Special Events
Plan to enjoy one of our special or daily events during your visit to Grandfather Mountain!
Scroll through the exciting list below to locate the events that interest you, or choose a specific date to see the park happenings on that day.
The vast majority of our events are included with your park admission fee, but some events which require a small fee to participate to ensure you receive expert guidance and knowledge from specially trained individuals. Check the cost section of each Event Listing to confirm whether any additional fees apply.
We look forward to seeing you on the mountain!
Events Search and Views Navigation
August 2019
Fungi of the Cloudland Forest
The Southern Appalachians are world-renowned for different types of fungi, from mushrooms to lichens, and are home to more than 2,000 species. Join mycologist Dr. Coleman McCleneghan for a chance to observe many kinds of fungi at higher elevations and learn how to identify them by size, shape and color.
Find out more »Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic
Top photographers gather at Grandfather Mountain to present on the nuts and bolts of making good photographs. This event is free to working members of the press, with an additional cost for non-press professionals and amateurs. Online registration begins July 17 at www.grandfather.com.
Find out more »Spiders: Identification, Diversity, Ecology & Biology
Participants will be introduced to the biology of spiders, with an emphasis on the ecological roles of spiders, their incredible diversity and techniques to identify specimens to species level.
Find out more »Grandfather Presents Jennifer Pharr Davis
Jennifer Pharr Davis is a hiker, author, speaker and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, who has covered over 14,000 miles of long-distance trails on six different continents. In 2011, she completed the 2,185-mile Appalachian Trail in 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes, maintaining a remarkable average of 47 miles per day. By doing this, she claimed the overall (male or female) fastest known time on the AT and became the first woman to set the mark. Join Jennifer at Grandfather Mountain for a night of inspiration and motivation to check off items on your bucket list!
Find out more »September 2019
HawkWatch
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of the fall raptor migration. Participants can meet daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting.
Find out more »Junior Ranger Day
This is a day of curiosity and fun! Programs throughout the day will be provided specifically for kids, ages 5-12, to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather Mountain has to offer.
Find out more »49th Annual Girl Scout Day
Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. All Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership.
Find out more »Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight
As night falls on Grandfather Mountain, guests can enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nocturnal residents. Additional cost. Limited to 48 participants. Registration opens Aug. 26. at grandfather.com.
Find out more »October 2019
The Fall Color Ramble
Join Grandfather Mountain's naturalists for a guided walk through the park's most colorful spots, showcasing the splendor of fall color.
Find out more »Fall Color Sketchbook
Designed for enthusiasts with little to no artistic training, this foundation course focuses on creating accurate and beautiful botanical illustrations. Participants will learn basic observation and drawing techniques with pen and pencil and will use colored pencils to apply vibrant color.
Find out more »Beary Scary Halloween
Visit Grandfather Mountain for a day of nature programs about animals considered creepy and crawly! This fun-filled celebration includes an opportunity to create special Halloween enrichments for the animals and then trick-or-treat through the animal habitats area. Plus, children in costume are admitted at half-price.
Find out more »November 2019
All About Elk Educator Workshop
This educator workshop, led by N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission educator Tanya Poole, will focus on elk in North Carolina. A majority of the workshop will be spent learning about the life history and current research on elk, as well as activities that can be incorporated into educational programs.
Find out more »Methods of Teaching Environmental Education
The focus of this 10-hour workshop is to prepare participants from a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences in both the formal and non-formal sectors to use exemplary Environmental Education teaching methods.
Find out more »January 2020
New Year’s Sunrise
There are sunrises, and then there are Grandfather Mountain sunrises. And then there are Grandfather Mountain New Year’s Day sunrises. Ring in an epic New Year on Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the first sunrise of 2020 — atop Grandfather Mountain. This special event will allow guests the rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain outside of regular operating hours. “These events are popular among nature lovers, photographers of all skill levels and anyone hoping to see the Blue Ridge Mountains in…
Find out more »March 2020
Methods of Teaching Environmental Education
The focus of this 10-hour workshop is to prepare participants from a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences in both the formal and non-formal sectors to use exemplary Environmental Education teaching methods.
Find out more »