LINVILLE, N.C. – Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is offering its popular nighttime expedition series, Grandfather by Night, for 2026. Two variations of the Grandfather by Night series will be offered again this year — the Twilight Hike and the Naturalist Program.
“Grandfather by Night events provide a great variety of programming, from unbeatable views to unique educational material from our naturalists,” said Lauren Farrell, director of education for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “Getting to be in the park outside of operating hours is so rare and special, and we look forward to sharing these moments with guests every year.”
In both versions of the event, the evening starts atop Grandfather Mountain at the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where participants can explore and observe sunset, weather permitting, from this lofty vantage point. During this time, park educators will be on hand to discuss the unique flora and crepuscular (active during twilight) fauna that call Grandfather home.
The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible.
The Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program about flora, fauna, folklore and other topics after sunset. This edition of the event series is accessible for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.
Grandfather Mountain’s vehicle fleet includes a 12-seat shuttle that has a 1,000-pound Braun Lift and accommodates an additional two people in wheelchairs. During the ticket purchase process, those with accessibility needs in their party should reach out to the Grandfather Mountain office (828-733-2013) so that proper transportation can be arranged.
2026 Grandfather by Night Dates:
Twilight Hike:
- May 29, 8-10 p.m. – on sale now
- June 12, 8-10 p.m. – on sale now
- July 31, 8-10 p.m. – on sale May 29
- Aug. 7, 8-10 p.m. – on sale June 8
- Aug. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 22
- Sept. 4, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 6
Naturalist Program:
- June 19, 8-10 p.m. – on sale April 20
- Aug. 14, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 15
- Aug. 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 29
- Sept. 11, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 13
Guests should be prepared for a variety of the mountain’s weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment and footwear are very important. Due to the mountain’s ever-changing weather, guests may need a jacket on summer evenings. Individual events may be canceled if there is a threat of inclement weather.
In-park transportation is provided. Each Grandfather by Night event is limited to 24 participants. Advance registration is required. This event series is open to individuals eight years of age and older.
To learn more about the Grandfather by Night series, visit www.grandfather.com/grandfather-by-night.
The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world through education, exploration and example. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com.
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