The Saddlebred classes are loaded with chrome and flash. The atmosphere at a Saddlebred show is electric, with teams shouting encouragement and rooting for their favorites.
This popular shutterbug weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on field courses, a friendly contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery and native animals before and after regular business hours.
This is a high-impact tour in red clay open for all ages, 10 and under FREE with paid adult, make sure to bring old clothing, a change of clothing, sun block and a shade source, water, digging tools, and a bucket for collecting.
Head to Grandfather to celebrate the birthdays of our resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The park’s wildlife habitat staff hosts a fun-filled afternoon for guests, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants.
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.
Join Anthony Love from Appalachian State University to learn about the geologic history captured within the rocks of Grandfather Mountain. Participants will be introduced to concepts of general geology, the shape of the land surface within the Grandfather region...
We'll be exploring a river that was widened by the recent floodwaters, searching for beautiful stones like citrine, peridot, moonstone, unakite, ruby, and sapphire. We've found these gems on the property before the hurricane, so it’s a great opportunity to learn what we look for when checking if a site is perfect for a rock-hounding adventure.
xplore 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!
This tour has a lot of hiking downhill to the creek, but is open to ages 7+. Make sure to bring old clothing, a change of clothing, sun block, a shade source, water, digging tools, and a bucket for collecting. Finding gold, citrine, topaz, and sapphire.
Hunt for treasure with the professionals at McCoy Minerals! Last year, people found emerald, citrine, mandarin quartz, moonstone, peridot, and more. There is a creek on the property that people get into to look for stones, so come ready to get wet and muddy; a change of clothing is recommended.
This tour is through the wild part of Appalachian Caverns, through areas that most do not get to see, open to all ages, but there is an area where you will be in deep water. Be ready to get wet and muddy. This is a learning trip, collecting stones from the ground surface only.
Embrace your nocturnal side at Grandfather Mountain through Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight, the park’s after-hours program where guests enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nighttime residents.
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