4 minute read
Notes from Grandfather Mountain
One of Grandfather Mountain’s resident river otters takes a break from frolicking in the snow. Wintertime often means ‘fun time’ for Grandfather’s habitat animals, who can frequently be found playing among the fluffy flakes. Photo by Frank Ruggiero | GMSF. The Mile High Swinging Bridge can be magical during winter, and with fewer crowds during this time of year, guests can often have it all to themselves! Photo courtesy of the GMSF.
Grandfather Mountain: Winter Wonders Never Cease
Winter may be one of Grandfather Mountain’s longest seasons, but this tranquil time of year brings mountains of opportunities for mile-high wonder.
Less traffic and fewer crowds mean more to see, as guests can savor the solitude and take in seasonal sights unique to winter.
The weather atop Grandfather is some of the most extreme and fastest changing in the eastern United States. But between the periods of wind and snow, Grandfather can offer many pleasant, sunny and mild days for hikes and even picnics.
“Grandfather Mountain becomes a veritable winter wonderland during the colder months,” said Frank Ruggiero, communications manager for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the Linville, NC, nature park. “Rime ice coats the Mile High Swinging Bridge, the river otters frolic on their frozen pond, and the mountain itself feels exceptionally peaceful.”
Here are just a few more reasons to visit Grandfather Mountain during winter:
Postcard Views
See the longest views in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Winter brings many clear days with deep blue skies without the haze of most summer days. Sometimes, you even get a glimpse of the Charlotte skyline more than 80 miles away and postcard scenes of trees covered in ice and snow. Walk the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, but dress warmly and hold on to your hat! Often, you will have the bridge all to yourself!
Wildlife Habitats
Snow especially brings out the animals’ personalities in Grandfather’s environmental wildlife habitats. Cougars frolic in the fluffy flakes, elk look particularly regal against a backdrop of snow, and the mountain’s river otters steal the show.
Dine & Splurge
Savor lunch favorites at Mildred’s Grill inside the Nature Museum with homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. While you dine, watch winter birds outside at the feeders. Just down the path, Grandfather’s Fudge Shop has many yummy flavors. Picnic areas remain open for those warmer days!
Shop
From holiday presents to special souvenirs for yourself, find plenty of unique items and collectibles in the gift shops located inside the Nature Museum 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. For that someone with everything, adopt an animal for them. All proceeds benefit the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
Hike
Surprising to many, Grandfather Mountain has many milder days that make for the best hiking weather of the year. During icy and snowy periods, trails will be closed for safety. Trails close at 4 p.m. Those planning to hike are encouraged to call the park’s Entrance Gate at 828-733-4337 to check on trail conditions and ensure that trails are open. If you plan to hike, wear adequate layers and prepare for sudden changes in the Winter notesweather. Hours & Tickets Grandfather Mountain is open yearround, weather permitting, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
During winter, the park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 3:30 p.m. Trails close at 4 p.m. Advance reservations are required by visiting www. grandfather.com. Discounts and coupons are only valid when booking your visit online.
Guests are strongly encouraged to call the Entrance Gate at 828-733-4337 before visiting to check on the park’s conditions and opening status (see below).
Weather Permitting
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 half-priced admission—even if the remainder of the mountain opens during their stay. Updates will be posted on the homepage at grandfather.com.
Get the Grandfather Mountain weather forecast at www.grandfather.com/ weather. As you drive up the mountain, the temperature often drops up to 5-10 degrees. The mountain is frequently 20 degrees cooler than the foothills below.
“Whether you’re snapping photos of snow-dusted evergreens, sipping soup or hot cocoa from Mildred’s Grill or just sharing the solitude with your loved ones, winter at Grandfather Mountain is a special time of year,” Ruggiero said. The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation (GMSF) strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, call 800-468-7325, or visit www. grandfather.com to book a trip.
