One of the world’s most diverse nature preserves and scenic travel attractions. Book your visit today at grandfather.com!
From publicly posted calendar Checked May 29, 2026
Grandfather Presents: The Grizzly Forager Family
The Grizzly Forager is an aspirational social media account with the primary aim of inspiring parents to get outside with their kids via the art of foraging.…
Family Field Course: Grizzly Family Foraging
Embark on a wild adventure with The Grizzly Forager on the mountain in search of mysterious treasure made by wasps, which explorers of old gathered and made…
Animal Enrichment Day
On Animal Enrichment Day, guests see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy or even an…
Educator Workshop: WILD About Bears
NOTE: This Educator Workshop is intended specifically for educators — not the general public. This workshop is open to individuals studying for the NC…
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders,…
Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge
Back by popular demand, Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is offering a sunrise…
Adult Field Course: Exploring Natural Communities of Grandfather Mountain
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the natural community types found on Grandfather Mountain. In this class, you’ll learn to recognize distinct habitats by…
Adult Field Course: Fungi in the Cloud Forest
The southern Appalachians are world-renowned for different types of fungi, from mushrooms to lichens, and are home to more than 2,000 species. Here’s a chance…
Junior Naturalist Day
Junior Naturalist Program activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome! Events are included…
Adult Field Course: Appalachian Woodcraft
The hardy settlers who made these mountains home were resourceful and made what they needed from what was at hand, and what was at hand was wood. We will…
Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders,…
Grandfather Presents: Buddy Huffaker and Stan Temple
Buddy Huffaker joined the Aldo Leopold Foundation in 1996 as a seasonal intern and has served as Executive Director since 1999. During his tenure, the…
Mindfulness and Well-being Series: Nature and Forest Therapy at Grandfather Mountain
Join Mattie Decker, a certified forest therapy guide for a relaxing 2 to 2.5-hour stroll through the forest at Grandfather Mountain. Through a series of…
Educator Workshop: BEETLES
NOTE: This Educator Workshop is intended specifically for educators — not the general public. BEETLES Professional Learning Sessions are active experiences…
Hawk Watch
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration.…
Grandfather Presents: Eleanor Spicer Rice
Eleanor Spicer Rice, Ph.D., is an entomologist, award-winning author, and nationally recognized science communicator whose work explores the surprising…
55th-Annual Girl Scout Day
Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are…
Adult Field Course: The Birds of Grandfather Mountain: The Wonders of Migration
Grandfather Mountain is an amazing diversity hotspot for breeding birds in the southern Appalachians with more than 120 species detected during the nesting…
Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight
Embrace your nocturnal side at Grandfather Mountain through Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight, the park\'s after-hours program where guests enjoy rare…
Grandfather Presents: Dr. Margaret Lowman, Ph.D., aka CanopyMeg
One of the world’s first arbornauts, CanopyMeg devoted over four decades to exploring forest canopies. Her research and exploration have taken her to more than…
Sunset at the Swinging Bridge
Back by popular demand, Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is offering a sunset…
Fall Color Ramble
Guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your…
Adult Field Course: Grandfather’s Starry Skies
October is one of the best times of year to be stargazing at Grandfather Mountain. The air is cool and clear, and the summer constellations are still very…