Grandfather Mountain Highland Games return July 11-14

Scotland returns to Grandfather Mountain July 11-14 for the 64th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Boasting bagpipes, Scottish athletics, Highland melodies, Celtic cuisine, crafts aplenty and tons of tartans, the Games hearken back to the rich cultural traditions of Scotland in a setting not so different from  the mountains and glens some 3,600 miles away.

Grandfather Mountain welcomes new development director

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation has named Courtney Lane its new director of development. Lane, whose duties include managing the engagement of donors and supporters of Grandfather Mountain, comes from the Crossnore School & Children’s Home in nearby Crossnore, where she served in advancement for nearly four years.

Grandfather Mountain announces ‘Conservation Campus’ expansion

Grandfather Mountain is more than a mile high, but plans for a new “Conservation Campus” will take the park’s educational mission above and beyond. In fall 2019, the mountain will break ground on an ambitious project to help guests better explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain.

Grandfather Mountain sets new wind speed record

Around 4 a.m. on Feb. 13, the nonprofit nature park’s weather recording station at the Mile High Swinging Bridge registered a three-second gust of 121.3 miles per hour. This beats the mountain’s previous record of 120.7 mph, recorded Dec. 21, 2012.

Winter openings and closings

Grandfather Mountain is open daily throughout winter, weather permitting, with the exception of Christmas Day. When winter weather arrives, however, visitors are encouraged to call the Entrance Gate at (828) 733-4337 to confirm the day’s conditions and set the stage for a memorable outing.

Grandfather Mountain announces 2019 schedule of events

With 2019 underway, Grandfather Mountain’s calendar of events is in peak condition. With a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain, the nonprofit nature park and its staff are readying for a fun and eventful year.

Grandfather Mountain offers free admission to federal employees affected by shutdown

As the partial government shutdown continues, Grandfather Mountain will offer complimentary admission to affected government employees. Throughout the duration of the shutdown, affected federal employees and their guests (up to six total in the same vehicle) will receive free admission to Grandfather Mountain, with proof of federal employment, such as federal ID or a paystub.

Grandfather Mountain closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Grandfather Mountain will be closed Christmas Eve (due to inclement weather) and Christmas Day, to reopen with regular hours Wednesday, Dec. 26, weather permitting. During winter, guests are encouraged to call the park’s Entrance Gate at (828) 733-4337 before making the trip to check on the day’s weather conditions and opening status.

Holidays bring Dollar Days, discounts, shopping and more to GFM

With winter on the way, Grandfather Mountain is decking its halls — and hills — for the holidays. Visitors are invited to celebrate the season from a mile high, where they’ll encounter idyllic winter scenery, invigorating outdoor adventure and more at the Linville, N.C., nature park.

Grandfather Mountain hosts Beary Scary Halloween Oct. 27

Grandfather Mountain has mountains of tricks and treats in store for its annual Halloween festival, Beary Scary Halloween, returning Saturday, Oct. 27. The special day features a spooky selection of nature programs, Halloween-themed crafts, a costume contest, animal enrichments and six trick-or-treating locations throughout the mountain. All activities are included with the price of admission, and kids in costume get in for half price.