Winter Visits

Our long winter season (November-March) brings some of the most spectacular moments in our Grandfather Mountain nature park. Visit during the “quieter season,” with more opportunities for magical, solitary mile-high experiences. You’ll escape the crowds that you normally find in the warmer months.

The weather atop Grandfather is some of the most extreme and fastest-changing in the Eastern U.S. Between the periods of wind and snow, find many sunny, mild days for hikes and even picnics. We are open every day in winter except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, weather permitting. Remember to book your reservation online!

It is important to plan ahead to make the most of your winter visit to the park – whether you choose to adventure through the brisk temperatures or would rather spend time connecting with the natural world from the comfort of Grandfather’s indoor spaces.

OUTDOOR EXPLORATIONS

Long-Range Views
Winter brings many clear days with deep blue skies without the haze of summertime – we like to call these “bluebird days.” On especially clear days, you might catch a glimpse of the Charlotte skyline more than 80 miles away. Take it all in from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where you will often find fewer fellow onlookers during this season, making the experience even more magical and personal.

Animal Habitats
Snowy conditions tend to bring out the animals’ personalities in Grandfather’s habitats. The cougars frolic in the fluffy flakes, the elk look particularly regal against a backdrop of snow and the mountain’s river otters really steal the show as they’re known to slide around on their bellies, burrow and even make tunnels.

Did you know? Black bears are not true hibernators. Grandfather’s bears go into a state of torpor, or light sleep, in the winter. Since those who reside at Grandfather Mountain are fed by keepers, the habitat staff simulate feeding patterns that the bears would experience in the wild to enable their innate instinct to go into a wintertime slumber. However, on warmer winter days, it’s not unusual to see them sleepily roaming their habitat. Learn more about the animal habitats.

Winter Birding
Interested in watching our feathered friends? Many of the birds that are spotted on Grandfather are transient, but around 40 to 50 species call the mountain home year-round. A good starting point is the bird feeders on the deck of the Wilson Center. Learn more abut Grandfather’s popular winter bird species.

Hiking
Surprising to some, Grandfather does have milder days in wintertime that make for perfect hiking weather, with less traffic on the trail. Be sure to start your hike earlier given the shorter days; familiarize yourself with the trail in advance, check the weather forecast, tell someone your plan, dress appropriately and bring plenty of water and snacks. During icy and snowy periods, trails will be closed for safety. Grandfather’s trails close at 4 p.m. in the winter. Hiking and Walking Trail List | Hiking Tips 

INDOOR EXPLORATIONS 

For those looking to warm up with some time inside, the park has plenty of offerings!

Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery – located about halfway up the mountain, adjacent to the habitats – was thoughtfully designed to optimize Grandfather’s natural surroundings and bring the great outdoors inside. The space features a dozen state-of-the-art interactive exhibits showcasing the natural history, flora, fauna, geology and weather of the mountain. Guests can also check out a documentary about Grandfather that plays every half hour in the ADA-accessible Hodges Theater.

Shopping
From presents for those back home to something special for yourself, find plenty of unique items and collectibles in the gift shops located inside the Wilson Center and Top Shop. Both shops carry a variety of artisan crafts and goods, as well as signature Grandfather Mountain souvenirs, from apparel to hiking gear to drinkware and all things in between. All proceeds from the shops support the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Learn about the unique items you could purchase.

Dining
Savor lunch favorites at Mildred’s Grill inside the Wilson Center with homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. A variety of treats like fudge, a slice of pie or hot cocoa can also be found at Mildred’s. While you dine, you’ll have an ideal vantage point to observe the winter birds outside at the feeders. (Grandfather’s picnic areas remain open for those warmer days, and you can always get your meal to-go.)

Hours & Tickets
We’re open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 3:30 p.m. Trails close at 4 p.m. For current weather conditions, phone the Entrance Gate at 828-733-4337. Advance reservations are required. Buy your tickets with your arrival time now.

Tips for Winter Visits

• During times of inclement weather, including snowy, icy and windy conditions and extremely low temperatures, the mountain may close entirely or halfway, meaning no access to the Mile High Swinging Bridge until conditions improve. If the park is closed halfway, guests may visit for reduced admission — even if the remainder of the mountain opens during their stay. These tickets are only available in person at the Entrance Gate. We’ll post updates on our home page. Read about things to do during a Top Closure.
• Read about the Winter Work that goes on behind the scenes to keep our roads and trails open.
• Get the weather forecast for the entrance gate area near Linville at Ray’s Weather. As you drive up the mountain, the temperature often drops up to 5-10 degrees. We are often 20 degrees cooler than the foothills below.
• If you plan to hike, wear adequate layers and prepare for sudden changes in the weather. See Winter Hiking Tips.
• Much of the mountain is accessible to those with limited mobility. Read more.
• See more info to plan a visit.