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SUMMARY:Hawk Watch
DESCRIPTION:All throughout September\, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission. \nRaptors are birds of prey\, such as hawks\, eagles\, owls and vultures. The telltale signs of the raptor are sharp talons\, a hooked upper bill and keen eyesight. While some raptors remain in place during winter\, most will travel south\, where food is more abundant. Because it sits along the eastern escarpment of the Appalachian Mountains\, and its rocky peaks generate strong thermal uplifts and allow excellent visibility\, Grandfather Mountain is a prime viewing spot for this phenomenon. \nPerhaps the most dramatic visual display comes courtesy of the broad-winged hawk\, which migrates in groups of hundreds or thousands\, called kettles. Those sightings are most common around the second or third week of September. Grandfather Mountain is one of more than 300 Hawk Watch sites officially designated by the Hawk Migration Association of North America. \nBeyond nature putting on quite a show\, Hawk Watch serves a vital purpose. The annual tallies amassed from Grandfather Mountain and other locations are crucial in tracking hawk populations and migration routes over time. This data proves instrumental in making informed land management decisions. Between both volunteer and staff time\, more than 900 hours are invested in Hawk Watch at Grandfather annually. \nGrandfather Mountain is welcoming volunteers to aid in the official count. Volunteers must attend a mandatory orientation session to participate. Registration is required. Those interested should contact hawkwatch@grandfather.com. \nRead more about Hawk Watch.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/hawkwatch/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T213000
DTSTAMP:20260624T161051Z
CREATED:20230623T180312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T161051Z
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SUMMARY:Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight
DESCRIPTION:Embrace your nocturnal side at Grandfather Mountain through Creatures of the Night and 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. \nThe 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. \nGroups 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. \nHours are 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event is open to 50 participants\, and tickets are $50 for general admission or $42 for Bridge Club members. Tickets will go on sale on Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nRain Date – Please Read and Make Sure You Understand This Important Info\nThis event has a rain date of Oct. 3\, if needed\, meaning that the event could happen Sept. 26 or Oct.3. 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. \nRefunds will be issued if the event is canceled for both Sept. 26 and the rain date of Oct. 3.\nTicket sales will end on Sept. 26 at 12 p.m. or when the event sells out. \nPlease note: This event is for individuals eight years of age and older. \nParticipants 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. \nRed-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. \nRefunds/Cancellations\nThe 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 22.) 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. to 5 p.m.). 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.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/creatures-of-night/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T164500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T194500
DTSTAMP:20260709T201405Z
CREATED:20240528T132547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T201405Z
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SUMMARY:Grandfather Presents: Margaret Lowman\, Ph.D.\, aka CanopyMeg
DESCRIPTION:One of the world’s first arbornauts\, CanopyMeg devoted over four decades to exploring forest canopies. Her research and exploration have taken her to more than 45 countries\, on all seven continents\, where she not only tirelessly saves forests but also mentors girls. \nLowman has published over 200 research publications. Her work has appeared in National Geographic\, Wired\, Popular Science\, The Wall Street Journal\, Forbes and many others; and her first book received a cover feature in The New York Times Sunday Book Review. Lowman has won numerous awards\, including the prestigious Explorers Medal from The Explorers Club\, Garden Club of America’s Margaret Douglas Medal for conservation education\, Ecological Society of America’s Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education and the Tällberg Foundation’s Global Leadership Prize. \nCurrently\, she serves as executive director/founder of TREE Foundation in Sarasota\, Fla\, established in 2000 as a 501(c)3 non-profit with the mission to link local underserved children to nature\, and to promote tree research\, education and exploration. Lowman recently launched Mission Green\, to build 10 canopy walkways in the world’s highest biodiverse forests over the next five years. \n“The Arbornaut\,” a memoir of her adventures\, is a bestseller. Her newest book\, “Tree Day” introduces a single tree in each chapter\, during a single hour\, highlighting 24 species from around the world. \nLowman’s outside interests are diverse. She’s the proud mother of two wonderful boys who grew up climbing trees around the world with their single-parent scientist-mom. She’s had an asteroid named after her\, comprising 16 acres encircling Jupiter (16304 Lowman). She loves birding\, beaches\, reading and enjoying nature. Her personal motto is “no child left indoors.” \nLowman’s Oct. 1 presentation is titled “In Honor of Jane Goodall – How Trees Keep our Planet and its Wildlife Healthy.” Mission Green is a global project to conserve the world’s most important forests by building canopy walkways. These walkways not only educate the public about the amazing 8th continent otherwise known as the treetops\, but they sustainably employ indigenous women via ecotourism\, and offer students access to forest canopies to make new discoveries. Speaker CanopyMeg Lowman pioneered the construction of canopy walkways that now bring economic incentives to forest conservation around the world. She will talk about Mission Green\, and the importance of both forest conservation\, plus linking kids to nature via the treetops and her friend Jane. \nTickets go on sale online for this event here at 10 a.m. on Friday\, July 31. \nGrandfather Presents Schedule \n\n9 a.m. | Grandfather Mountain opens for the day\, and “VIP Reception” ticket holders are allowed access to the park. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.\n4:45 p.m. | “Presentation” ticket holders are allowed to enter the park and are welcome to explore the Conservation Campus (Wilson Center\, Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats and more) prior to the speaker presentation. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.\n4:45 – 5:45 p.m. | Check-in for all event attendees near the front entrance of the Wilson Center (to receive your wristband for the event)\n5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in the Wilson Center (“VIP Reception” ticket holders only)\n5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds\n6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet-and-greet/book signing with speaker\n7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests.\n\nGrandfather Presents Tickets\nTwo tiers of ticket access are offered for Grandfather Presents events. \n“VIP Reception” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that features heavy hors d’oeuvres\, in addition to the program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included. \n\n$60 “VIP Reception” Adult\n$51 “VIP Reception” Bridge Club Member (limited quantity available)\n\n“Presentation” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. \n\n$25 “Presentation” Adult\n$20 “Presentation” Bridge Club Member\nChildren 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult (maximum of four free children per purchase).\n\nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase VIP Reception tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase VIP Reception tickets. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase Presentation tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase Presentation tickets. \nRefunds/Cancellations\nFull refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event (midnight\, Sept. 26). This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email judi@grandfather.com
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/grandfather-presents-dr-margaret-lowman-canopymeg/
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Grandfather Presents
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261002T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261002T200000
DTSTAMP:20260529T191557Z
CREATED:20260205T203032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T191557Z
UID:10001426-1790964000-1790971200@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Sunset at the Swinging Bridge
DESCRIPTION:Back by popular demand\, Grandfather Mountain\, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation\, is offering a sunset experiences in 2026. These special events\, titled “Sunset at the Swinging Bridge\,” will provide guests with the rare opportunity to be in the park outside of regular operating hours and to hopefully experience a lovely sunrise from the bridge’s lofty vantage point. \nTickets for this event go on sale online on Grandfather Mountain’s website Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nAdmission to the event is $52 for general admission\, $33 for children (ages 3-12) and $20 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club. Event tickets include an entire day’s access to Grandfather\, with regular park hours being 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Trails close at 5 p.m. \nWith park admission included in each sunset ticket\, we encourage all event attendees to spend the day at Grandfather Mountain before their special event. \nAll participants will be required to head to the top of the mountain by 6 p.m. when the park is closing. Due to safety regulations\, eventgoers are only permitted to view the sunset from the Swinging Bridge area. The Top Shop gift shop and restrooms will be accessible during the events. \nPark educators will be on hand to talk to guests about the nature around the Swinging Bridge\, identify nearby points of interest and answer any questions. In addition\, a professional photographer very familiar with capturing sunsets at Grandfather Mountain will also be on hand to chat with those guests wishing to capture the beauty of the day’s last light with their cameras. \nParticipants are strongly encouraged to bring a flashlight or headlamp and wear heavy jackets\, hats\, gloves and rubber-soled shoes. Fall evenings can be surprisingly very chilly at the top of Grandfather Mountain! \nThe event may be canceled on short notice in case of inclement weather\, and guests will be refunded if that’s the case. In addition\, a picture-perfect sunset\, unfortunately\, cannot be guaranteed. \nThis event is limited to 150 guests. If the events sell out\, waiting lists will be available. \n-Tickets for this event go on sale online on Grandfather Mountain’s website Aug. 5 at 10 a.m.\n-Sunset is at 7:10 p.m. on Friday\, Oct. 2\n-All “Sunset at the Swinging Bridge” participants will need to exit the park’s gates by 8 p.m.\n-To receive a full refund\, guests must cancel prior to 5 p.m. Friday\, Sept. 25. Cancellations following that date are not eligible for a refund. To cancel\, email judi@grandfather.com or call 828-833-6332.\n-Grandfather Mountain will make a decision on whether the event is able to take place and notify all ticket holders by noon on Wednesday\, Sept. 30.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/sunset-at-the-swinging-bridge/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261003T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261003T133000
DTSTAMP:20260210T174001Z
CREATED:20250107T190941Z
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SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-03/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261004T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261004T133000
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CREATED:20250107T190941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T174001Z
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SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-04/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261005T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261005T133000
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CREATED:20250107T190941Z
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SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-05/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261006T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261006T133000
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SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-06/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T133000
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CREATED:20250107T190941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T174001Z
UID:10001804-1791378000-1791379800@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-07/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T133000
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CREATED:20250107T190941Z
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SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-08/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261009T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261009T133000
DTSTAMP:20260210T174001Z
CREATED:20250107T190941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T174001Z
UID:10001806-1791550800-1791552600@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-09/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T133000
DTSTAMP:20260210T174001Z
CREATED:20250107T190941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T174001Z
UID:10001807-1791637200-1791639000@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-10/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261011T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261011T133000
DTSTAMP:20260210T174001Z
CREATED:20250107T190941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T174001Z
UID:10001808-1791723600-1791725400@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Fall Color Ramble
DESCRIPTION:Guests enjoy short\, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Should it happen to be raining\, the event may be moved to the indoor exhibit hall in the Wilson Center. \nGrandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles\, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves. \nParticipants can become familiar with tree identification\, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/fall-color-ramble/2026-10-11/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Naturalist Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T230000
DTSTAMP:20260820T134834Z
CREATED:20260415T203401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T134834Z
UID:10001812-1792256400-1792278000@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Adult Field Course: Grandfather's Starry Skies
DESCRIPTION:This event is SOLD OUT.  \nOctober is one of the best times of year to be stargazing at Grandfather Mountain. The air is cool and clear\, and the summer constellations are still very prominent\, with some early winter sights making their appearance later in the evening. This course also takes place during the time of the Orionid meteor shower\, so hopefully some of these celestial fireworks will grace our skies during our nighttime observing. \n \nStephan Martin has been a stargazer since he was very young growing up under dark skies of South Florida. Steve is also an astronomer\, educator and author who has taught astronomy and physics at colleges\, universities and learning centers across the US and internationally for over thirty-five years.  He has worked as an instrument specialist for the Hubble Space Telescope and as Observatory Supervisor at Williams College\, where he participated in scientific research expeditions around the world to study the dynamics of the solar corona during solar eclipses. \nJoin Martin to create a familiarity with the night sky and learn the basics of stargazing that can be applied on your own on any clear night throughout the year. The course begins in the classroom and transitions to various viewing locations on the mountain\, practicing stargazing skills while looking for meteors and learning about some of the most prominent stars\, constellations and other objects visible this time of year. The moon will be near first-quarter which makes for a wonderful time to study its many craters\, rays\, seas and other features. \nProgram Itinerary\n5 p.m. – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions\n5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Classroom learning about the night sky and the use of astronomy resources\n7 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Evening observing with the program concluding at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery \nTickets\nThis event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax.\nRegistration opens on this page on August 17 at 10 a.m. Limited to 15 participants. \nThis event is SOLD OUT.  \nWhat’s included?\nYour program cost includes admission into the park\, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for this field course\, as Mildred’s Grill will be closed to attendees. \nTips are not accepted for field courses. However\, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program. \nGeneral Clothing List\nMuch of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. \nEquipment: \n\nDaypack with enough room to carry extra clothing\, water\, lunch\, camera\, etc.\nWater Bottle\nLayers of warm clothing including hats\, gloves and shoes\nBinoculars\nNotebook and pencil\n\nEquipment specific to this course:  \n\nA planisphere\, while not required\, can be helpful in learning the night sky and how it moves throughout the year. There are many good options available on Amazon\, but please be sure to purchase one appropriate for our latitude of 35 degrees north (planispheres for 30 or 40 degrees latitude will be fine).\nA Peterson Field Guide to the Stars and Planets (4th edition\, updated) is not required\, but an excellent guide to the night sky and its many features.\nA red flashlight for navigating paths at night and viewing star charts. These can be purchased through a local or online retailer or you can make your own by covering the lens of a standard flashlight with red cellophane or fingernail polish.\nAstronomy/Stargazing Apps\n\nRefunds/Cancellations\nAdult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are 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 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com. \nWe ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants\, our staff\, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/adult-field-course-starry-skies/
CATEGORIES:Adult Field Courses,Featured Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261120T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261120T120000
DTSTAMP:20260902T192329Z
CREATED:20241106T152356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T192329Z
UID:10000620-1795172400-1795176000@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Holiday Tree Arrival
DESCRIPTION:In addition to seeing Grandfather’s mascot\, Millie the Bear\, escort this year’s holiday tree through the Entrance Gate and up the park road to the Wilson Center\, visitors can also take part in snowflake-themed crafts while enjoying hot chocolate and candy canes. \nThe hour-long event begins at 11 a.m. and is included with park admission. The tree is from Mountain Top Fraser Fir farm in Newland\, N.C. Owner Larry Smith has previously supplied trees to the White House\, North Carolina State Capitol and other prominent government buildings and residences. \nThe full schedule for the celebration is below. \n\n11 a.m. | Millie the Bear escorts the tree through the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate. Guests are welcome to park at an overlook or parking lot along the road to wave to Millie as she and the tree make their way up to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery!\n11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Hot Chocolate and Candy Cane Bar and Snowflake Craft Table open at the Wilson Center.\n11:10 a.m. | Millie and the tree arrive at the Wilson Center. (Guests are also invited to help welcome Millie and the tree at this location!)\n11:10 a.m. | Tree is carried into the Wilson Center.\n11:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Millie is available to “meet and greet” guests!
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/holiday-tree-arrival/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events
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