Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is located about halfway up the mountain, adjacent to the Wildlife Habitats. It doubles the size of the original…
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Rhododendron Rambles
During the last week of May and the first week of June, parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains tend to look a little more pink…
FAQs
1. What is included with admission? Paid admission includes many things to do! At the Wilson Center for Nature Discover, find exhibits about the mountain,…
Hawk Watch 2024 Report
While Grandfather Mountain’s annual Hawk Watch – a vast citizen-science project during the month of September to count and identify the numerous species of raptors…
August 2022 Weather Report
August 2022 saw at least trace amounts of rain on 27 days – two days shy of the record 29 days of precipitation for this…
Grandfather Mountain Hiking Tips
UPDATE: The Profile Trail in Grandfather Mountain State Park remains closed at this time due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Visit the State Park website…
Cobey Botanical Garden
Surrounding the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, the Cobey Botanical Garden is a newly reimagined space that provides a home to plantings of several species…
Hawk Watch
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…
Connecting with Curiosity
“It’s our job to foster a child’s curiosity of nature and science, and help them to understand the world around them.” – Stewart Gray Stewart…
Grandfather Mountain mourns the loss of Ajax the bald eagle
Grandfather Mountain has bid farewell to Ajax the bald eagle. Ajax died Wednesday, Feb. 5 following complications from an infection he developed. He was 11…
55th-Annual Girl Scout Day
Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are…
Daily Programs
During your visit, attend one of our Daily Programs in April-October (The schedule has been slightly expanded for 2026 … see below.) presented by our…
Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight
People are familiar with Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals, including black bears, bald eagles, cougars, river otters and elk. But what do they do after dark?…
Hugh Morton
Hugh Morton (1921-2006) opened the Grandfather Mountain travel attraction after inheriting the mountain from his grandfather. He never considered himself its “owner,” but rather its…
Annual Events
We have many annual events on Grandfather Mountain that have become a favorite annual tradition for many of our guests. Presented by the Grandfather Mountain…
Scenic Drive to the Top
The 2-mile winding, scenic road to the top of Grandfather Mountain is one of the most spectacular drives in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grandfather’s Road…
Blue Ridge Parkway Access Updates
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is looking forward to welcoming guests throughout 2026 with many new events and experiences, including Yonni’s Clubhouse, a science and conservation…
Tickets & Online Reservations
05/11/2026 UPDATE: The Hodges Theater will be closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a private event on Tuesday, May 12; Wednesday, May 13…
October 2023 Weather Report
October 2023 was a pretty dry month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for…
September 2023 Weather Report
September 2023 saw fairly average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for…
Grandfather Glows: Firefly Viewing
Sign up by May 20 to receive information about our 2026 Grandfather Glows events! Enter your email address to receive all updates and announcements related…
August 2024 Weather Report
August 2024 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average…
August 2023 Weather Report
August 2023 saw fairly average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for…
Weather Records
The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station located at the Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge (elevation 5,280 ft) has been providing daily weather observations…
September 2024 Weather Report
September 2024 saw the unprecedented weather event that was Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina with high winds and significant rainfall. While it had…
Boulder Club
More than a century ago, many of the boulders on Grandfather Mountain were given names, like Sphinx Rock and Split Rock. Now you, too, can…
