Have you ever been hiking and wondered how trails are constructed and maintained? Perhaps you’ve wanted to volunteer to help and didn’t know how? Well we have a great opportunity for you! What better way to spend National Public Lands Day 2019 than by expanding your knowledge and donating some time to the trails on our public lands! Join Superintendent McBean for this 4.5-hour program dedicated to teaching an introduction to trail maintenance! The program will begin with an overview of trail maintenance procedures and will progress to working on the trail. Total hiking distance will be less than 3 miles round trip. Please come prepared with water and food, sturdy boots, and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves, eye protection, and tools will be provided for you. This program is suitable for ages 16 and up, however 16- and 17-year old’s need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please leave your pets at home. Meet at the Profile Trail Parking Area at 9:30am.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
CLOSED:
Nuwati and Cragway trails remain closed from storm and flood damage.
Closure includes ALL campsites on Nuwati Trail:
Streamside, The Hermitage, Storyteller’s Rock and The Refuge
TRAIL REPAIRS ARE WELL UNDERWAY, BUT OPENING DATE CANNOT BE ESTIMATED AT THIS TIME
Contact us for more information:
(828) 963-9522
grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov
www.facebook.com/grandfathermountainstatepark
The bears at Grandfather Mountain have been ACTIVE- multiple sightings have been reported in and around the state park.
Seeing a bear in its wild, natural environment is a very special experience; and is not an imminent risk – as long as you keep your distance, act responsibly.
Please adhere to the following guidelines to stay safe in Bear Country:
*Make enough noise so that you do not surprise a bear. You can put bells, or other noise maker on your pack to make noise as you hike.
* Keep your dog on a leash.
* If you notice a bear nearby, pack up your food and trash immediately and vacate the area as soon as possible.
* If a bear approaches, move away slowly; do not run.
* If necessary, attempt to scare the animal away with loud shouts, by banging pans together, or throwing rocks and sticks at it.
* Never approach and never feed a bear.
Campers-
* Do NOT store food in tents.
* Properly store food and scented items like toothpaste by using a bear-proof container/ hang food away from campsite.
* Clean up food or garbage around fire rings, grills, or other areas of your campsite.
* Do not leave food unattended.
* Never run away from a bear- back away slowly and make lots of noise.
For more tips, visit:
http://go.usa.gov/czWbW
https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/bears
Grandfather Mountain State Park is initiating campsite fees and campsite reservation requirements for all our campsites beginning June 1, 2019. All campers will be required to reserve their campsite in advance by calling 1.877.722.6762 or going to the Reserve America Reservation System at www.reserveamerica.com. Park staff strongly recommends making reservations in advance, as cell service at the trailheads is not reliable and visitors may not be able to connect with Reserve America at the trailheads.
Last updated on: Friday, May 17, 2019Grandfather Mountain State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.
Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.
Join a park ranger for a guided hike on the recently acquired State Natural Area. We will meet at the entrance of Bear Paw located at the very end of Dutch Creek Road.
This will be a moderate hike lasting 2 hours. Terrain is moderate; unmaintained road beds, uneven and often muddy. Wear closed-toe, walking shoes, dress for the weather and prepare to be outside. Water and snacks recommended. You may bring field guides, cameras, binoculars. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please.
RSVP on Facebook for updates and additional information!
All ages welcome; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets please.
Did you know you can predict what color leaves the trees will change to during the fall season? When you see trees during the summer months in their lush green stages of growth typically you do not think about what color the leaf will become in the fall. But what if you could? Join Ranger Sicard to learn about the process which makes the trees' leaves change to the colors they do, and how you can predict what colors you will have where you live. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. For more information, please contact us at 828-963-9522 or grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.
9872 N.C. 105 S.
Suite #6
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-963-9522
grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov
GPS: 36.111200, -81.811140
March, April, May, September, October: 8am - 8pm
June, July, August: 8am - 9pm
To accommodate early hikes, park gates are not closed on a daily basis; however, they may close due to weather conditions.
OFFICE HOURS: The state park office is open Monday through Friday, 8am - 4:30pm. You may contact our office during business hours or after hours; leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9
Linville, NC 28646