WNCTIMES
Serving The Citizens of Western North Carolina Since 1995 
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Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting...
Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before!
The evening starts atop Grandfather Mountain at the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where participants can explore and observe sunset from this lofty vantage point. During this time, park educators will be on hand to discuss the unique flora and crepuscular (active during twilight) fauna that call Grandfather home.
In-park transportation is provided. Each Grandfather by Night event is limited to 24 participants. Advance registration is required.
We are offering two versions of our Grandfather by Night series this year, Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike and Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program.
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible.
Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
The Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program about flora, fauna, folklore and other topics after sunset. This edition of the event series is accessible for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.
Grandfather Mountain’s vehicle fleet includes a 12-seat shuttle that has a 1,000-pound Braun Lift and accommodates an additional two people in wheelchairs. During the ticket purchase process, please note if anyone you purchased a ticket for has any accessibility needs so that the proper transportation can be arranged. You may also reach out to the Grandfather Mountain office (828-733-2013) to share this information.
2025 Grandfather by Night Dates
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
May 30, 8-10 p.m. – on sale April 1
June 13, 8-10 p.m. – on sale April 14
Aug. 1, 8-10 p.m. – on sale June 2
Aug. 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 9
Aug. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 23
Aug. 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 30
Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 7
Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
July 25, 8-10 p.m. – on sale May 26
Aug. 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 16
Sept. 12, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 14
The evening starts atop Grandfather Mountain at the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where participants can explore and observe sunset from this lofty vantage point. During this time, park educators will be on hand to discuss the unique flora and crepuscular (active during twilight) fauna that call Grandfather home.
In-park transportation is provided. Each Grandfather by Night event is limited to 24 participants. Advance registration is required.
We are offering two versions of our Grandfather by Night series this year, Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike and Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program.
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible.
Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
The Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program about flora, fauna, folklore and other topics after sunset. This edition of the event series is accessible for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.
Grandfather Mountain’s vehicle fleet includes a 12-seat shuttle that has a 1,000-pound Braun Lift and accommodates an additional two people in wheelchairs. During the ticket purchase process, please note if anyone you purchased a ticket for has any accessibility needs so that the proper transportation can be arranged. You may also reach out to the Grandfather Mountain office (828-733-2013) to share this information.
2025 Grandfather by Night Dates
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
May 30, 8-10 p.m. – on sale April 1
June 13, 8-10 p.m. – on sale April 14
Aug. 1, 8-10 p.m. – on sale June 2
Aug. 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 9
Aug. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 23
Aug. 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 30
Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 7
Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
July 25, 8-10 p.m. – on sale May 26
Aug. 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m. – on sale June 16
Sept. 12, 7-9 p.m. – on sale July 14
Explore Grandfather Mountain after hours with your own personal guides. Discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, while stopping at its most significant sites. Watch a beautiful sunset, and exper...
Explore Grandfather Mountain after hours with your own personal guides. Discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, while stopping at its most significant sites. Watch a beautiful sunset, and experience the mountain as never before!
Meet at entrance gate at 7:30 PM. In-park transportation is provided. Next stop is atop Grandfather Mountain and our world-famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, where you explore and observe sunset from a mile high. Meanwhile, park educators discuss the unique flora and crepuscular (active during twilight) fauna that call Grandfather home.
Next is stop lower on the mountain to take a brief, guided night hike. Encounter and learn about such nocturnal creatures as owls, salamanders, fireflies and more. Limited to 24 participants.
This event costs $50 for general admission and $42 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club. Registration opens here July 5, 2023. If sold out: Email judi@grandfather.com with name, email and phone number to be placed on the waiting list.
This event is accessible for those in a wheelchair. Grandfather Mountain’s vehicle fleet includes a 12–seat shuttle that has a 1,000 lb. Braun Lift and accommodates an additional two people in wheelchairs. After purchasing a ticket for this event, please reach out to the Grandfather Mountain Admin. Office (828-733-2013) to let us know if anyone you purchased a ticket for has any accessibility needs and so the proper transportation can be arranged.
What to Bring?
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important. You’ll need a jacket on many summer evenings!
Refunds/Cancelations
The majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.