Fall Visits: Insider Tips

The fall season on Grandfather Mountain (September & October) is certainly a favorite for many as the crisp cooler temperatures usher in the leaf color show that lasts for many weeks. See our Fall Color Gallery for color updates. Here are some insider tips for getting the most out of your mile-high excursion to Grandfather.

Book your timed entry and tickets in advance! Fall can be a busy time on the mountain, and you don’t want to miss out. October days, especially weekend days, can sell out. Reserve here.
Our fall hours vary from weekdays to weekends. Plan ahead by checking out the park’s operating schedule.
There’s certainly enough things to do on the mountain to spend an entire day. But you have less time, you have many options. See our full list of Things to Do. Top destinations for visitors are the Mile High Swinging Bridge, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and the Wildlife Habitats.
Wanting to hike? Plan ahead and choose the right trail on our Grandfather Mountain Hiking Guide. Also, make sure to check the weather before your visit, dress appropriately (with multiple layers, including a waterproof jacket) and bring plenty of water and snacks! Get hiking tips.
Check the schedule of many daily programs included in admission before your trip. (Tip: This schedule is also posted in the Wilson Center via QR code.)
Take part in the Fall Color Ramble, a 30-minute guided walk with park naturalists focused on the leaf change, at 1 p.m. Oct. 5-14, 2024 (with potentially more dates, depending on conditions). Canceled in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene.
On weekends, sign up in advance for “behind-the-scenes” Experiences with a naturalist or wildlife expert.
Bring some layers in the car. Fall days at Grandfather are usually crisp and cool! (Tip: Visit our gift shops, located in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Top Shop, for Grandfather Mountain apparel.)
Look for fresh ways to see the color show. The views up top are nice, but also check out the vantage points from the viewing areas around the bear and elk habitats. The Woods Walk is also nice!
Look down. Fall is a great time to enjoy wildflowers and spot interesting fungi on the trails. Remember to leave nature for others to enjoy!
Pack a picnic, or plan to eat lunch at Mildred’s Grill. Need to recharge after a hike? Pick up a fall treat like fudge, a slice of pie or hot cocoa. (Tip: You can also get your food to-go, so you can still enjoy the fresh air and views! And, don’t miss the new grab-and-go kiosk with prepared meals and snacks to try!)
Speaking of a picnic, Grandfather has over 100 picnic spots – some with grills, ALL scenic! See our Picnic Guide for details.
Enjoy a wonderful windshield tour as you drive up our 2-mile Scenic Drive to the Top – on of the most beautiful drives in the Blue Ridge with plenty of stops along the way.
Visit our gift shops, located in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Top Shop, for Grandfather Mountain apparel and souvenirs.
Posting your photos to social media? Be sure to tag #grandfathermtn, and your photo may just make it onto our website homepage or the park’s social media pages!
When is peak color? Leaves begin changing color at the highest elevations and gradually work down the slopes into the valleys over several weeks. Typically, the first fall colors appear on Grandfather Mountain in late September. Peak color toward the summit is usually early October. The lower sections of the park peak in mid October. Color views into the much lower valleys extend into late October. Learn more about the science behind our leaf season!

Fall 2024 Grandfather Mountain Events

Check the schedule of events before your visit to plan what you’d like to do. Some require advance registration and fill up quickly. Here’s a sampling:

Hawk Watch (September All Month): Grab a front-row seat to one of nature’s most stunning spectacles — thousands of raptors migrating over the mountains and heading south toward their wintering grounds.
Grandfather by Night: Adventurous Edition (Sept 6, 2024): Explore Grandfather Mountain after hours with your own personal guides! Includes a short hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active at night.
Junior Naturalist Day (Sept 7, 2024): A day’s worth of special programming to spark participants’ curiosity about the natural world.
Grandfather by Night: Less Adventurous Edition (Sept 13, 2024): Explore Grandfather Mountain afterhours with your own personal guides! Includes an outdoor interpretive program and flora, fauna, folklore and other topics
Grandfather Presents: Dr. Margaret Lowman, Ph.D., aka CanopyMeg (Sept 19, 2024): One of the world’s first arbornauts, CanopyMeg devoted over four decades to exploring forest canopies.
Girl Scout Day (Sept 21, 2024): Nature hikes, hands-on activities, weather exploration, presentation, habitats tours and more are enjoyed by Girl Scouts and their troop leaders – free admission if in uniform.
Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delights (Sept 28, 2024): A nighttime event that features fun and spooky stories told by firelight, along with exclusive after-dark tours. This is an unique opportunity to see the new world that is Grandfather Mountain after the sun goes down.
Field Course: Landscape Potential: Approaches to Ecological Landscape Design (Sept 28, 2024): Consider the performance of your home landscape. Would you describe it as a fit, functional work of art that reflects your lifestyle and encourages outdoor activity?
Fall Color Ramble (Oct 5-14, 2024): These easy-going rambles, led by members of the park’s naturalist staff, give guests an opportunity to learn more about color change and explore the species of plants and trees native to Grandfather Mountain.
Adult Field Course: Grandfather’s Starry Skies (Oct 19, 2024): This class creates a familiarity with the night sky and learn the basics of stargazing.
Beary Scary Halloween (Oct 26, 2024): This spooky selection of fun, interactive programs, features Halloween-themed activities and trick-or-treating. Guests can try their hands at Halloween crafts, along with games like Pin the Tail on the Bear, bean-bag toss and more. Park educators host interactive, autumn-themed nature programs.

More info: Plan Your Visit here!