Grandfather by Night
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.
We are offering two versions of our Grandfather by Night series this year, Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike and Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program.
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible.
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 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.
2025 Grandfather by Night Dates (click links for details and tickets):
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
May 30, 8-10 p.m. – on sale April 1
June 13, 8-10 p.m. – on sale April 14
Aug. 1, 8-10 p.m. – on sale June 2
Aug. 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 9
Aug. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 23
Aug. 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 30
Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 7
Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
July 25, 8-10 p.m. – on sale May 26
Aug. 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 16
Sept. 12, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 14
