February 13, 2019 The high winds that continue to blow in the High Country brought a new record wind gust to Grandfather Mountain early Wednesday Morning. At around 4 a.m. this morning, the weather station at Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge had a gust recorded at 121.3 MPH, breaking the previous record of 120.7 MPH set at 7 a.m. on December 21, 2012. Over a 24-hour span at Grandfather Mountain, wind gusts jumped from 34 MPH at 4 a.m. on Tuesday morning to the new record o 121.3 MPH this morning. The first triple digit wind gust of the morning was recorded just after midnight with a gust of 106.2. A wind gust of 100.6 MPH was recorded as late at 7 a.m. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

Feb. 21, 2018. At Grandfather Mountain, education is literally a top priority. After all, when your classroom is a mile high, the sky is the limit. Even for grown-ups. The Linville, N.C.-based nature preserve and attraction is bringing its Adult Field Courses series back for 2018, offering participants the chance to explore Grandfather Mountain like never before. / Read more…

Jan. 19, 2018. An elk, a Girl Scout, two cougars and a bagpiper walk onto Grandfather Mountain… The punchline? It’s 2018 at the Linville, N.C., nature preserve and attraction. No joke. / Read more…

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. / Read more…

Apr. 13, 2017. When your classroom is a mile high, every student has their head in the clouds. Grandfather Mountain is introducing a series of Adult Field Courses in 2017, offering day-long sessions on various topics, including birds, salamanders, history, wildlife drawing and geology. / Read more…

Dec. 13, 2016. “These events are popular among photographers of all skill levels, as well as nature lovers hoping to see the Blue Ridge Mountains in a new light,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that oversees the park. “Sunrise on Grandfather Mountain is nothing short of magnificent.” / Read more…

Dec. 2, 2016. Get outside this holiday season and enjoy the natural wonders awaiting you at Grandfather Mountain State Park. The month of December offers up events including the 100 Mile Hike challenge in honor of the North Carolina State Parks’ Centennial, a photo scavenger hunt through the park on Christmas Day and First Day Hikes to kick off 2017 on January 1. / Read more…

Dec. 1, 2016. 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, N.C., nature preserve and travel attraction. Photo by Victoria Darlington | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation / Read more…

Sept. 16, 2016. “John Muir visited Grandfather Mountain in late September of 1898,” said Mickey Shortt, director of education and natural resources for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that oversees the Linville nature preserve and travel attraction. “While here, he seemed most impressed by the diversity of trees in the deciduous forest around Grandfather and the endless ridges that came into view from the peaks.” / Read more…

Sept. 9, 2016.Ever wonder what the resident animals of Grandfather Mountain do after dark? Here is your opportunity to find out! Come to Grandfather Mountain on Saturday, Oct. 1 to participate in the Bonfire Delight, Creatures of the Night tour and the Owl Prowl.By Emily Willis – Photo by Skip Sickler / Read more…

Aug. 22, 2016. “Exploring 100 Years of Grandfather Mountain: A State Park Centennial Celebration” Dr. Patrick McMillan on Friday, Aug. 26, 7-9 p.m. ASU Library, 218 College St, Boone (Room 114). Expeditions at Grandfather Mountain State Park: Saturday, Aug. 27 beginning at 11 a.m. Boone Fork Parking Lot; Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of mile marker 300(GPS: 36.120076, -81.781358) Nuwati Hikes leave every 30 minutes beginning at 11:00am, the last hike leaves at 1:30pm. Cragway loop hikes leave at 11:15am and 12:15pm (longer and more strenuous hikes). Plan on two hours for the Nuwati Trail; three hours for the Cragway loop. / Read more…

Aug. 16, 2016. After a prolonged era of private ownership, his grandeur and glory are now preserved for generations to come, and new leadership promises improvements that will make his peaks and valleys more accessible to the public. As the North Carolina State Parks system celebrates its centennial this year, we, too, are invited to celebrate its steadfast commitment to our natural resources through its latest acquisition, Grandfather Mountain. By Angela Gazzillo. Photos by Todd Bush. / Read more…

July 25, 2016. How do you keep an animal entertained? You otter come find out! On Aug. 3, the Grandfather Mountain will host Animal Enrichment Day, during which guests can participate in games and activities centered on providing the habitat animals with special enrichments — treats designed to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. / Read more…

July 28, 2016. On Friday, August 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., join us in a special event to celebrate the spectacular attributes of Grandfather Mountain and 100 years of NC State Parks. Host of Expeditions with Patrick McMillan and Director of the South Carolina Botanical Garden, Dr. McMillan will present a moving and inspiring lecture about the 5946’ mountain which is home to over 70 threatened or endangered species. / Read more…

July 18, 2016. Amateur and professional photographers can now register for the Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic, a two-day seminar that offers presentations from outstanding photojournalists and opportunities for participants to improve their skills. The clinic, set for Aug. 13 and 14, also allows participants the rare prospect of photographing scenic Grandfather Mountain at dawn and dusk and chances to network with others interested in the craft. / Read more…

July 14, 2016. Heritage, honor and tradition were the staples of the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, which rolled into town last week. With them, the games brought a massive crowd of people who were there to represent their families and their histories. Local photographer Cindy McEnery was there, too, and she’s sharing some of her favorite images from the weekend with us today. Photos by Cindy McEnery. / Read more…

July 14, 2016. “The Grandfather Challenge” program is sponsored by The Jason Project, Inc., which was formed by the parents of Jason Matthew Nipper, who passed away in June of 2014 at age 26. This private foundation provides outdoor/wilderness and hiking excursions and similar programs which are designed to build self-confidence in struggling youth, as well as trust and positive rapport with adult mentors. / Read more…

June 20, 2016. The 92nd annual Singing on the Mountain gospel music festival comes to Grandfather Mountain in Linville Sunday, June 26, featuring a sermon by Andrew Greer and musical performances by the Primitive Quartet, Rick Webb Family, Michael Combs, the Cockman Family, Amantha Mill, Patricia Smith, The Parsons and Smokey Mountain Reunion. / Read more…

May 4, 2016. “Naturalist Weekend provides a collection of unique programs that aim to connect people with the diversity of life found on Grandfather Mountain,” said Mickey Shortt, director of education and natural resources for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “The foundation and its partners use the weekend to celebrate the arrival of spring on the mountain and share it with visitors to the area.” / Read more…

March 18, 2016. Grandfather Mountain opens its gates to High Country residents, employees and their guests for only $3 each throughout April as part of “Dollar Days.” The month offers plenty to do inside the park, including the return of animal encounter sessions, the seasonal reopening of the Fudge Shop, discounts on Behind-the-Scenes Habitat Tours and the return of Naturalist Programs later in the month. / Read more…

March 10, 2016. Grandfather Mountain State Park Rangers are gearing up for the annual spring wildflower hikes! The Southern Appalachian Mountains provide for a stunning array of native wildflowers and we look forward to this time of year! Rangers would love to share this natural beauty with you: join us! / Read more…

March 7, 2016. The duo — a brother and sister — was found, along with another male sibling who passed away prior to the move, on an Idaho man’s property in January, emaciated and searching for food. “We don’t know what happened to their mom,” said Christie Tipton, chief animal curator for Grandfather Mountain. “They were found wandering around a neighborhood, looking for food, because they aren’t big enough to successfully catch their own.” / Read more…