Grandfather Mountain Archives

Avery County Housing Recovery Effort Meeting

November 27, 2024 Over 100 people came together today to discuss the Avery County housing recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Volunteers, representatives from businesses and foundations and government officials joined individuals from Chief Cares, Mountain Ways, Samaritan’s Purse, Appalachia Service Project, American Red Cross and FEMA for a facilitated discussion about a more centralized and cohesive coordination of the housing rebuild efforts. The idea of a long-term recovery group for Avery County was also introduced, and attendees broke into smaller groups to form committees around areas of focus such as volunteer management, donations management, construction management and more. The meeting was hosted by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and held at the Linville, N.C., nature park and preserve’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

November 12, 2024. Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, will host a festive celebration on Thursday, Nov. 21 as the tree that will be on display at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery this holiday season will be delivered. The hourlong event begins at 11 a.m. and is included with park admission. The tree, which will be harvested on Wednesday, Nov. 20, is from Mountain Top Fraser Fir farm in Newland, N.C. Owner Larry Smith has previously supplied trees to the White House, North Carolina State Capitol and other prominent government buildings and residences.

November 1, 2024 The Grandfather Mountain nature park was extremely fortunate to receive only minor damage from Hurricane Helene. A small number of trees fell during the storm, and only a few washouts or small landslides have been discovered. The mountain was impacted by the electricity, internet and cell signal outages that were widespread across the region in the weeks following the storm. A few days after Helene, the park was able to confirm that all staff and the mountain’s resident habitat animals were safe. Grandfather Mountain closed to the public on Sept. 26, the day before Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern part of the country, leaving behind unimaginable effects on the communities surrounding the park. The mountain was closed to guests for 27 days.

September 25, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is set to begin its annual Fall Color Ramble, marking one of the most beautiful times of the year. This series of guided nature walks allows guests to experience the season’s signature colors like never before. The Fall Color Rambles will be offered daily, weather permitting, from Saturday, Oct. 5 through Monday, Oct. 14. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, and they typically last for 30 minutes.

September 24, 2024 Fall officially arrives Sunday, and the foliage on Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is starting to show signs that the seasonal color change is upon us. Buckeyes and locusts are among the first tree species that turn at Grandfather every year, while maples typically get some red hue early on. The changing colors of the leaves are tied to several things. A variety of abiotic factors – like temperature, length of day, wind, solar radiation and more – impact the phenomenon of fall color and can trigger the trees to begin the process of entering winter dormancy.

September 10, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, will be hosting its 53rd-annual Girl Scout Day on Saturday, Sept. 21. Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership (all or part of a uniform or a troop roster with the leader’s name on it), and family members will receive discounted admission ($1 off child admission and $2 off adult admission). The day also includes special programming – from 10 a.m. to about 4 p.m. – for scouts, who are invited to join the park’s naturalists for an exciting learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain.

August 28, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has announced that it will be hosting its annual Junior Naturalist Day on Saturday, Sept. 7. Activities, included with admission, will be provided specifically for children ages 5 to 12 – though all ages are welcome – to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather has to offer. Programming takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature birding with a naturalist, nature journaling, insect investigation and more.

August 27, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, recently wrapped up construction on the Ginny Burton Education and Animal Care Facility, part of the nature park’s growing Conservation Campus. While the new space is not open to general guests, it will be a stop on Behind-the-Scenes Tours (one of the mountain’s special add-on experiences) offered by habitat staff. The facility is tailored to the needs of Grandfather’s growing education and habitat teams, providing more collaborative work space, a break room and private offices, while also allowing keepers to give top-level care for the animals that call the mountain home.

August 24, 2024 July 2024 saw a near-record high number of days of precipitation on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. There were 25 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for July 2024, one day short of the record 26 days in 1982 and matching 1994 and 2019.

July 31, 2024 June 2024 was the second-driest June on record for Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for June 2024 was 65.34 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 55.68 degrees and a mean of 60.51 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 74.5 degrees on June 26, more than 7 degrees shy of the mountain’s record June high of 82 degrees, observed June 1, 2011, and June 9, 2008. Generally, June sees spring-like weather conditions continue on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly warmer, summertime temperatures starting to arrive.

July 29, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is hosting its annual Animal Enrichment Day on Wednesday, July 31 and invites guests to come see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. The event, which allows visitors to watch enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented interactive games, is included with admission.

July 19, 2024 Once a year, the second week in July. Tents are raised, kilts are dusted off, sporrans and Sgian-dubh are properly placed. People start pouring in from around the country, even parts of the world to Grandfather Mountain, NC, all with one thing in common–the gathering of the Grandfather Highland Games. It’s a time when those with Scot-Irish heritage and those without can learn and research history. It’s also a time for my sons–Laiden Gragg-Smith, Cam Gragg-Smith, Mason Gragg-Smith–and me to get in contact with our roots and a way to keep our heritage alive. We are made up of several different clans. On Saturday of last week (July 13), we were in attendance for the 68th annual Highland Games. By Tara Gragg Daniels

July 18, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, and Kitty Hawk Kites are set to celebrate the flight of the latter’s founder and the first person to hang glide off the mountain, John Harris, with programming, a panel discussion and fun on Saturday, July 27. The two iconic North Carolina attractions and businesses are marking 50 years since that “first flight,” with activities open to Grandfather Mountain guests and included with regular admission. There will be no actual hang glider flights from the mountain during this celebration.

July 16, 2024 Nik Aston placed in the top four in all seven men’s heavy athletic events during the 2024 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, earning him the top spot overall for the competition. This year marked Aston’s sixth competing at these games and his second as a professional. The 29-year-old from Los Lunas, N.M, is a personal trainer and strength-and-conditioning specialist. During his time as a graduate student at Appalachian State University, he approached someone at his gym with a Grandfather Mountain Highland Games shirt and asked how to get involved. This year, in his second competition as a pro, he notched first-place honors.

July 3, 2024 The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 11, continuing through Sunday, July 14. This marks the 68th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina. Throughout the weekend of events, guests can take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of traditional Scottish athletic competitions, which includes Scottish heavy athletics, track and field competitions, Highland wrestling and more.

June 27, 2024 May 2024 was a pretty rainy month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 9.90 inches of precipitation in May 2024, the seventh-highest total for this month on record. There were 24 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for May 2024, one day short of the record 25 days in 2009 and matching 1986, 2020 and 2022.

June 14, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has added behind-the-scenes habitat cameras and a new kiosk with television screens at its cougar overlook, enhancing visitors’ experience and their chance to see these elusive animals. Cougars are crepuscular, meaning they are most active around dusk and dawn, and they spend a large portion of the day sleeping. Grandfather’s resident cougars, Logan and Trinity, follow this same pattern and are typically most active first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. In addition, the cougars are elusive and shy toward park guests, often choosing to sleep or lounge in sections of the habitat that can’t be seen by the public.

June 10, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has announced that tickets for the second presentation of the Grandfather Presents 2024 speaker series are on sale now. Richard Louv, a journalist and author, continues these Thursday night presentations on July 25. The new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery will play host to the event. Guests will get to experience a “night at the museum” atmosphere, the speaker presentation and book-signing/ “meet-and-greet” opportunities.

May 30, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is throwing its annual birthday bash for all resident animals on Wednesday, June 12 – and you’re invited! Included with park admission, the celebration will feature games, contests, crafts and surprises. The park’s habitat staff is preparing a fun-filled afternoon for guests with programs to celebrate its furry and feathered inhabitants as they mark another trip around the sun. Millie the Bear, the mountain’s mascot, will also make special appearances throughout the day.

Angler, Biologist and “River Monsters” TV Host Jeremy Wade Kicks Off Grandfather Presents Speaker Series June 27

May 29, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has announced that tickets for the first presentation of the Grandfather Presents 2024 speaker series are on sale now. Jeremy Wade, an extreme angler, biologist, “River Monsters” documentary TV host and author, kicks off these Thursday night presentations on June 27. The new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery will play host to the event. Guests will get to experience a “night at the museum” atmosphere, the speaker presentation and book-signing/“meet-and-greet” opportunities.

May 13, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is welcoming guests to celebrate the beauty of this season by partaking in our Rhododendron Rambles, a series of guided strolls that showcase the park’s blossoming rhododendron and other native species. The easygoing rambles take place at 1 p.m. daily May 25 through June 2. These short, guided strolls are led by the park’s naturalists and are included with the price of admission. If the rhododendrons continue to bloom beyond early June, Grandfather Mountain naturalists may extend the event date

April 30, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is once again offering its adult field course series for 2024, allowing participants the chance to explore Grandfather Mountain like never before and take a deeper dive into a variety of related topics. “These courses provide participants the opportunity to discover aspects of the park ecosystem, as well as the natural history and cultural history of this region, through fun ﬁeld excursions relating to various subjects,” said John Caveny, director of conservation and education for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

April 29, 2024 March 2024 was a fairly blustery month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for March 2024 was 48.40 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 32.68 degrees and a mean of 40.54 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 65.48 degrees on March 31, more than 6 degrees shy of the mountain’s record March high of 72 degrees, observed on March 30, 1985. March 19 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 10.76 degrees. A wind chill of minus 15.2 was noted that same day.

April 2, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the nonprofit nature preserve operated by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is once again offering its series of nighttime expeditions on the mountain this summer through its popular educational program, Grandfather by Night. This unique experience on Grandfather Mountain lets guests experience the park after hours with education staff as their guides. Guests will discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders while stopping at its most significant sites, beginning with the rare opportunity to watch a sunset at the world-famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. New in 2024, participants can choose between two variations of the event: adventurous and less adventurous.

March 29, 2024 February 2024 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for February 2024 was 43.63 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 27.46 degrees and a mean of 35.55 degrees. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 51.8 degrees on Feb. 26, just over 12 degrees shy of the mountain’s record February high of 64 degrees, observed Feb. 22, 1977, and Feb. 15 and 16, 1989. Feb. 18 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 9.9 degrees. A wind chill of minus 12.47 was noted that same day

+ More Articles

Avery County Housing Recovery Effort Meeting

Tree Arrival and Celebration to Kick Off Holiday Season at Grandfather Mountain on November 21

Grandfather Mountain – Disaster Relief Response and Economic Impacts From Helene

Annual Fall Color Ramble Returns to Grandfather Mountain on Oct. 5 with Guided Nature Walks

Plan Your Autumn Adventure at Grandfather Mountain ~ Insider Tips for Visiting

Grandfather Mountain to Host Girl Scout Day on Sept. 21 Robust Schedule of Offerings

Grandfather Mountain to Host Junior Naturalist Day on Sept. 7

Grandfather Mountain’s Conservation Campus Expands with New Ginny Burton Education and Animal Care Facility

Grandfather Mountain July 2024 Weather Report; Near-Record High Days of Precipitation

Grandfather Mountain June Weather Report; Second-Driest June on Record

Grandfather Mountain to Host Animal Enrichment Day on July 31

Guest Column – Why My Sons and I Love the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Grandfather Mountain and Kitty Hawk Kites Celebrate 50th Anniversary of First Hang Glider Flight at Grandfather with Commemorative Event at Linville, and Nature Park on July 27

Nik Aston Secures Top Spot in Men’s Heavy Athletics at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Highland Games Set to Return to Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows July 11 – July 14

Grandfather Mountain’s May Weather Report; It Was a Pretty Rainy Month

Habitat Enhancements Offer New Behind-the-Scenes Views of Grandfather Mountain’s Resident Cougars with Live Video Kiosk

Tickets for “Grandfather Presents: Richard Louv” Are on Sale Now for July 25 Presentation

Grandfather Mountain to Host Annual Animal Birthday Party on June 12 Beginning at 11 a.m.

Angler, Biologist and “River Monsters” TV Host Jeremy Wade Kicks Off Grandfather Presents Speaker Series June 27

The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble to Kick Off at Grandfather Mountain on May 25

Grandfather Mountain Releases 2024 Adult Field Course Lineup Beginning May 18th

March Was a Fairly Blustery Month on Grandfather Mountain; 10.76 Degrees on the 19th

Grandfather Mountain Announces Revamped Grandfather by Night Events for Summer

Grandfather Mountain February 2024 Weather Report; Fairly Standard Conditions