December at Grandfather Mountain Brings Dollar Days To High Country Residents

All those who 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 December with proof of local employment or residency.

The special December 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 of colleges and universities in the High Country and to guests traveling in the same vehicle with those eligible for the December 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 the Mountain’s 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.”

Many regular visitors believe that winter is the most beautiful season at Grandfather, and what better time to see the beauty than the time of year when traffic has slowed down. Visitors can expect to see 360 degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge that seem to go on forever. On snowy days, this sight becomes even more magnificent.

Although the bears will be hibernating in December, the Mountain has five other animal exhibits where guests can see and photograph cougars, river otters, a bald eagle, a golden eagle and white-tailed deer from close range in their natural surroundings.

The Nature Museum is a cozy place to duck into for a break from the chill. Mildred’s Grill offers homemade vegetable soup and chili, as well as salads and sandwiches. The Museum’s theater also shows nature movies filmed at Grandfather that offer an entertaining look at the plants and animals native to these mountains.

Another great opportunity while visiting the park during the winter is to visit the Mountain’s gift shops. Many holiday presents for all age ranges can be found among the dozens of memorable items and collectibles stocked in the gift shops especially for the winter months.

A good way to get some fresh air during a visit to Grandfather is to walk on the Bridge Trail. The four-tenths-mile path makes a gradual climb from the Hikers' parking area to the Visitor Center, traversing through rhododendron thickets and past massive rock formations before crossing under the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Also departing the Hikers’ Parking Area is the Black Rock Nature Trail that runs out a mile and back through northern hardwood and spruce forests. Hikers can enjoy interpretive signs placed the length of this trail describing 35 natural features found along the way.

People looking for a greater outdoor challenge can hike across the high peaks on the Grandfather Trail. Surveys show that visitors to the mountain who choose to venture out across the ridge tops on the Grandfather Trail report that the hike was the highlight of their visit!

The $1 admission price also extends to the trails, with permit outlets selling hiking permits to High Country residents and workers for $1 in December. Hikers are encouraged to take care on Grandfather’s rugged ridge trails in December and to be prepared for patches of ice, wind chill and severe weather changes before setting out.

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 conditions, phone the Entrance gate at 828-733-4337.

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