Topics Related to Grandfather Mountain State Park

Join a ranger in some fall festivities and carve a pumpkin!

Become more Bear Wise and learn all about black bears’ physical features, behavioral patterns, and how they change with age. We will also learn about prevention methods for both backcountry and rural settings, alongside what to do if you encounter a bear in either setting. The Black Bear program will be held at the Seven Devils Community Center as part of their Ranger Workshops. 

Get to know the ins and outs of how to become a North Carolina State Park Ranger from one of our own! From college to seasonal positions to the job and trainings, find out what it takes to become a Park Ranger, and what we do on a daily basis. This program will be held at the Seven Devils Community Center as part of their Ranger Workshops. 

Join a ranger and learn how to make pumpkin bread over a campfire at Bear Paw State Natural Area. Learn how to properly maintain camp cooking equipment and even take some campfire recipes home to try! All materials will be provided, dress appropriately for the weather. *Milk and nuts may be used in the recipe*Registration is required due to limited parking. Please email amelia.gallina@ncparks.gov to reserve a spot. 

Join a ranger and learn how to make a gourd bird house at Bear Paw State Natural Area. Drill the hole for the birds to nest, decorate your gourd bird house, and weatherproof your bird house so it lasts longer outside. All materials will be provided, dress appropriately for the weather. Registration is required due to limited parking. Please email amelia.gallina@ncparks.gov to reserve a spot. 

Join a ranger for a lesson and short walk to learn why the leaves change color in the fall. Why do trees turn specific colors? What affects the peak fall color timing? Join a ranger at Boone Fork Parking Area to find out! We will only be walking around 0.5 miles on easy terrain, but make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Boone Fork Parking Area is located at milepost 299.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Happy Halloween!

Join a ranger on a guided walk in The Park at Seven Devils to lea

As part of Girl Scouts Love State Parks, earn your Girl Scout Tree Promise badge by learning the Girl Scout Tree Promise from a Park Ranger, and protecting and honoring trees by collecting citizen science data in the iNaturalist app. Grab a tree ID guide for trees commonly found on Nuwati Trail and use it to ID trees in the iNaturalist app on a self-guided hike of Nuwati Trail! Nuwati Trail is 1.2 miles one way, easy trail with beautiful stream crossings and a view from Storyteller's Rock at the end of the hike.

All North Carolina state parks west of Interstate 77 are closed through at least Oct. 31.