Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain Cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, photograph native wildlife in natural habitats and hike some of the South's finest alpine trails.
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Located in northwest NC. Grandfather's lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Marvel at 360-degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, stand eye-to-eye with native wildlife in natural habitats and interact with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Please note that ticket sales stop one hour before the park closes.

Tickets are on sale now for special events at Grandfather Mountain in June and July.Swipe to see what events are still a...
05/31/2026

Tickets are on sale now for special events at Grandfather Mountain in June and July.

Swipe to see what events are still available and be sure to reserve your spot now before they run out — some only have a few tickets remaining!

Notably, our first Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program has been rescheduled to June 26 as it conflicted with a Grandfather Glows event.

Curious about what's coming next? Visit grandfather.com/event-calendar to stay up-to-date.

📸: GMSF

05/30/2026

May at Grandfather Mountain has been full of blooms, views and plenty of things to do.

Don't just take our word for it — these are all photos and videos shared with us by guests! We always welcome you to share your memories with us by tagging us in your photos and videos

Come soak up the beauty as spring turns to summer! Book your visit at grandfather.com/tickets.

🎥: Tagged accounts

Meet Kernel the corn snake!Kernel is a yellow-colored corn snake who came to Grandfather Mountain in September 2025 when...
05/30/2026

Meet Kernel the corn snake!

Kernel is a yellow-colored corn snake who came to Grandfather Mountain in September 2025 when she was about 10 years old.

Kernel lives behind the scenes at Yonni’s Clubhouse and enjoys curling up in her bedding. Despite her love for burrowing, she is still a very curious corn snake and can be found flicking her tongue to pick up scents that help her take in her surroundings.

When she is not in her tank, Kernel can be seen out and about with a keeper, educating the public about snakes. She enjoys this time out in the sun and warm weather where there are many sights and scents to take in. She often becomes very energized and active after participating in an educational talk with guests.

You can symbolically adopt Kernel as part of the mountain's Adopt-an-Animal program at grandfather.com/product/kernel.

📸: GMSF

05/29/2026

Spring Color Recap | May 25-29

We’ve seen a return to sunshine in the last two days, and the weekend forecast is looking good for a High Country weekend trip!

Catawba rhododendron, flame azalea and mountain laurel are blooming across the mountain and brightening up the views near the Swinging Bridge.

Families with children off from school and just starting their summer vacation should check out Yonni’s Clubhouse while taking in the sights! The new hands-on science and conservation education center geared toward young explorers is home to indoor exhibits and ambassador animals, as well as an ADA-accessible nature trail and garden outside.

Book your trip to see the beauty for yourself at grandfather.com/tickets.

🎥: GMSF

05/29/2026

Calling all nocturnal adventurers — tickets are on sale for a July 31 Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike, as well as a few other dates!

This event is perfect for those interested in learning more about Grandfather's unique flora and crepuscular (active during twilight) fauna, watching a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and embarking on a night hike.

The hike takes place after sunset, with a goal of discussing and looking for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility.

Reserve your spot at grandfather.com/event/by-night-3.

🎥: Leslie Restivo Photography | GMSF

Grandfather Mountain Spring Color Update | May 29, 2026:We’ve seen a return to sunshine in the last two days, and the we...
05/29/2026

Grandfather Mountain Spring Color Update | May 29, 2026:

We’ve seen a return to sunshine in the last two days, and the weekend forecast is looking good for a High Country weekend trip!

Catawba rhododendron, flame azalea and more are blooming across the mountain and brightening up the views near the Swinging Bridge, as can be seen from the image taken on Linville Peak.

This weekend hosts the final days of the staff-led Rhododendron Rambles at Grandfather Mountain. Taking place at 1 p.m., these special strolls are focused on rhododendron species, their blooms, plant history and attributes, and are included in park admission.

See more of what's blooming on the mountain at grandfather.com/spring-color-gallery.

📸: Skip Sickler (1, 3) and Leslie Restivo Photography (2, 4) | GMSF

05/28/2026

LAST CHANCE: Tomorrow and this weekend mark your last chance to experience a Rhododendron Ramble in 2026, with the last one taking place at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 31.

While early blooms like pinkshell azalea have passed, flame azalea and Catawba rhododendron continue to pop, giving our naturalists much to discuss during the events.

Each year, our blooming rhododendrons offer vibrant scenes that herald the forthcoming arrival of the summer season. Included with park admission, Rhododendron Rambles allow guests to join our naturalists for 20-minute guided strolls to learn about the blooms’ history and significance to the mountain’s unique ecology.

Learn more at grandfather.com/the-remarkable-rhododendron-ramble.

🎥: GMSF

Calling all environmental educators!Tickets will go online for a free educator workshop, WILD About Bears, tomorrow, May...
05/28/2026

Calling all environmental educators!

Tickets will go online for a free educator workshop, WILD About Bears, tomorrow, May 29, at 10 a.m.

This workshop will teach participants about the life history and management of black bears, as well as how to incorporate activities about bears into the N.C. Curriculum. Participants will also get to meet the black bears who call Grandfather Mountain home and learn what it takes to keep them healthy and happy.

Criteria II or III and CEU credit toward N.C. EE certification is available upon completion of workshop.

Advance registration is required, and you can reserve your spot now at grandfather.com/event/educator-workshop-wild-about-bear.

📸: GMSF

REMINDER: The Grandfather Glows ticket lottery closes tomorrow, May 28, at 11:59 p.m.We hope you enjoy this collection o...
05/27/2026

REMINDER: The Grandfather Glows ticket lottery closes tomorrow, May 28, at 11:59 p.m.

We hope you enjoy this collection of guest shots from past Grandfather Glows events. As we wish you all luck in the lottery, we made a playlist with firefly and light-themed songs! You can check it out at open.spotify.com/playlist/3UykkULtvOCW0Nx5opIA80?si=7XAAnPwsROu6Fs4M-GmjIg or music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLihBKvNKgwGfEHHgr1ltkaf9t5Mm1Vzb_&si=BkCSrrtsosCJXBnv.

10 species of fireflies or luminous insects can be found on Grandfather Mountain in Western N.C., including synchronous fireflies, blue ghost fireflies and glowworms. These glowing wonders only appear for a few weeks each year, and our staff has worked hard to predict the best viewing time.

We will offer three events in 2026 on June 16, 18 and 20, where ticketholders are allowed special access to the mountain for a naturalist program and synchronous firefly viewing event. Each event has a rain date the day after it is scheduled. Enter the lottery for a chance to be selected to purchase tickets and attend an event.

Grandfather Glows is hosted by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization — not a state or national park. All proceeds from the lottery and ticket sales go toward preserving Grandfather Mountain and sharing its wonders in ways that deepen visitors’ appreciation of nature and inspire good stewardship of the earth.

Enter the lottery at grandfatherglows.com.

📸: Amy Barnes, Megan Holland, Trevor Bamford, Katherine Doud, Kim Janssen, Aaron Daines, Andrew Nelson, Amy Cole

Just two weeks remain until our annual Animal Birthday Party celebration: Wednesday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.!...
05/27/2026

Just two weeks remain until our annual Animal Birthday Party celebration: Wednesday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.!

This event, free with park admission, celebrates the birthdays of our resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises — including decorating cakes for the animals, as seen here. The park’s wildlife habitat staff hosts a fun-filled afternoon for guests, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants.

Returning this year, the Conservation Through Colors table will be active during Animal Birthday Party! This table will be selling merchandise and donating the proceeds to the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy.

Check out the day's full schedule at grandfather.com/event/animal-birthday-party.

📸: GMSF

Address

2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC
28646

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 7pm
Sunday 8am - 7pm

Telephone

+18287334337

Website

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