Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
September 12, 2025 @7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before!
The evening starts atop Grandfather Mountain at the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where participants can explore and observe sunset from this lofty vantage point. During this time, park educators will be on hand to discuss the unique flora and crepuscular (active during twilight) fauna that call Grandfather home.
In-park transportation is provided. Each Grandfather by Night event is limited to 24 participants. Advance registration is required. Please note: This event is for individuals eight years of age and older.
We are offering two versions of our Grandfather by Night series this year, Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike and Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program.
This event is a Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program.
The Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program about flora, fauna, folklore and other topics after sunset. This edition of the event series is held outdoors and is accessible for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.
Grandfather Mountain’s vehicle fleet includes a 12-seat shuttle that has a 1,000-pound Braun Lift and accommodates an additional two people in wheelchairs. During the ticket purchase process, please note if anyone you purchased a ticket for has any accessibility needs so that the proper transportation can be arranged. You may also reach out to the Grandfather Mountain office (828-733-2013) to share this information.
The event starts for registered participants at 7 p.m. In-park transportation will be provided.
This event costs $50 for general admission and $42 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on July 14, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase tickets.
You will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase.
Non-Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase tickets.
What to Bring?
You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment and footwear are very important. A jacket is needed on most summer evenings at Grandfather!
Refunds/Cancellations
The majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-733-2013 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
