Grandfather Mountain Archives

Celebrate State Parks Centennial Aug. 26 at ASU, Aug. 27 at Grandfather Mountain

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.

Annual Animal Enrichment Day Set for Wed. August 3 at Grandfather Mountain

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.

Exploring 100 Years of Grandfather Mountain: A State Park Centennial Celebration

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.

Amateurs and Pros Invited to Grandfather Mountain’s Annual Camera Clinic Aug. 13-14

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.

Photographer Captures Traditions, Culture at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

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.

River Bend Middle Schoolers Complete The Jason Project’s ‘Grandfather Challenge’

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.

Singing On the Mountain Returns For 92nd Year at Grandfather Mountain This Sunday, June 26

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.

Anyone and Everyone Can Enjoy Naturalist Weekend at Grandfather Mountain May 13-15

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.”

Dollar Days are Back in April! Head to Grandfather Mountain as Spring Returns

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.

Park Rangers Gearing Up for Annual Wildflower Walks at Grandfather Mountain State Park

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!

Paws and Effect: Orphaned Sibling Cougar Cubs Found a Home at Grandfather Mountain

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.”

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