Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level
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Natural Heritage

Museum Exhibits

  • North Carolina Amethyst (The 165-pound cluster is considered the finest amethyst ever discovered in North America)
  • Gems & Minerals of North Carolina
  • North Carolina Gold (including largest gold nugget on public display in N.C.)
  • Birds of North Carolina
  • Dendrochronology (time as measured by counting rings in a tree)
  • Indians at Grandfather Mountain
  • Daniel Boone
  • Mushrooms of the Mountains
  • Edible Berries
  • Wildflowers of Grandfather Mountain
  • 3-dimensional scale model of Grandfather Mountain
  • White-tailed Deer (photo exhibit)
  • Black Bears (photo exhibit)
  • Cougars (photo exhibit)
  • Eagles (photo exhibit)
  • Ravens (photo exhibit)
  • Real-time Weather (current instrument readings)
  • 50 Years of Weather Records
  • The Designers of the Museum Exhibits
  • Grandfather's Rock Formations
  • A Billion-Year-Old Rock guests can touch
  • Rare and Endangered Species
  • Early Botanists
  • Air Pollution Effects on the Mountains
  • Four Seasons at Grandfather Mountain (photo exhibit)
  • Black Birch Burl Bowl (a 64" x 46" x 34" bowl fashioned from a 3,200 pound piece of black birch)

 
Fall Color ReportWhy Grandfather Mountain is such a colorful leaf-looking destinationInsider's Tips to Visiting Grandfather in OctoberPhotos, Virtual Tours & More…Get the Monthly NewsletterCurrent Weather Conditions
 
What People Say…

" I am a frequent visitor (20+ times a year with an annual pass). I always see something different. Great staff--especially the dining room people. I enjoy running "THE BEAR" "

Everett

Gastonia, NC

" I used to go the mountain as a child with my grandmother. It is a memory that I will never forget."

Cari

Savanah, GA

" I've been trying to get to your mountain since I was old enough to see ads for it on the TV as a child. I'm all grown up now, with a 3-year-old daughter of my own, and I'm pleased to report that both of us can now report that we've visited Grandfather Mountain. Both of us have a love of wild places, and yours certainly made an impression on us. We'll be back - often!"

Shannon

Union Hall, VA

" I love Grandfather Mountain. "

Brandon

Greenville, WI

" As close to God as you can get. Unforgettable and awe-inspiring. "

Brian & Amanda

Fort White, FL

" Beautiful park! Loved it. So clean and the animals were so healthy looking. I will definately return. "

Teri

Blowing Rock, NC

" I started visiting with my family as a kid, and have recently visited with my wife. I love it here. Anyone who is ever thinking about visiting or trying to find a place to go should! You will not be let down, there is a little for everyone to do. "

Gary

Fort Myers, FL

" Enjoyed our first trip to Granfather Mtn. - best Fall foliage this side of Massachusetts! Got great bear and eagle pictures - frameable. "

Bonnie

" We used to have family reunions in North Carolina and visited Grandfather Mountain. Although it's been many years since my last visit, the pictures on this site reminded me of what I have to get back! I remember the Swinging Bridge. And I remember taking a nature walk and wondering why everyone cared about the flowers. Now I know. "

Marilyn

Cincinnati, OH

" Just looked at the first "Escape to Grandfather Mountain" on my computer. Grandfather is one of my favorite places in all the world, and my wife & I first visited on our honeymoon in Aug. of 1959. Now I have health problems, and at age 70 I don't know when, or if, I'll ever return in person. But I "return" constantly now via my computer, and can relive the beautiful memories of actually being there. Thank you so very much for having this wonderful web site, and for the fantastic photos included. I wish I could be back "on top", but this is the next best thing. "

William

Greenville, SC