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

Happy 75th Blueridge Parkway!

Nov 12-14, beginning in Cherokee NC. Opening Weekend for the 2010 Celebration of The Blueridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary. The weekend begins with a reception and presentation at 5:00 PM. There is no charge to participate. All events will take place at the new “green” school campus, 1582 Ravensford Circle, Cherokee, North Carolina.
Nov 13, 10AM: A ceremonial torch passing from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009, to the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Ravensford Overlook at Milepost 467 at the southern end of the Parkway. The event will also highlight the passage of intergenerational stewardship as well as a performance of the Warriors of AniKituhwa dancers and remarks from both park superintendents and a representative of the Eastern Band of the Cherokees Indians Tribal Council.
Nov 13, 12PM: A three-hour tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway complete with experienced guides and a boxed lunch! Reservations are required and can be made by calling Museum of the Cherokee Indian at 828.497.3481. Cost is $20 per person to be paid at time of departure.
Nov 14, 5:30PM-7PM : Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 87 Haywood Street, Asheville NC. Benefit Concert. The concert features award-winning singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith as well as a one-time-only collaboration of The Blue Ridge Bluegrass All-Stars showing their support for the Parkwa.

Website: http://www.blueridgeparkway75.org/

Fall Girl Scout Day at Chimney Rock

Nov 7, 10AM-1PM, Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock, NC. Bring your troop and join Chimney Rock staff to celebrate the transformation of seasons. Participate in programs developed by Park specialists as you enjoy this colorful time of year! $14 per scout (adult chaperones required, one adult chaperone admitted free per 10 scouts); $11.50 per additional adult; $5 for additional children during programs. Website: http://www.chimneyrockpark.com

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Color Report

Every trail in the park is perfect for hiking right now.  Fall foliage surprises and abundant late wildflowers await around every bend.  The last week this month, lower elevation trails such as Deep Creek, Little River, Boogerman Loop, Old Settlers, Smokemont Loop, Old Sugarlands, Kephart Prong, and Abrams Falls will be preferable.  Bears, chipmunks, squirrels, and other wildlife are busily gathering aacorns, walnuts, and other mast where it is concentrated. Thanks to the unusually abundant rainfall, streams and waterfalls are swift and sparkling. Read more...

Slide Show is for the birds

"Birds in a Changing Climate," on Oct. 24, 1PM at NEW RIVER STATE PARK. Although birds are more mobile than most other animals they will also be affected by climate change. Join us at New River State Park's Hwy. 221 visitor center for a slide program and discussion on the threats birds face in a changing climate. For more information or to sign up call 336-982-2587. Open to the public and free of charge.