News from Grandfather Mountain

The Holidays bring Dollar Days, discounts, shopping and more at Grandfather Mountain. With winter on the way, Grandfather Mountain is decking its halls — and hills — for the holidays. Visitors are invited to celebrate the season from a mile high, where they’ll encounter idyllic winter scenery, invigorating outdoor adventure and more at the Linville NC, nature preserve and attraction.

 

Grandfather Mountain offers two simple ways to save on park admission during the holiday season.
As a gesture of support for local tree farmers, anyone who arrives at the mountain with a tree atop their vehicle or a receipt from a local tree farm will receive $2 off each adult admission and $1 off each child admission.

December also marks the return of Dollar Days for local residents. From Dec. 1-31, anyone who lives or works in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga or Wilkes counties will be admitted to the mountain for only $3 per person, with proof of local employment or residency.

In lieu of cash, Grandfather Mountain also will accept three cans of food from local residents for distribution to local food pantries. Christmas tree discounts may not be combined with Dollar Days discounts.

Grandfather Mountain introduces new cougars. Call it a tail of two cougars. On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Grandfather Mountain introduced its newest Western cougars to the
public. Named Logan and Trinity, the sibling duo is now on display in the park’s environmental wildlife habitats. The Linville NC -based nature preserve and attraction adopted the brother-and-sister cubs in March 2016, after they’d been orphaned in the wilds of Idaho before they could learn to hunt. They were found on an Idaho man’s property that January, emaciated and searching for food. Upon rescuing them, Idaho Fish and Game contacted Grandfather’s habitat staff to see if the mountain could provide the cubs a home.Learn more about these amazing felines...

Elk are coming to Grandfather Mountain. This December, Grandfather Mountain will welcome some new residents to its environmental wildlife habitats. The nonprofit nature preserve and attraction has adopted three male elk — a bachelor herd — to reside in an all-new habitat. After the park’s resident white-tailed deer passed away earlier this year, the habitat underwent significant renovations to accommodate these new residents. The adoptees are calves, each around four months old, and hail from a private elk farm and breeder in central North Carolina. Learn more about the Elk HERE.

Learn more about Grandfather Mountain and other 

NC mountain Parks on our North Carolina Parks Guide

 

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.

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.

Mother's Day Weekend Events: Annual Tour de Falls in DuPont State Forest

May 11-12 DuPont State Forest Tour de Falls    Tour DuPont State Forest near Brevard NC by bus. Cars and buses are normally not allowed in the forest. The buses will be available in the parking lot on DuPont/Staton Rd. to take visitors to High Falls, Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia. The event is sponsored by Friends of DuPont Forest.

The Forest is located near Brevard NC

National Junior Ranger Day Today in The Great Smoky Mountains National park

Date: April 2   National Junior Ranger Day -  Join Park Rangers for a fun-filled day of hands-on activities and earn a junior ranger patch and certificate. The programs will be designed to help children connect with the park and engage them in exploring, learning, and practicing stewardship. Activities will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove visitor centers. Ask for details at a visitor center.

Learn more about the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on the NC Parks Guide.  

Easter Events: 58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock

March 31 -  58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service   Celebrate Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure. Chimney Rock’s annual Easter Sunrise Service has become a legendary event in WNC, attracting more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. 


This free non-denominational Easter celebration features live instrumental music, spiritual songs and breathtaking scenery. The 58th annual inter-denominational community worship service is a special tradition and a memorable event for the entire family. Guests are invited to eat breakfast at the Old Rock Café and stay to enjoy the Park all day.

Chimney Rock Park is named for a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The now state owned park encompasses 1,000 acres offers the best of the mountains in one place with spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Update

All National Parks are now working under mandatory 5% sequestration budget cuts. Great Smoky Mountains National Park reports that budget cuts have resulted in hiring limitations and slowed planned park maintenance, resulting in the closing of some park facilities and delayed openings for others for the 2013 season. Get more information about Park schedules and activities HERE.

Work on US 441 is "at this point, slightly ahead of schedule," according to Jason Lambert, Director of Commerce for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. His remarks were made at a Cherokee NC Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning.

Plates for the Parkway, June 10-13 helps restaurants raise money for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Participating restaurants agree to donate a minimum of 10 percent of a meal or the day's sales to benefit the BRP Foundation's efforts to protect the Parkway. The deadline to register is May 31.

Veterans Day Special: Veterans get FREE Admission to Chimney Rock Park

November 7 through 11 at Chimney Rock Park - Veterans, reservists and active military personnel are our real American heroes! On November 7-11, Chimney Rock Park is honoring Veteran's brave service in protecting our freedom with a FREE VISIT to Chimney Rock.

Come stand on top of Chimney Rock where the American flag flies proudly and witness one of our country's national treasures. Free admission for military members with ID, not good for entire party; must present military ID or proof of service and online coupon to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase. Download the special online coupon. 

Chimney Rock Park  - Standing atop the Chimney Rock, a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge, visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The state-owned park, located in Chimney Rock North Carolina, encompasses 1,000 acres, including the Chimney itself and Hickory Nut Falls and the beautiful Hickory Nut Falls. Chimney Rock Park is a "must see" for any trip to the mountains.

Grandfather Mountain Hosts KidFest Today

September 8, 2012   KidFest at Grandfather Mountain A day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains through fun and entertaining activities. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. The events are free with park admission.

Get links for current Grandfather Mountain events on the Linville NC Visitor Guide or the Blowing Rock Visitor Guide

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.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge was one of the original features of the attraction giving visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Today, there are dozens of of things to do and events offered including walking and hiking trails; Naturalist programs; the Nature Museum; birding and geology; wildlife habitats; Mildred's Grill and The Fudge Shop. Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville NC.

Weekend Events and Festivals in the NC Mountains

NC Art and Crafts:

September 7    WAYNESVILLE   Art After Dark   Downtown galleries and studios remain open until 9 PM.  The evening features special openings, demonstrations, artist receptions, and music.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 7   MURPHY    Murphy Art Walk -  First Fridays from May through November,  5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Stroll through historic downtown Murphy for an exquisite visual, culinary, and performing arts experience with more than 20 businesses participating. Enjoy Art Galleries, Music,  Fine Dining,  Live Demonstrations and Performances.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 7-8  LENOIR    27th Annual Sculpture Celebration   The 27th Annual Sculpture Celebration features a Blue Jeans Preview Party Friday evening and a competition Saturday featuring sculptors from several states east of the Mississippi River.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 8    BLOWING ROCK     Art in the Park   A juried arts & craft show featuring 90 artists held in the picturesque downtown park once a  month from May to October. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Prices for objects, from a handmade postcard to a large piece of furniture, range from $5 to $5,000.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

Mountain Music:
September 7-8    BREVARD     7th Annual Mountain Song Festival held in the beautiful covered, open-air auditorium by the lake at Brevard Music Center. This foot-stomping, banjo-picking celebration of bluegrass and newgrass music will feature The David Grisman Sextet, Del McCoury Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Kruger Brothers, Shannon Whitworth, Colin Hay and Della Mae. The event supports the Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County and has become a premier southeastern festival drawing 5000 music lovers annually.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 7-8    LANSING      Greater L.A. Festival    An annual events featuring live gospel and folk music and  great down-home food. The Festival  also welcomes  children of all ages, offering hayrides, face painting and  inflatable attractions.   Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 8    WEST JEFFERSON     Tickling the Ivories   The Annual Tickling the Ivories concert featuring local pianists with a varied repertoire covering the classics, Show Tunes, sacred and old fashion standards. Held at the Ashe Civic Center beginning 7 PM.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 8    FLAT ROCK     Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert  A  70-piece professional orchestra entertains with music from the movies. Guest conductor Richard Kaufman and concertmaster Thomas Joiner lead an evening of music from the silver screen featuring two of the greatest composers to write for film—Franz Waxman and John Williams. Highlights include musical excepts from blockbusters and Prince Valiant, Sunset Boulevard, Spirit of St. Louis, Jaws, Superman, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Hook Star Wars.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar


Outdoor Events:
September 7-9   CHEROKEE     End of Summer Trout Fishing Tournament   $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters) Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters. When a tagged fish is caught it can be redeemed for cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500 based on the color of the tag. Redemption location and times to be announced. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 7-9   BRYSON CITY     ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup   Called the X-Games for whitewater, this event offers  spins, flips, turns and tricks of freestyle snowboarders, surfers and skaters with freestyle kayaking! The ICF World Cup is held every two years, and the final event of this series for 2012 will be held on the Nantahala River near Bryson City.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar


September 7-16    FLETCHER (Asheville suburb)     North Carolina Mountain State Fair  Held at the WNC Agricultural Center, this is the third largest fair in North Carolina, and it celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, and midway amusement rides.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 8-9   BLOWING ROCK     Railroad Heritage Weekend   A unique weekend celebrating the history of the ET&WNC Railroad and Tweetsie Railroad. Enjoy two steam engines at their finest; see historic railway films and much more. Special weekend pass required for selected events. Cherokee dance and demonstrations for all park guests. Open 9 am to 6 pm.   Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar


Hikes and NC Park Events:
September 8    CHIMNEY ROCK     Saturdays at Four Seasons Guided Hikes at Chimney Rock Park  A complimentary guided hike (with paid Park admission) on the Four Seasons trail. Witness nature’s changing seasons on this 0.6-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike starts at the Meadows and climbs 400 feet of elevation to the top parking lot. Not recommended for children under 12. This trail winds through hardwood trees and past thickets of Carolina Rhododendron, mountain laurel, abundant wildflowers and indigenous plants. Same-day signup at Cliff Dwellers; limited to 20 people. Meet  for the hike near the climbing tower on the Meadows at 1 PM.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 8   LINVILLE     KidFest at Grandfather Mountain   A day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains through fun and entertaining activities. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. The events are free with park admission.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

September 8-9   CHIMNEY ROCK     Grandparents Day   Treat your grandparents to a fun-filled day at Chimney Rock Park. When you purchase one regularly-priced adult admission, receive one youth admission free. Click here to download this special coupon. Coupon must be presented to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase. Valid September 8 and 9, 2012.  Get a link for details on the NC Events Calendar

Two of WNC's favorite Family Parks offer Special Programs for Mother's Day Weekend

May 12-13   Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshop at Chimney Rock Park. Capture spring wildflowers, 75-mile views and a 404-foot waterfall with your camera at Chimney Rock. The instructor, Les Saucier, has led nature photography workshops for more than 26 years, participates in many juried shows and has had his work published in numerous books and magazines, including National Geographic. This This 2-day workshop includes classroom time, field time and critique.

May 11-13  Naturalist Weekend  at Grandfather Mountain. Three days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of Grandfather Mountain. The activities and programs are included with regular admission. Naturalist Weekend is a fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain.

Get additional information about mountain parks on the NC Parks Guide

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Announces New Program

Officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in conjunction with the Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountain Association,  are announcing a new opportunity to experience the Smokies. The new program, Experience Your Smokies, is a unique opportunity to get to know the park and its employees in a whole new way.

"If you have ever wanted to be a park ranger or get a behind the scenes look at what goes on in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this is your opportunity," said park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson of the new program. Experience Your Smokies is a program designed for local business, civic and educational leaders to get a behind the scenes look into the national park, while networking with others from western North Carolina. "Our surrounding communities and their leaders are very important to us, and this program gives us a chance to make more meaningful connections with our neighbors and for them to do the same with us."

Participants will attend two half day and three full day sessions at a variety of locations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accompanying park employees in activities that may include radio-tracking elk, excavating archeological sites, and monitoring salamander populations. This is a perfect way to get an insider's look at park operations as we explore areas like Cataloochee Valley, Deep Creek, Oconaluftee, Clingmans Dome, and Purchase Knob.

Assisting in planning for the program are representatives of Smoky Mountain Hosts, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Waynesville and others. "Western North Carolina and the people of this region have such a deep and long connection with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park," said Waynesville Town Manager Lee Galloway, "This program is intended to give participants an inside look at the day to day operation of the Park and a better understanding of this wonderful asset we have in our region."

Experience Your Smokies is seeking diverse applicants from the surrounding communities for a program this spring. Program dates are as follows: Tuesday March 13th and 27th, April 17th, May 1st and Saturday May 19th. Class size is limited to 25 participants. Those attending will be asked to commit to attending all class days. Applications will be accepted between now and February 15. Please visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org/events.html  or call 929-452-0720 for an application.

Friends of the Smokies reports color still visible in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 submitted by Holly Scott, Marketing Director, Friends of the Smokies

While the leaves have peaked in many park areas, color is still visible.  And fall is a great time for donning some layers and hitting the trails of the Smokies.  Temperatures are mild, and you can take in the sun's valuable Vitamin D before the REALLY short days begin.

Preparedness is the key to hiking in any season.  There are some great free resources online for locating trail information in the Smokies.  Be sure that wherever you hike, you take along a paper map of your route.  GPS devices, apps, and smartphones are terrific resources, but are not so user friendly if a battery dies, there is torrential rain, or you have an unforseen emergency and your companions (don't hike alone!) are unsure of how to operate your technology.

Visit  trail info websites,  call ahead (865-436-1200) or check the park's website to find out about road or trail closures, bear warnings, or even special programs in the park that could make your trip even more unforgettable!

When I hike, I always start by getting suggestions from other people about the area of the park I want to see.  Next, I consult my "little brown book" and map to read a description of friends' trail recommendations and gauge the elevation gain or loss.  (I also enjoy getting tidbits from History Hikes of the Smokies so that I can "Wow" my friends with fun facts!)  Sometimes I surf online to get info that may be timely about where I'm going.  And before I leave home, I check with the park to up my odds that most of my day's surprises will be pleasant.

For a more information and a

link to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park click HERE