Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight

This event is SOLD OUT. To be placed on the waiting list, please send an email to christie@grandfather.com with your name, email address, phone number and the number of spots you are interested in.

Embrace your nocturnal side at Grandfather Mountain through Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight, the park’s after-hours program where guests enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nighttime residents.

The evening begins around the glow of a bonfire at the Woods Walk Picnic Area as night falls. Guests will then have the opportunity to partake in three unique experiences as the group splits up and alternates between the different parts of the mountain. These activities include a trek (via shuttle) to atop the mountain at the Mile High Swinging Bridge, as well as a visit to the Mildred the Bear Animal Habitats for a behind-the-scenes tour in which guests get to experience the mountain in a similar fashion as its nocturnal critters. The tour is conducted using red-light flashlights, with an emphasis placed on the guests’ sensory experience while getting up close with the park’s bears, otters, elk and cougars. An educational focus is also placed on how the animals may use their senses of smell or eyesight to navigate or hunt at night.

Groups will then descend back to the Woods Walk Picnic Area to gather around the fire, roast s’mores and hear folktales from one of the mountain’s naturalists or educators.

Hours are 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event is open to 48 participants, and tickets are $40 for general admission or $34 for Bridge Club members. Tickets go on sale on this page on August 31.

Please note: This event is for individuals eight years of age and older.

RAIN DATE: New this year, a rain date has been scheduled in case weather is forecasted to be unfavorable on the event date.

This event has a rain date of Oct. 7, if needed, meaning that the event could happen Sept. 30 or Oct. 7. There will be no refunds given if the event is moved to the rain date. Participants will be notified by noon the day of the event regarding if the decision has been made to move Creatures of the Night to the rain date.

Refunds will be issued if the event is canceled for both Sept. 30 and the rain date of Oct. 7.

Participants should be prepared for a variety of the mountain’s weather conditions. It is recommended that they bring a rain jacket, gloves and additional layers of clothing. Guests should also wear appropriate shoes or hiking boots in order to be comfortable while exploring the mountain’s rugged terrain.

Red-light flashlights are given out, but guests are also welcome to bring their own. Participants must bring their own s’more-making ingredients. S’more-making sticks are provided, in addition to light refreshments, such as apple cider and hot chocolate.

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. (The deadline to cancel and receive a refund for this event is 11:59 p.m. September 25.) This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-8715. We ask that individuals who are feeling ill stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants and Grandfather Mountain staff. Refunds will be granted to these individuals.