During this program, we will learn about South Mountains creatures of the night. See taxidermy specimens, learn about the animals' awesome adaptations, touch furs and skulls, and learn how to hunt like a bat. We will learn the differences between Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and Barred Owls and how to identify them by their calls. They are the most vocal from October to December on cold nights. Discover which bats love flying beetles and which ones prefer moths. If you love superheroes, learn about the super fingers of the masked raccoon. Finally, we will discuss the park's only marsupial, the Virginia Opossum.
Some facilities at South Mountains State Park remain closed until further notice.
The entirety of High Shoals Falls Loop is closed. Waterfall viewing areas remain closed due to continued hazards. Read our blog post for the full list of facility status.
Mount Mitchell State Park is now reopened to the public.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is open up to the state park entrance but remains closed from just past Mount Mitchell through milepost 334 near Little Switzerland. Please read our blog post for the most up-to-date information on park access and trails status.