Grandfather Mountain Remains "Snowed-in"

Dec 31, Grandfather Mountain, Linville NC. A major storm came through December 18-20, dropping two feet of snow on Grandfather Mountain. Crews were still clearing snow from the paths when an ice storm arrived on Christmas Eve, coating surfaces with half an inch of ice and downing trees and limbs all across the Mountain. Crews used chain saws to clear the road to the summit while they awaited the arrival of the power company. The attraction remains closed to visitors as of December 31st.

Grandfather Mountain got power back during the night December 30th. All effort is being made to get the attraction ready to welcome visitors "half-way" to the Nature Museum by the afternoon of New Year's Eve. There is no estimate on how long it will be before guests can drive to the Swinging Bridge. For current information, phone our entrance gate at 828-733-4337. Read more...

Wilderness Survival

Dec 30, 9AM, Lake James State Park Nebo NC. Ever been lost in the woods? Join a Ranger to find out how to keep from getting lost and how to survive if you do. Well discuss survival kits, finding shelter, fire building and much more. We will meet in the campground parking lot at 9:00 A.M. and hike to the amphitheater together. http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/main.php

Learn about migratory waterfowl

Dec 19, 10AM, Lake James State Park, Nebo NC.  Wings Over Water - Enjoy an interpretive talk by Park Ranger Earl Weaver about the migratory waterfowl of the area. Mounts, charts and visuals will be displayed. Meet at the Lake James State Park office at 10:00 AM. Find out more...

Straddling McDowell and Burke counties, Lake James State Park occupies about 605 acres on the southern shore of the 6,500-acre mountain lake. Along with 20 walk-to primitive campsites and two boat ramp areas, park facilities include picnic sites, horseshoe pits, a swimming area and beach

Park Education: Dangerous Plants & Animals

Dec 12, 9AM, Lake James State Park, Nebo NC. Join Park Ranger Clay Veasey for a discussion about dangerous plants and animals that can be found in the park. Proper identification will be covered as well as what to do if you encounter one of these organisms. Meet at the Lake James State Park office at 9:00 a.m. For more information, call 828-652-5047. Free; Lake James State Park is in Marion.

A Special Gift: Adopt an Animal For Christmas

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, with the special help of our Habitat staff, is launching a new "Adopt an Animal" program just in time for the holidays. Your love for Grandfather Mountain's animals can now be expressed with a simple donation ranging from $25 to $1,000. Your tax-deductible gift will enhance the lives of our otters, bears, eagles, deer and cougars in many ways, from providing new enrichment toys and treats to upgrading habitat facilities. Read more...

December Dollar Days at Grandfather Mountain

Throughout December at Grtandfather Mountain each person who lives, works or goes to college in Mitchell, Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes counties (plus guests traveling in their vehicle) are invited to visit during December for $1 or a donation of canned goods. “We are pleased to continue the Dollar Days tradition," said the Grandfather Mountain President Crae Morton. “Grandfather Mountain would not be what it is without the support of the local community, and we thank everyone for their generosity and good will.”  Due to a shortage of donations and an immediate need at food banks, Grandfather Mountain is adding an extra way for those who work and reside in the High Country to take advantage of Dollar Days. We are especially aware of how economic conditions have affected the ability of nonprofits to deliver the kinds of services that our communities need.”

The Mountain is open every day in December except Christmas Day, weather permitting. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 4 p.m. For current weather conditions, phone the Entrance gate at 828-733-4337.  Website:  http://www.grandfather.com