Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight
People are familiar with Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals, including black bears, bald eagles, cougars, river otters and elk. But what do they do after dark? Find out at Grandfather Mountain’s annual Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight, a fall nighttime event that features fun and spooky stories told by firelight, along with exclusive after-dark tours.
Creatures of the Night is an unique opportunity to see the new world that is Grandfather Mountain after the sun goes down. The mountain comes alive with inhabitants not seen during daylight hours, and experiencing this in complete darkness, with no outside lights, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
During the event, guests young and old can enjoy hot chocolate and warm apple cider by the glow of a bonfire. The event is BYOS (Bring Your Own S’mores, e.g., marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, roasting sticks, etc.), but the park will provide cider, hot chocolate and seating.
From there, guests will join Grandfather staff members on a nocturnal trek to the top of the mountain (via shuttle) and the environmental wildlife habitats, where they’ll encounter Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals in a whole new light — or lack thereof. When the animals can’t be seen, visitors instead observe them with their other senses, making for a whole new and exciting experience. For instance, guests might hear the breaths of a black bear or catch the glint of a mountain lion’s eyes.
The evening concludes with “Owl Prowls,” which take participants on a search for the mountain’s feathered denizens of the night, during which guides will attempt to communicate with the birds through owl calls.
Please note: This event is for individuals eight years of age and older.
Also see: Grandfather by Night | Animal Enrichment Day | Experiences