For your convenience below are listed the Special Events for 2023 at Grandfather Mountain.
The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
May 27-June 4
2 PM (May 27-June 3) and 11 AM-3 PM (June 4)
From May 27 through June 3, daily, short, guided strolls highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 4, when you can celebrate the blooms with more guided rambles, kid crafts, and special displays. Rambles will take place at 12 PM, 1 PM and 2 PM during the all-day ramble.
National Trails Day
Saturday, June 3, 11 AM -2 PM
This day will feature a variety of programming at the Woods Walk on topics such as how to plan a hike, Leave No Trace, essential items needed in a backpack, and more. At least one guided hike will be offered. This year has been declared the “Year of the Trail” by the N.C. Legislature.
Nature Photography Weekend
June 9-11
This popular weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on breakout sessions, and an opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery and native animals before and after regular business hours. Additional cost.
Animal Birthday Party
Wednesday, June 14, 11 AM-3:30 PM
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of its resident animals with games, contests, crafts, and surprises. The mountain’s habitat staff will prepare a fun-filled day for visitors, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants.
BioBlitz
Saturday, June 17, 10 AM-4 PM
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation staff joins N.C. State Parks and other conservation agencies to survey the unique ecology on the mountain. A BioBlitz is a communal citizen-science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible. Park visitors are invited to attend a special day of programming that will run alongside the BioBlitz.
Grandfather by Night
July 14, 21 & 28 from 8-10 PM, Aug. 4, 11 & 18 from 7:30-9:30 PM
Explore Grandfather Mountain after hours with your own personal guides. You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, while stopping at its most significant sites. Watch a stunning Grandfather sunset and experience the mountain as never before. Additional cost.
Animal Enrichment Day
Wednesday, Aug. 2, 11 AM -3:30 PM
On Animal Enrichment Day, visitors will see how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy, or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Visitors can enjoy watching enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers, and participate in family-oriented games and crafts.
Hawk Watch
Sept. 1-30
Throughout September visitors are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting.
Junior Naturalist Day
Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 AM-3 PM
Grandfather Mountain’s Junior Ranger Program is now the Junior Naturalist Program — a new program for the new Conservation Campus. Activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12 to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather Mountain has to offer.
The Fall Color Ramble
Sept. 30-Oct. 8 at 2 PM, Oct. 14 from 10 AM-3 PM
Visitors can enjoy short, guided walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall foliage. On Saturday, Oct. 14, folks can join the park’s educators for a day full of fall-color activities, including guest speakers and short rambles, allowing participants to explore and admire the annual phenomenon.
Visit the Grandfather Mountain website
Ountain 2023 Special Events
For your convenience below are listed the Special Events for 2023 at Grandfather Mountain.
The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
May 27-June 4
2 PM (May 27-June 3) and 11 AM-3 PM (June 4)
From May 27 through June 3, daily, short, guided strolls highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 4, when you can celebrate the blooms with more guided rambles, kid crafts, and special displays. Rambles will take place at 12 PM, 1 PM and 2 PM during the all-day ramble.
National Trails Day
Saturday, June 3, 11 AM -2 PM
This day will feature a variety of programming at the Woods Walk on topics such as how to plan a hike, Leave No Trace, essential items needed in a backpack, and more. At least one guided hike will be offered. This year has been declared the “Year of the Trail” by the N.C. Legislature.
Nature Photography Weekend
June 9-11
This popular weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on breakout sessions, and an opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery and native animals before and after regular business hours. Additional cost.
Animal Birthday Party
Wednesday, June 14, 11 AM-3:30 PM
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of its resident animals with games, contests, crafts, and surprises. The mountain’s habitat staff will prepare a fun-filled day for visitors, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants.
BioBlitz
Saturday, June 17, 10 AM-4 PM
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation staff joins N.C. State Parks and other conservation agencies to survey the unique ecology on the mountain. A BioBlitz is a communal citizen-science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible. Park visitors are invited to attend a special day of programming that will run alongside the BioBlitz.
Grandfather by Night
July 14, 21 & 28 from 8-10 PM, Aug. 4, 11 & 18 from 7:30-9:30 PM
Explore Grandfather Mountain after hours with your own personal guides. You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, while stopping at its most significant sites. Watch a stunning Grandfather sunset and experience the mountain as never before. Additional cost.
Animal Enrichment Day
Wednesday, Aug. 2, 11 AM -3:30 PM
On Animal Enrichment Day, visitors will see how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy, or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Visitors can enjoy watching enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers, and participate in family-oriented games and crafts.
Hawk Watch
Sept. 1-30
Throughout September visitors are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting.
Junior Naturalist Day
Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 AM-3 PM
Grandfather Mountain’s Junior Ranger Program is now the Junior Naturalist Program — a new program for the new Conservation Campus. Activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12 to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather Mountain has to offer.
The Fall Color Ramble
Sept. 30-Oct. 8 at 2 PM, Oct. 14 from 10 AM-3 PM
Visitors can enjoy short, guided walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall foliage. On Saturday, Oct. 14, folks can join the park’s educators for a day full of fall-color activities, including guest speakers and short rambles, allowing participants to explore and admire the annual phenomenon.
Visit the Grandfather Mountain website.
