2026 Dollar Days
Grandfather Mountain extends a special “Dollar Days” rate of $5 per person (plus tax and fees) during the month of April to those who live or work in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Mitchell, Watauga, Yancey or Wilkes counties, along with their guests traveling in the same vehicle. Students attending a local college or university are also eligible for the discount. Dollar Days guests MUST book their tickets online and choose the Dollar Days admission rate when reserving their visit. NO Dollar Days tickets will be available for purchase at the Grandfather Mountain entrance gate.
Once tickets are purchased online, proof of local residency or employment MUST be presented by one Dollar Days ticketholder per vehicle. If a ticketholder does not display proof of local residency or employment, they and their party will be charged the full rate of admission.
Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, will open its gates to High Country residents, employees, college students and their guests for only $5 each during the month of April, as the park’s “Dollar Days” promotion returns in time for spring.
“We are so excited to offer expanded facilities and highly anticipated programming to local residents through the Dollar Days promotion,” said Jesse Pope, president and CEO of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “As we usher in the spring season, we encourage folks to get outside and explore the mountain’s many offerings.”
The promotion allows anyone who lives or works in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke (added in 2025), Caldwell, Mitchell, Watauga, Yancey (added this year) or Wilkes counties — along with their guests traveling in the same vehicle — to visit at the discounted rate (per person).
Historically, the reduced pricing was extended to counties represented by High Country Host Regional Visitor Center. For the third year in a row, Grandfather Mountain has made the move to extend the Dollar Days footprint and include more neighbors as part of the monthlong special offer.
Students attending a local college or university in these eight counties are also eligible for the discount.
IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION
Dollar Days guests must book their visit online. To take advantage of the reduced rate, guests should choose the Dollar Days admission calendar and rate when reserving their tickets.
Upon arrival at the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate, Dollar Days ticketholders must present a valid driver’s license, college ID or local utility bill as proof of High Country residency. An employee identification badge or pay stub can be used to demonstrate employment at a High Country business.
The special rate applies to all guests traveling in the same vehicle, so only one Dollar Days ticketholder needs to present verification of local residence, employment or college attendance. If the ticketholder does not display proof of local residency, employment or college attendance, they and their party will be charged the full rate of admission.
The Dollar Days rate cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and only a limited number of Dollar Days tickets will be available for each day of the month of April. Dollar Days admission must be reserved online, as no Dollar Days tickets will be available for purchase at Grandfather’s Entrance Gate. In addition, the month is expected to be busy, and securing Dollar Days admission online early is strongly recommended.
YONNI’S CLUBHOUSE
A new facility for young explorers, called Yonnis Clubhouse, is set to open in April next to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery as a part of the mountain’s growing Conservation Campus. The Dollar Days Promotion offers the opportunity for local residents to be some of the first guests to enjoy the new space.
This science and conservation education center is designed for children ages 5 to 12 and will host interactive exhibits that focus on pollinators, climate, weather and ecosystems. Educational concepts highlighted in indoor exhibits will come to life outdoors through sensory and pollinator gardens, a nature trail, interpretive signage and more.
Learn more about Yonni’s Clubhouse.
APRIL EVENTS, PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES
Sounds of Nature – Kids’ Music Day – April 26
Returning this year after a successful debut in 2025, the special event, “Sounds of Nature,” will take place during Dollar Days and is included with the price of admission. Join us for a fun-filled, nature-themed afternoon of music, where families and kids can groove to the sounds in nature. This interactive concert, held in the Williams Outdoor Learning Space, celebrates the beauty of the natural world, featuring lively performances, eco-themed songs and hand-on activities that teach kids about conservation.
While the event is open to everyone who purchases a ticket to the park that day, the mountain hopes this will be an affordable entertainment opportunity for local families.
For more information, visit the Sounds of Nature event page.
Daily Programs
April 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 animal habitat curators and park educators are on hand to showcase these natural wonders.
Starting March 21, Grandfather will begin offering daily programming, all included with the price of admission, including Keeper Talks, Junior Naturalist, Peaks and Profiles and more.
These fascinating interpretive programs throughout the park are a great way to get the most out of your visit to the mountain.
To learn more about these Grandfather Mountain Daily Programs and others, visit our Daily Programs page.
Experiences
Also in April, Grandfather Mountain is bringing back special experiences, like “Meet the Bears” and Behind-the-Scenes Tours, available at an additional cost.
These take place on weekends, with advance reservations recommended due to limited space.
To learn more about Grandfather Mountain experiences, visit our Experiences page.
HOURS
During the month of April, Grandfather Mountain is offering extended spring hours, meaning the park is open daily, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 4:30 p.m. and trails closing at 5 p.m.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ACCESS
Dollar Days guests wanting to plan a visit to the High Country that includes the Blue Ridge Parkway should check that park’s website in advance, as closures along the Parkway are slated to begin in mid-March.
Access to Grandfather Mountain via the Parkway will remain open from at least one direction thanks to the careful planning of the National Park Service staff. Access to important Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads will remain open from at least one direction after an initial full closure at Boone Fork Parking Area (Milepost 299.9) that is expected to last for three to four weeks in early spring.
Guests traveling to Grandfather Mountain via the west side of the mountain (N.C. Hwy 105) and via U.S. 221 will not be impacted by the roadwork on the parkway.
Read more about Blue Ridge Parkway Access.