State Parks
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS
A view from MacRae Peak down to the top shop on Grandfather Mountain.
BY MARISA MECKE
V
isitors looking to lace up their hiking boots and explore the scenery of Western North Carolina have no shortage of options for trails, lookouts and camping. State parks throughout North Carolina provide locations to enjoy the outdoors, but those in the High Country specifically feature unique environments, mountain views and trails ranging from mild nature walks to challenging mountain ascents.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
Featuring vast biodiversity and tall, craggy peaks, Grandfather Mountain offers backcountry trails and hiking as well as extensive educational experiences, amenities and more at their attraction in Linville, N.C., operated by
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the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. The swinging bridge and exhibit of non-releasable, rehabilitated animals greet visitors in Linville looking to learn more about the unique environment atop the mountain and the animals native to western North Carolina. In 1992, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named Grandfather Mountain as the only privately owned designated Biosphere Reserve in the world. The designation is awarded considering the location’s unique environment as well as the operating organization’s permanent protection of the land from uncontrolled develop-
ment, provision of training for resource management professionals and its dedicated to raising consciousness to current environmental issues. Grandfather Mountain works to accomplish this goal through their museum and educational opportunities throughout the site atop the mountain. At the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, visitors can learn about the unique environment of Grandfather Mountain as well as a life size replica of the mountain’s beloved icon Mildred the Bear. This year, however, guests will see something new at the Wilson Center: construction. The center is being expanded by the Grandfather Mountain
Stewardship Foundation to make way for state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits that will explore animal migration, weather patterns and many more facets of the environment at Grandfather Mountain. A new conference space, renovated auditorium, a mineral cave, botanical garden and outdoor amphitheater will join the space all with the goal of enhancing interactive educational experiences. With new construction and everevolving educational encounters, new visitors and long-time returners alike have the opportunity to enjoy Grandfather Mountain throughout the fall. This year, Grandfather Mountain has exciting events throughout the fall including the annual observation of hawk migrations during the HawkWatch SEE PARKS ON PAGE 108
AUTUMN TIMES 2021
