Topics Related to Grandfather Mountain State Park
Ranger Workshop - Grandfather Mountain History & Ecology
February 18, 2026, 2pm - 3:30pm
What makes Grandfather Mountain State Park so special? Join us for a PowerPoint presentation explaining how Grandfather Mountain State Park was created, and why we are so fortunate to be an International Biosphere Reserve. Take a journey through each of our 16 distinct natural communities, and some of the 73 rare and endangered species that call this mountain home.
Ranger Workshop - Winter Tracks, Trails & Scat
January 21, 2026, 2pm - 3:30pm
Through this program, learn how to identify various animal tracks based on snow footprints and get an animal print ID card to take with you on your outdoor journeys! Ever wondered what decided to use your backyard as an outhouse? Let’s find out! While learning about tracks you have to learn about scat! Learn how to ID various species’ scat to help with your tracking abilities as well.
All North Carolina state parks west of Interstate 77 are closed through at least Oct. 31.
Crowders Mountain, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain and Lake Norman state parks, as well as Rendezvous Mountain, will reopen at least partially on Nov. 1.
Elk Knob, Lake James, New River, and Stone Mountain state parks will reopen at least partially on Nov. 15; three parks will remain closed until further notice and face long-term closures: Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains.
Joseph Hiatt has been promoted to park superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery and Mitchell counties.
State Parks Director Brian Strong provides additional information on post-Helene rescue and recovery efforts and the status of western state parks.
The $17.4 million will fund nine capital improvements projects and six land acquisitions.