Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level

April at Grandfather Mountain Means Dollar Days For High Country Residents

april scene

All those that work and reside in the six High Country counties, along with guests traveling in the same vehicle, are invited to visit Grandfather Mountain for $1 during the month of April with proof of local employment or residency.

The special April Dollar Days $1 admission is offered to residents and those working in the six counties represented by the NC High Country Host regional travel promotion organization: Mitchell, Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes. The discount is also extended to students attending colleges and universities in the High Country and to guests traveling in the same vehicle with those eligible for the April discount. Please present a drivers’ license, college ID, or local utility bill as proof of High Country residency. An employee identification badge or pay stub can be used to show employment at a High Country business.

“We are pleased to continue the Dollar Days tradition," said Grandfather Mountain Operations Manager 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.”

wild geraniumApril is a great time to visit Grandfather to enjoy the initial signs of warmer weather. The first wildflowers have just been spotted on the Mountain’s Profile Trail and thousands more are on their way.

The bears in the Wildlife Habitats have emerged but could possibly be in and out of their dens if cold weather comes along. Five other animal habitats contain cougars, river otters, a bald eagle, a golden eagle and white-tailed deer that can be photographed from close range in their natural surroundings.

bears beggingGrandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation recently announced that on June 1 the Mountain will close its Bear Hut, the outpost from which visitors have purchased food to feed the habitat's bears for decades. The Bear Hut will operate during April and May from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, affording one last window of opportunity to feed Grandfatherís bears before the concession closes.

"We invite local residents and workers to come feed the habitat bears one last time while taking advantage of April Dollar Days," said GMSF Executive Director Penn Dameron. "We're excited about the June 1 changes as they will bring a more natural experience for both the bears and the visitors."

This season of the year also provides a great opportunity to pick up some food from Mildred’s Grill, located in the Nature Museum, and take it to one of the Mountain’s 100 picnic tables.

top shopConstruction continues on Grandfather’s new Top Shop building located next to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Scheduled for completion in summer 2010, the new building provides elevator access to the Swinging Bridge area, houses a gift shop and restrooms, and includes educational and interpretive elements.

At this time a temporary top shop is in place to provide a small retail area and to house the Mountain’s communications equipment.

Grandfather’s trails cannot be accessed from the Swinging Bridge parking lot due to the construction. All hikers need to park at the Black Rock parking area, below the switchbacks to the summit, and hike out from there.

One good way to get some fresh air during a visit to Grandfather is to walk on the Black Rock Nature Trail that runs out a mile and back through northern hardwood and spruce forests. This trail is marked with interpretive signs that give hikers a better idea of the significance of the nature around them.

The Mountain is open every day in April, weather permitting. The hours of operation April 1 through April 16 are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 5 p.m. Starting April 17 hours extend from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 6 p.m. For current conditions, phone the Grandfather Mountain entrance gate at 828-733-4337.

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