Great Backyard Bird Count

February 13

Join the naturalists at the Nature Museum at 10:00 am to help count the birds on Grandfather's feeders -- and to learn how easy it is to include a count from your own backyard in this Audubon census. Included with regular admission.

828-733-4326

Naturalist Weekend

May 15-16

Joins us for two days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of Grandfather Mountain. Included with regular admission.

828-733-4326

Daily Naturalist Programs

June - Aug

Grandfather Mountain naturalists present a special nature program each day during the summer. The one-hour programs are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and are included in the price of admission.

800-468-7325

Nature Photography Weekend

June 4-6

Hear presentations from top nature photographers in the evenings and photograph spectacular scenery and native animals during the day. Additional cost. Speakers include Richard Bernabe, Kevin Adams, Jerry Greer, Don McGowan, and Mark Roberts. Online registration begins April 1.

800-468-7325

National Trails Day Volunteer Project

June 5

Come help us maintain Grandfather's trails and let the backcountry rangers share their knowledge of and passion for Grandfather Mountain. Free admission for volunteers.

828-737-0833

Birthday Party At Grandfather's Animal Habitats

June 16

Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in the park with games, contests, crafts and surprises. Grandfather’s habitat staff has prepared a fun-filled day for guests as well as programming to celebrate its furry inhabitants.

800-468-7325

The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble

June 1-13

Our staff naturalists can't wait to share their excitement for the showy rose-lavender Catawba Rhododendron that blooms its way up Grandfather’s slopes throughout the month of June. Join us for special activities designed to help you get the most out of this memorable sight.

800-468-7325

86th Annual Singing On The Mountain

June 27
Always
the fourth
Sunday
in June

All-day gospel sing and fellowship held in MacRae Meadows. A dozewn top gospel groups and sermon from a well known speaker. Free admission. Camping (without hookups) available on the field.

800-468-7325

55th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

July 8-11

Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, noisy bagpipe band parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular highland setting makes this colorful celebration of Scottish culture the best highland games in America. Admission charged.

828-733-1333

The Bear: Assault on Grandfather

July 8

A five-mile road race that climbs 1,568 feet in elevation from Linville to the summit of Grandfather Mountain. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.

828-263-5207

The Grizzly Bike Ride

July 9

The Grizzly is a beautiful and challenging route with 7000 feet of climbing in 65 miles. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.

828-263-5207

The Grandfather Mountain Marathon

July 10

Billed as "America's Toughest" marathon. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.

828-263-5207

Grandfather Mountain Amateur & Professional Camera Clinic

Aug. 21-22

Top photographers gather to share on the nuts & bolts of making good photographs. Free to working press, additional cost for non-professionals. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. Online registration begins July 15.

800-468-7325

Kidfest

Sept. 11

Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. Included with park admission.

800-468-7325

40th Annual American Girl Scout Day

Sept. 18

All Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership. Discount admission for other family members. Staff naturalists provide free nature programs throughout the day.

800-468-7325

Bridge-To-Bridge Incredible Challenge Bike Ride

Sept. 19

This 102-mile bike ride departs the Lenoir Mall and makes its way uphill to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Registration fee.

828-726-0616

Peak Beauty of Fall Foliage

Oct. 5-25

Fall color comes early to the peaks of Grandfather, so you don't have to wait until late in the month to see spectacular foliage.

Colors will be bright on the upper slopes from the 5th to the 10th. Color at Grandfather will peak between the 10th and 20th. At the end of the month, Grandfather becomes a great vantage point for looking down at color in the valleys. Click here for tips on visiting Grandfather in October.

800-468-7325