mean of 38.43 degrees (the third-highest on record). The warmest temperature recorded last month was 59.9 degrees on Feb. 22, just over 4 degrees shy of the mountain’s record February high of 64 degrees, observed Feb. 22, 1977, and Feb. 15 and 16, 1989. The dates of Feb. 3 and 4 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 8.6 degrees. A wind chill of minus 14.4 was also noted on Feb. 3. The lowest temperature ever observed for this month (not counting wind chill) is 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. 28, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 85.6 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 73.4 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 4.32 inches of precipitation in February 2023. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation. Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery saw 4.41 inches of precipitation...
Grandfather Mountain started the year off with a fairly blustery January that also saw a bit of snow, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for January 2023 was 39.99 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 27.33 degrees and a mean of 33.66 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 55.6 degrees on Jan. 2, just under 10 degrees shy of the mountain’s record January high of 65 degrees, observed on Jan. 30, 2002. The dates of Jan. 14 and 15 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 10 degrees. A wind chill of minus 12.7 was also noted on Jan. 14. The lowest temperature observed for this month (not counting wind chill) was minus 32 degrees on Jan. 21, 1985. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 12 days in January with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Jan. 20, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 89.4 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 73.2 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 4.57 inches of precipitation in January 2023. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation. Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery saw 4.86 inches of precipitation and also noted eight days with at least trace amounts of...
Grandfather Mountain, a place known for wild and rapidly changing weather, experienced a fairly ordinary year for the location. Notable weather in 2022 included trace amounts of rain on most days during the months of May, August and November, as well as the arctic blast that hit a large portion of the country around Christmas. However, according to data collected near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, no records were set or broken. 2022 PrecipitationThe station observed 60.05 inches of rain for the year over 214 days, shy of the mountain’s standing records of a cumulative 110.7 inches in 2018 and 242 days of precipitation in 2020. The rainiest month in 2022 was May, when 10.01 inches were recorded over 24 days. This was one day short of the record of 25 days of precipitation for May in 2009. The driest month of 2022 was June, with only 1.41 inches observed over 12 days of precipitation (including trace amounts). August 2022 saw at least trace amounts of rain on 27 days, two days shy of the record 29 days of precipitation for the month in 2020. Likewise, November’s 21 days of precipitation matched both November 1977 and 1986 for the highest number of days seeing at least trace amounts of rainfall for that month. Grandfather Mountain reported 29.6 inches of snow in 2022, as observed at the park’s Wilson Center. Snow accumulation is measured at this lower location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. The mountain’s snowiest year on record remains 1996, when the park observed...
A cold snap during Winter Storm Elliott that brought strong winds and subzero temperatures also saw the third-lowest temperature ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain for the month of December, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for December 2022 was 38.7 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 24.9 degrees and a mean of 31.6 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 53.4 degrees on Dec. 6, just under 10 degrees shy of the mountain’s record December high of 63 degrees, observed on Dec. 7, 1956. Dec. 24 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with minus 18.2 degrees, making it the third-lowest temperature ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain in the month of December. A wind chill of minus 56.8 was noted that same day. The lowest temperature observed for this month (not counting wind chill) was minus 21 degrees on Dec. 25, 1983. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted eight days in December with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Dec. 24, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 84.2 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 65.2 mph on Dec. 1. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 2.62 inches of precipitation in December 2022. This does not include two days of missing data, due to inaccessibility from inclement weather. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery saw 2.66 inches of precipitation and also...
The traveling exhibition “Photographs by Hugh Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective” opened in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery on January 18, 2023. See it daily in the Classroom in the Clouds through March 16, followed by weekends, March 18 through May 14. From May 15 to Memorial Day, the exhibition will be on display every day before coming to a close. This photography exhibition features close to 100 framed photographs, including one 7-foot-long panorama. Access to the exhibition is included with the price of admission. The exhibition is provided courtesy of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s North Carolina Collection and features a vast collection of signature photography, as well as lesser-known shots, taken by the founder of Grandfather Mountain and one of the most prolific photographers in North Carolina history. Morton’s photography throughout his lifetime not only highlighted the wonders of Grandfather Mountain, such as park icons Mildred the Bear and the Mile High Swinging Bridge, but also expanded into his other areas of interest, including sports, wildlife, conservation, politics and current events of his day. These latter themes take center stage in the traveling exhibition. Some of Morton’s most important work that he engaged in during his lifetime is reflected and captured in the collection, as well, including his participation in the Pacific Theater during World War II, saving the USS North Carolina Battleship at Wilmington and working as the official sports photographer for UNC-Chapel Hill, among other ventures. Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, expressed his excitement not only for the park’s new capacity to host traveling exhibits...
November 2022 saw rainy and windy weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for November 2022 was 45.6 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 32.6 degrees and a mean of 39.1 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 61.3 degrees on Nov. 8, more than 7 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. 17 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 11.1 degrees. 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 eight days in November with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Nov. 20, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 81.5 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 69.4 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 9.18 inches of precipitation in November 2022, the third-highest rainfall total for this month on record. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery saw 10.57 inches and also noted trace amounts of snow on Nov. 13 and 14. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top....
It’s been more than 50 years since Monty and Brenda Combs first visited Grandfather Mountain. Over the decades, their gifts of time, talent and treasure have inspired all who meet them. Enduring friendships, indelible photographs and a passion for conservation are just a few ways they have created a rich legacy at Grandfather that will impact generations to come. Monty and Brenda first visited Grandfather in the early 1970s but didn’t begin making regular trips to the mountain until 1995. They had moved back to Monty’s hometown of Wilkesboro, N.C., in 1988, but life was busy with work and Brenda having started a master’s program at Appalachian State University. It was a particularly foggy day in 1995 that would ultimately become one of their most memorable experiences on the mountain. “We wandered through the habitats and ended up by the bear cubs,” says Brenda. “We couldn’t see anything but fog, but we heard snoring! As the fog dissipated, a tree in the habitat appeared, and in the branches were three sleeping little bear cubs. We changed our day pass that day for a year pass and have been passholders ever since.” They continued to explore and rediscover Grandfather Mountain. Monty, especially, loved the opportunity to take photos of the flora and fauna. Over time, their connection to this special place deepened. They got to know the people behind Grandfather and made friends with employees, including Jesse Pope, who is now the president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, but at the time, was a seasonal ranger and still in school at Lees-McRae College. “On one of...
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 high temperature for October 2022 was 51.1 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 38.1 degrees and a mean of 44 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 62.4 degrees on Oct. 15, more than 12 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. 18 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 16.5 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. The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in October 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 3.41 inches of precipitation in October 2022. Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery saw 3.32 inches. 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 October was recorded in 1970, when 15.86 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest October on record was observed in 1963, when 0.31 inches were recorded. The park counted 14 total days of precipitation for October 2022. The rainiest day last month was Oct. 1, when...
