Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level
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Natural Heritage

Conservation Programs

Grandfather Mountain and The Nature Conservancy

GM's Partnership with The Nature Conservancy began in 1990. Landowners donated a series of conservation easements to The Conservancy. The easements permanently protect 1,777 acres of Grandfather Mountain ridgeline known as "the backcountry." Combined with adjoining tracts, the 3,094-acre Grandfather Mountain watershed is the largest single holding in the North Carolina system.

The agreement allows the travel attraction to use the land for purposes compatible with natural area preservation (such as hiking trails), while prohibiting development and other potentially destructive uses. A management agreement allows The Nature Conservancy to assist in managing the biological resources of the tract.

The Nature Conservancy considers Grandfather Mountain an ecological site of global significance, as it provides habitat for more globally rare species than any mountain east of the Rockies. The species include the globally imperiled Spruce Fir Moss Spider, Blue Ridge Goldenrod and Spreading Avens.

About The Nature Conservancy

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to find, protect, and maintain the Earth's rare species and natural communities by preserving the lands and water they need to survive. The organization identifies and inventories unique natural areas and habitats and establishes protection priorities based on information gathered by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and by a group of volunteer consultants.

The Conservancy retains ownership and manages 54 preserves totaling over 59,000 acres of critical natural habitat in North Carolina and is considered the best privately owned statewide system of nature sanctuaries in the nation.
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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