Grandfather by Night
Explore Grandfather Mountain afterhours with your own personal guides! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, while stopping at its most significant sites. Watch a stunning Grandfather sunset, and experience the mountain as never before! The evening starts atop Grandfather Mountain and its world-famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, where participants can explore and observe sunset from a mile high. Meanwhile, 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.
New in 2024, we are offering two versions of Grandfather by Night – an adventurous version and a less-adventurous version.
The less-adventurous version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program and flora, fauna, folklore and other topics. This edition of the event series is held outdoors and is accessible for those in a wheelchair. Grandfather Mountain’s vehicle fleet includes a 12-seat shuttle that has a 1,000 lb. Braun Lift and accommodates an additional two people in wheelchairs. After purchasing a ticket for this event, please reach out to the Grandfather Mountain office (828-733-2013) to let us know if anyone you purchased a ticket for has an accessibility needs and so the proper transportation can be arranged.
The adventurous version will include a short optional hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active at night. The group will explore the Spruce-Fir forests from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. While the wheelchair lift is available for this event (with an advance request), the hiking portion of this event is not accessible.
After purchasing a ticket for this event, please reach out to the Grandfather Mountain Admin. Office (828-733-2013) to let us know if anyone you purchased a ticket for has any accessibility needs and so the proper transportation can be arranged.
2024 Grandfather by Night Dates (click links for details and tickets):
Adventurous
- June 14, 8-10 p.m. – on sale May 1
- July 26, 8-10 p.m. – on sale June 10
- Aug. 9, 8-10 p.m. – on sale June 24
- Aug. 23, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale July 8
- Sept. 6, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale July 22
Less Adventurous
- May 31, 8-10 p.m. – on sale April 8
- Aug. 2, 8-10 p.m. – on sale June 17
- Aug. 16, 8-10 p.m. – on sale July 1
- Aug. 30, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale July 15
- Sept. 13, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 29
