On average, temperatures in December ranged between 30 degrees and 43 degrees. Rain fell on only seven of the 31 days in the month and added up to a total of 4.95 inches. But the factor that contributed most to Grandfather's record-breaking attendance was the almost total absence of snow. The 0.2 inches of snow measured at the summit last month was 98 percent below the 56-year average December snowfall volume of 8.63 inches. The lack of frozen precipitation left travelers who had planned for ski vacations looking for other opportunities to get outside, so what was frustrating for the ski resorts was serendipitous for Grandfather Mountain.
Grandfather Mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is owned by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation which was established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest, and participate in educational and research activities. All proceeds from sales of tickets and souvenirs go toward caring for and presenting Grandfather Mountain in a manner that inspires good stewardship in others.The Mile High Swinging Bridge is one of the favorite experiences on Grandfather Mountain and was built to give visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. The Wildlife Environmental Habitats are both an educational feature for humans and a protected safe haven for the resident animals. Environmental habitats are large
enclosures that allow visitors to see animals in natural settings. Unlike the exhibits found in city zoos which bring in plants and boulders to recreate an appropriate setting, these enclosures were built around the animals’ actual native habitat. The Network of Nature Walks and Trails can take you through gentle forests and meadows, or if you choose, through rugged terrain navigated by ladders and cables. With either choice you can glimpse the wildest of wildlife and more of the breathtaking views Grandfather for which Grandfather Mountain is known. Nature Programs allow staff naturalists to share their love and enthusiasm for all things natural with Grandfather Mountain’s guests. Many programs are offered on a regular schedule and are included in the cost of admission. Other programs are available on request and will require an additional activity fee. The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum houses more than two dozen excellent exhibits including the finest collection of North Carolina gems and minerals available on public display. The Museum offers guests in-depth information and exhibits about the natural history of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding region. 
The majority of Grandfather Mountain is natural rugged terrain with more exposed rocks and crags than any other mountain in the Southern Appalachians. There are 16 different classifications of natural communities on Grandfather, which means that as you hike the backcountry trails you will remain constantly enchanted with the diversity of life around you. It would normally take several days of backpacking through another wilderness area to encounter as many distinct natural communities as you will see in a single day’s hike on Grandfather.
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