Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend Offers a Variety of Events for Nature Lovers

May 13 - 15, 2016    Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend   Enjoy three days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of Grandfather Mountain.  The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on U.S. 221 in between Blowing Rock and Linville NC. 

A fascinating collection of programs and guided walks are offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain. All programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist’s Weekend are included in the price of admission. Those who plan to attend multiple days should keep to their receipt on Saturday and present that for discount admission on Sunday.  

This is one of the best opportunities of the year to learn more about this remarkable 300 million year old wonder.

2016 Naturalist Weekend events and programs include: 

Friday	May 13
All Day	Audubon Spring Bird Count – Hosted by High Country Audubon, participants will be birding at various locations around Grandfather Mountain to complete a tally of the Grandfather’s bird life. Reservations required. To register, contact Jesse Pope at (828) 733-2013 or jesse@grandfather.com or Mickey Shortt at (828) 733-4326 or mickey@grandfather.com.
10 a.m.	Sensory Hike on the Profile Trail – Experience the Profile Trail with a ranger-guided walk that focuses on more than what meets the eye Participants are encouraged to bring along a notepad or nature journal and something to write with, as we stop along the hike and make rubbings of textures, smear soil on pages or other opportunities to fully take in the array of senses we have. 2 miles round trip. Meet at the Profile Trailhead on N.C. 105.
2 p.m.	Beacon Heights Guided Walk – Take a short ranger-guided hike up to Beacon Heights, which overlooks the Blue Ridge Parkway to the east and Grandfather Mountain to the west. 1 mile round trip. Meet at Beacon Heights overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway (just south of the intersection with U.S. 221 near Linville).
6:30 p.m.	Evening Wildflower Walk – Take an evening stroll on Grandfather Mountain’s Woods Walk trail to enjoy and observe the wildflowers on the ridge of Grandfather Mountain. Reservations required. To register, contact the Naturalist Office at (828) 733-4326. Limited to 12 participants.
Saturday	May 14
8 a.m.	Spring Songs – Go birding by ear and binoculars in search of spring migrants on Grandfather’s Woods Walk trail. Some binoculars will be provided. Reservations required. To register, contact the Naturalist Office at (828) 733-4326. Limited to 12 participants.
9:30 a.m.	Stories in the Stone – Join an Appalachian State University geologist on a walk to explore the geologic past of Grandfather Mountain and the Southern Appalachians. 1 hour. Meet at the Black Rock Parking Area on Grandfather Mountain.
10 AM- 3:30 PM.	Naturalist Table – Stop by the Naturalist Table in the Nature Museum to learn more about the park and the activities of the day.
11 a.m.	Sixteen Natural Communities – Grandfather Mountain is recognized for its collection of 16 distinct natural communities. Join director of education Mickey Shortt for a look at a few of these and the life they host. Meet at the Black Rock Parking Area for this guided walk. 1.5 hours.
11:30 a.m.	Junior Ranger Program – Kids are invited to learn about Grandfather Mountain’s native animals through hands-on activities and learn how to become a Grandfather Mountain Junior Ranger. Meet at the Butterfly Garden.
1 p.m.	An Introduction to The Naturalist’s Journal – Hike with Grandfather Mountain naturalist Amy Renfranz, an award-winning interpreter and writer, and learn ways to become a better naturalist by recording what you observe while in nature. Bring a pencil and the nature journal of your choosing, or one will be provided for you. The program is family-friendly and will last approximately two hours. Meet at the Woods Walk.
3:15 p.m.	Live Owl Program – Meet two owls that are native to Grandfather Mountain in a program centered on the mountain’s nightlife. Meet in the Nature Museum Auditorium.
8 p.m.	Sunset and Stargazing – We’ll travel to the top of the mountain for a special opportunity to enjoy sunset, twilight and the night sky on Grandfather. Reservations required. To register, contact the Naturalist Office at (828) 733-4326. Limited to 24 participants. Weather permitting. 1.5 to 2 hours.
Sunday	March 15
4 p.m.	Profile Trail Wildflowers – Take an opportunity to discover the wildflowers of Grandfather’s western slope on a ranger-guided walk along the Profile Trail. 2 miles round-trip. Meet at the Profile Trailhead in Grandfather Mountain State Park on N.C. 105.

 

Grandfather Mountain Offers Special June Events

June 1-16   The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
Join staff naturalists daily at 1 PM. for short guided strolls showcasing and describing the beauty and significance of the Catawba rhododendron, one of Grandfather Mountain's showiest shrubs. Learn about the plant's history, characteristics and ecological roles. Programs included with admission.

June 7   The Critter Crawl
This third annual 5K race starts in MacRae Meadows and gains more than 900 feet in elevation before ending in the parking lot beside the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Prizes awarded to top finishers. Online registration has now closed, but same-day registration will be available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 7 with cash or check only.

June 18   Birthday Party At Grandfather's Animal Habitats
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in the park with games, contests, crafts and surprises. Grandfather's habitat staff has prepared a fun-filled day for guests as well as programming to celebrate its furry inhabitants.

June 22   90th Annual Singing On The Mountain
All-day gospel sing and fellowship held in MacRae Meadows. A dozen top gospel groups and sermon from a well-known speaker. Free admission. Camping (without hookups) available on the field.

Grandfather mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mile High Swinging Bridge gives visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Grandfather Mountain is a Nature Lovers' favorite offering Wildlife habitats, Nature Walks and Trails, Nature Programs, and a Nature Museum. The complex natural terrain includes 16 different classifications of natural communities with backcountry trails providing access to all. Located between Blowing Rock and Linville NC

Grandfather Mountain Campout and Activities this Weekend

July 26-28   The Grandfather Mountain Campout  A special opportunity to camp in MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain and take part in day and night activities led by Grandfather’s naturalists and interpretive rangers. Additional cost and reservations required.

Both day and evening activities are planned including Campfire programs and Night adventures, Nature programs and behind the scenes tour, on the Black Rock Cliffs, Climate and Weather Program and Tree and Shrub Program and Birds, bugs and bitterfly Programs.

Grandfather Mountain, towering 5,946 feet high in northwest North Carolina, is one of the world's most environmentally diverse nature preserves. The Mile-high Swinging Bridge, Wildlife Habitats, Nature Walk and Hiking Trails make Grandfather Mountain a "must do" for any mountain vacation. Help preserve Grandfather Mountain with your tax-deductible donation

Grandfather Mountain is located on US 221 2 miles north of Linville NC.

Grandfather Mountain Hosts the 58th Annual Highlands Games

July 11-14    The 58th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering O' Scottish Clans   Join 1000s of Scots in 85 clans decked out in their finest plaid for the annual celebration of Scottish heritage. Live Celtic music, tradition heritage events and Highlands games.  New this year is a Saturday night Celtic Rock Concert.

The Gathering begins on Thursday with a picnic, sheep herding and Celtic music. At 7:30 PM The Bear: Assault on Grandfather, a five-mile footrace climbs 1,568 feet in elevation from the town of Linville to the summit of Grandfather Mountain. Over 800 runners will start up the Old Yonahlossee Road from Linville at 7 PM, circle the Highland Games track around 7:15, and head up the Grandfather Mountain summit road. The evening concludes with a torchlight ceremony.

Friday begins with a mountain bike race and continues with a Preliminary athletic competition, sheep herding, music/dancing exhibitions. Celtic Groves will be open and other activities will highlight the day. The official opening ceremony will be held.

Events throughout the weekend range from the Scottish Fiddling Workshop & Jam Session to Highland Wrestling to the Highland Dancing Atlantic International Championship, piping, drumming, Scottish athletic events, track & field events, Scottish country dancing, Scottish fiddling, and Scottish harp. Get a complete calendar of events online.

Find lodging near Grandfather Mountain on the Linville NC Visitor Guide, the Blowing RockNC Visitor Guide or the Banner Elk NC Visitor Guide.

Naturalist Weekend at Grandfather Mountain

 May 17-19    Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend   This year's weekend includes a Naturalist's Nightwalk at 7:30 PM on Friday. A fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain.

All programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist’s Weekend are included in the price of admission. Those who plan to attend for both Saturday and Sunday should keep to their receipt on Saturday and present that for discount admission on Sunday.  

Grandfather Mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and is operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.

Learn more about Grandfather Mountain and other mountain parks on the NC Parks Guide.

Grandfather Mountain offers rare opportunity for after-dark Nature Program

October 6   Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight at Grandfather Mountain   Families will enjoy this rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain after dark. Get your Halloween juices flowing while listening to scary stories told by firelight and keep a tight hold on your loved ones' hand as you set off on a rare after-dark tour of the Mountain that includes a nocturnal animal prowl.  Must be age 8 or older. There will be a  cost in addition to regular admission. Reservations required: 828-733-8715.

Grandfather Mountain Offers a Unique Camping Opportunity

July 27-29   The Grandfather Campout   A special opportunity to camp in MacRae Meadows and take part in day and night activities led by Grandfather’s naturalists and interpretive rangers. Additional cost, reservations required. On-line registration begins May 1. For more information and registration details: 828-733-4326.

The weekend begins with a welcome campfire, roasted marshmallows and smores while listening to some local story telling, music, and lively conversation with naturalists, interpretive rangers, and other campers. Activities continue with night adventures, hikes, behind-the-scene tours, climate and weather programs, bees and butterfly workshops and a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the mile high swinging bridge.

Learn more about Grandfather Mountain and get a link on the NC Parks Guide.