There are many special animals who have been a part of the Grandfather Mountain family, starting with the beloved Mildred the Bear who arrived in 1968 and extending to the animals who call Grandfather Mountain home today. In addition to those living in the Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats, the mountain is also home to many ambassador animals who are an integral part of educational programming on the mountain and in local schools or organizations. These ambassador animals have been living behind the scenes under the watchful eye and care of the mountain’s habitat keepers.

Now, because of a recent grant from the High Country Charitable Foundation (HCCF), several of these ambassador animals are able to be housed in Yonni’s Clubhouse and viewed by the public. Their new habitats are placed within the interactive Four Seasons Mural inside of the Clubhouse that depicts Grandfather Mountain throughout the seasons of the year. The mural was created, in part, thanks to a grant in 2024 from HCCF.

“We were thrilled to be involved in a mural that showcases the unique and stunning native plants of our area,” said Whitney Styles, executive secretary for the High Country Charitable Foundation. “We believe that having these opportunities is essential for helping others learn about and appreciate the special ecosystem we have here.”

A 2025 grant from HCCF was utilized to purchase multiple specialized enclosures for the mountain’s American bullfrogs, Cope’s gray treefrogs, snakes and a turtle to call home within Yonni’s Clubhouse. The grant also allowed the mountain to keep these ambassador animals comfortable in their new spaces by providing temperature and humidity regulation equipment and enrichments like imitation logs to provide a cozy space for some of the animals to sleep.

“Yonni’s Clubhouse and the addition of these displays gives our guests more opportunities to see our ambassador animals,” said John Caveny, vice president of education and conservation for Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “These animals have been a part of our conservation education programs for many years, but previously were only available for guests to see during specific programs. We are now able to educate guests about these animals on a more frequent basis.”

These exciting additions to Grandfather Mountain help to bring another element of conservation education to Yonni’s Clubhouse and emphasize the importance of animal and plant conservation to guests.

“At High Country Charitable Foundation, we recognize Grandfather Mountain’s importance to our community and that preserving such special places is vital for future generations to enjoy and learn from them,” said Styles. “Just looking at Grandfather Mountain as it stands guard over our community provides us with an amazing sense of solace.”

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation gratefully recognizes the High Country Charitable Foundation for the important grants that have been provided throughout the years to advance the care, quality of life and habitats of the animals who call the mountain home.

Founded in 2014 by a group of local residents who were committed to helping others, the High Country Charitable Foundation works with agencies in Avery and surrounding counties to ensure that individuals, families and animals have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Guests of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation can visit the ambassador animals and the Four Seasons Mural at Yonni’s Clubhouse daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, will open its gates to High Country residents, employees, college students and their guests for only $5 each during the month of April, as the park’s “Dollar Days” promotion returns in time for spring.

“We are so excited to offer expanded facilities and highly anticipated programming to local residents through the Dollar Days promotion,” said Jesse Pope, president and CEO of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “As we usher in the spring season, we encourage folks to get outside and explore the mountain’s many offerings.”

The promotion allows anyone who lives or works in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke (added in 2025), Caldwell, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes or Yancey (added this year) counties — along with their guests traveling in the same vehicle — to visit at the discounted rate (per person).

Historically, the reduced pricing was extended to counties represented by High Country Host Regional Visitor Center. For the third year in a row, Grandfather Mountain has made the move to extend the Dollar Days footprint and include more neighbors as part of the monthlong special offer.

Students attending a local college or university in these nine counties are also eligible for the discount.

IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION

Dollar Days guests must book their visit online. To take advantage of the reduced rate, guests should choose the Dollar Days admission calendar and rate when reserving their tickets.

Upon arrival at the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate, Dollar Days ticketholders must present a valid driver’s license, college ID or local utility bill as proof of High Country residency. An employee identification badge or pay stub can be used to demonstrate employment at a High Country business.

The special rate applies to all guests traveling in the same vehicle, so only one Dollar Days ticketholder needs to present verification of local residence, employment or college attendance. If the ticketholder does not display proof of local residency, employment or college attendance, they and their party will be charged the full rate of admission.

The Dollar Days rate cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and only a limited number of Dollar Days tickets will be available for each day of the month of April. Dollar Days admission must be reserved online, as no Dollar Days tickets will be available for purchase at Grandfather’s Entrance Gate. In addition, the month is expected to be busy, and securing Dollar Days admission online early is strongly recommended.

YONNI’S CLUBHOUSE 

A new facility for young explorers, called Yonnis Clubhouse, is set to open in April next to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery as a part of the mountain’s growing Conservation Campus. The Dollar Days Promotion offers the opportunity for local residents to be some of the first guests to enjoy the new space.

This science and conservation education center is designed for children ages 5 to 12 and will host interactive exhibits that focus on pollinators, climate, weather and ecosystems. Educational concepts highlighted in indoor exhibits will come to life outdoors through sensory and pollinator gardens, a nature trail, interpretive signage and more.

Learn more about Yonni’s Clubhouse.

APRIL EVENTS, PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES

Sounds of Nature – Kids’ Music Day – April 25

Returning this year after a successful debut in 2025, the special event, “Sounds of Nature,” will take place during Dollar Days and is included with the price of admission. Join us for a fun-filled, nature-themed afternoon of music, where families and kids can groove to the sounds in nature. This interactive concert, held in the Williams Outdoor Learning Space, celebrates the beauty of the natural world, featuring lively performances, eco-themed songs and hand-on activities that teach kids about conservation.

While the event is open to everyone who purchases a ticket to the park that day, the mountain hopes this will be an affordable entertainment opportunity for local families.

For more information, visit the Sounds of Nature event page.

Daily Programs

April is an ideal time to visit Grandfather Mountain, as the park’s flora and fauna become energized with the initial signs of warmer weather — and Grandfather Mountain’s talented team of animal habitat curators and park educators are on hand to showcase these natural wonders.

Starting March 21, Grandfather will begin offering daily programming, all included with the price of admission, including Keeper Talks, Junior Naturalist, Peaks and Profiles and more.

These fascinating interpretive programs throughout the park are a great way to get the most out of your visit to the mountain.

To learn more about these Grandfather Mountain Daily Programs and others, visit our Daily Programs page.

Experiences

Also in April, Grandfather Mountain is bringing back special experiences, like “Meet the Bears” and Behind-the-Scenes Tours, available at an additional cost.

These take place on weekends, with advance reservations recommended due to limited space.

To learn more about Grandfather Mountain experiences, visit our Experiences page.

HOURS

During the month of April, Grandfather Mountain is offering extended spring hours, meaning the park is open daily, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 4:30 p.m. and trails closing at 5 p.m.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ACCESS

Dollar Days guests wanting to plan a visit to the High Country that includes the Blue Ridge Parkway should check that park’s website in advance, as closures along the Parkway are slated to begin in mid-March.

Access to Grandfather Mountain via the Parkway will remain open from at least one direction thanks to the careful planning of the National Park Service staff. Access to important Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads will remain open from at least one direction after an initial full closure at Boone Fork Parking Area (Milepost 299.9) that is expected to last for three to four weeks in early spring.

Guests traveling to Grandfather Mountain via the west side of the mountain (N.C. Hwy 105) and via U.S. 221 will not be impacted by the roadwork on the parkway.

Read more about Blue Ridge Parkway Access.

Your support in 2025 made a difference on Grandfather Mountain. Thank you!

2025 allowed us to grow further into our mission through the construction of Yonni’s Clubhouse, the expansion of educational programs offered in Avery County and on the mountain and through the wonderful events held. We are grateful for the growth and accomplishments made! Here is a look at some of the highlights of 2025 on Grandfather Mountain:

Joining the Chronolog citizen science project 
In 2025, we set up four public photo stations to invite guests to participate in Chronolog, a citizen science project. Chronolog is a time-lapse program where visitors take photos of a particular area with their own devices and upload them to the Chronolog organization’s website. In addition, guests can go to the website to see a time-lapse slideshow of images from their location and observe how the view has changed over time. Read more.

Grandfather Mountain and Cranberry Middle School launch TRAIL Blazers program 
Grandfather and a local middle school partnered to create the TRAIL (Teaching Responsibility And Inspiring Leadership) Blazer program. The program features a series of hikes progressing in difficulty throughout the school year, with a goal of nurturing students’ skills in confidence, leadership, planning, team building and trail etiquette. Read more.

Grandfather welcomes Leroy the bald eagle 
In July, Grandfather welcomed Leroy, a bald eagle from Oklahoma, who is beaming with character. Leroy was found stranded on the bank of a large lake with an injury to his left wrist. This injury resulted in permanent changes to Leroy’s left carpus, which does not allow the normal range of motion required for sustained flight. Due to this, Leroy could not be released to the wild and was in need of a new home. He made a cross-country trip by vehicle to his new home at Grandfather Mountain. Read more.

Expansion of the Wild Watch Program 
Grandfather Mountain expanded its Wild Watch Program to include third and fifth-grade students in the region. This program, which is operated by the department of interpretation and education, partners with local school systems to provide educational enrichment opportunities for students and supports the instructional efforts of the teachers in their classrooms. Read more.

Grandfather Presents: Nature’s Song of Renewal: Ecological Resilience After Helene 
To acknowledge the one-year milestone of Hurricane Helene impacting Avery County and many surrounding areas, Grandfather held a compelling panel discussion exploring nature’s resilience after Hurricane Helene with powerful findings and updates one year later. Panelists included meteorologist Brad Panovich, wildlife biologist Marquette Crockett and geologist Philip Prince. The three provided key insights as to how the natural world changed because of Helene, what we’ve learned from the storm and what findings may still be to come. Following the panel discussion, a nature-inspired concert by traveling composer/performer Ben Cosgrove took place in the Classroom in the Clouds. Ben Cosgrove debuted a song inspired by his time spent at Grandfather Mountain. Watch the event recap here. 

Other Grandfather Presents speakers in 2025 included Jeff Corwin, T. Edward Nickens and Conor Knighton.

Hawk Watch 2025 Report
2025 saw the second-highest tally of raptors on record. The busiest day of the count came on Sept. 20, with 3,583 birds recorded! Read more.

Launching the Legacy Society 
In 2025, the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation launched the Legacy Society. This new giving society allows individuals to make a planned gift to Grandfather Mountain to ensure that the wonders of the mountain continue to have an enduring presence for the next generation. Planned giving helps to protect the vital ecosystems on the mountain, expand research and education and engage people of all ages to experience and care for the natural world. Learn more.

Our education and natural resources staff members were also hard at work last year providing outreach opportunities for schools, interactive experiences for groups and optimal visits for park guests. Here are just a few of those highlights:

25,499 people took part in the park’s Interpretive Programs
8% increase over 2024

82,742 people participated in animal habitat education and Special Programs 
34% increase over 2024 

12,322 students served with on-site Educational Programs and Outreach
32% increase over 2024

1,293 hours dedicated to Trail Maintenance
7% increase over 2024

December 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for December 2025 was 38.43 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 24.78 degrees and a mean of 31.60 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 52.3 degrees on Dec. 27, just under 11 degrees shy of the mountain’s record December high of 63 degrees, observed Dec. 7, 1956. Generally, December sees winter weather conditions set in on Grandfather Mountain.

Dec. 14 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with minus 2.4 degrees, breaking the daily low record for that day. The previous record for Dec. 14 was minus 1 degree, recorded in 1958.

A wind chill of minus 35.1 was also noted Dec. 14. A total of 12 days in December experienced a wind chill below zero. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of December (not counting wind chill) was minus 21 degrees on Dec. 25, 1983.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 12 days in December with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Dec. 19, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 94 mph, with a sustained wind speed clocking in at 58.2 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 2.92 inches of precipitation in December 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). The driest December on record was observed in 1965, when .55 inches were measured at the top. The mountain’s rainiest December was recorded in 2018, when 10.7 inches were measured.

There were 20 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for December 2025. The record number of days for the month of December is 22 days, observed in 1972 and 1981. The December on record with the lowest number of days of precipitation is 2010, with only six days noted.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 2.89 inches of precipitation and also noted 6.6 inches of snowfall for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top of the mountain.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Dec. 19, when 1 inch was recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for December was Dec. 28, 1958, when the weather station noted 3.46 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is known for its extremes: an impressive rise in elevation above the North Carolina Piedmont, access to some of the South’s most challenging hikes, vast ecological abundance and, at times, wild weather. Winter is the time of year when the weather at Grandfather – one of the most rugged mountains in the Eastern U.S. – is at its most extreme, and park staff must be prepared to encounter a variety of conditions.

Many significant weather records have been set on the mountain during the colder months. Grandfather Mountain has been providing daily weather observations from the top of the mountain since August 1955. The highest winds of the year are experienced in winter, with the current record gust set at 124 mph on Feb. 25, 2019. In addition, the coldest temperature recorded on the mountain is minus 32 degrees Fahrenheit on Jan. 21, 1985.

Grandfather has seen the extremes of 24 inches of snow in one day (March 16, 1993), 55.06 inches of snow in one month (January 1977) and 128.71 inches of snow in a winter (1959-1960).

Grandfather Mountain is open, weather permitting, in the winter – and while the majority of winter days at the park can be quite pleasant, the extreme-weather days require a lot of extra preparation and work from staff.

Maintenance Staff
Grandfather’s maintenance staff, along with park operations staff, is responsible for evaluating the mountain each day in winter to check conditions, determine the park’s opening status and do any needed removal of ice and snow.

In a single season, the maintenance crew pours anywhere from 12 to 18 tons of road salt to keep the roadways free of ice and safe to drive on for the mountain’s staff and guests. This does not include an extra 1,000 pounds of salt put on the walkways and habitat paths. With the addition of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery’s new concrete sidewalks with animal-paw-print designs, the maintenance crew had to find a material that works like salt but won’t damage the new concrete, is environmentally friendly and can work in Grandfather’s extreme elements.

In winter, it’s not uncommon for park staff to head to the Mile High Swinging Bridge with brooms in tow to sweep ice away after a rime-ice event. Rime ice occurs when super-cooled water droplets (like from a cloud or fog) freeze to a surface. The result can produce a dramatic effect where the mountain’s windswept evergreens and Swinging Bridge are covered in a dense layer of ice that can be inches thick and have the appearance of spikes.

After snowstorms at Grandfather, vehicles are fitted with snowplows to clear the road and allow access to the top of the park. For deep snows, a snowblower comes in handy to blow the heavy snow off the roadways rather than have it piled up on the side of the road. The crews stay ready since the mountain’s weather can change at a moment’s notice.

“Coming in day to day, you never know what the road conditions are going to be and how the mountain is going to look up top,” Gideon Hughes, maintenance manager for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, said. “One day the weather could start with rain, turn cold and then transition to freezing rain, and then we have to work quickly to get everything salted. You never know what’s going to happen in winter on Grandfather.”

Animal Habitats
For the mountain’s animal habitat keepers, winter preparations begin months in advance as they ready the resident black bears for their winter slumber. This includes carefully monitoring the bears’ diets and gradually increasing their fat supply in late summer and early fall, before limiting their food during winter, a process that mimics the natural fluctuations a bear would experience in the wild. Grandfather’s bears go into a state of torpor, or light sleep, in the winter.

“The bears do not go through a typical hibernation, per se,” Christie Tipton, animal habitats curator for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, said. “It is not uncommon to see one of the bears sleepily wandering around the habitat during the winter, whereas the otters are actually more active in the winter and sometimes like to dig tunnels in their habitat after a snowfall.”

While the otters may enjoy the freezing temperatures, the harsh conditions can sometimes cause problems by freezing the animals’ water supply. Habitat staff keep this from happening by breaking up ice that may form over water sources inside the habitats and ensuring that lines that supply heat to these water sources remain operational.

No matter the conditions, Grandfather’s habitat staff has to ensure that the bears, elk, eagles, cougars and otters have access to food and water during the winter, even if the habitats are inaccessible by car and the keepers need to hike up the mountain in the snow or ice to get to the animals.

Weather Reporting
While technology over the years has brought improved automated weather-reporting equipment to Grandfather Mountain, a number of park staff are still responsible for measuring and recording weather totals at the top of the mountain, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Entrance Gate. This sometimes means venturing out into extreme conditions to take a daily reading.

“We are very intentional about the weather measurements that are taken on the mountain and do everything in our power to take these observations at the same time every day, regardless of how extreme the weather may be, in order to maintain consistency in the data,” John Caveny, vice president of conservation and education for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, said.

Staff tasked with recording the weather measure rain totals and snow depth in designated locations, calculate snow melt-to-water equivalents and, at times, have to remove ice from weather equipment in order to keep it functional.

“High-wind events will often blow all of the snow off the designated site at the top of the mountain or cause rain totals to be misleading,” Caveny said. “By taking measurements at the bottom, middle and top of the mountain and comparing them to each other, we can get a big-picture view of how different the weather can be across these different gradients. Through the long-term collection of this data, we build a picture of what the specific climate of Grandfather Mountain is.” Read more about weather on Grandfather Mountain.

Trails
Mountain staff also maintain the park’s trail system to keep it accessible during the winter, although it is not uncommon for some of the rockier trails, such as Black Rock and the Grandfather Trail, to close due to the formation of ice.

Trail maintenance is a continual process on the mountain but picks up especially in the fall, considering that winter weather can wreak havoc on a trail when not monitored properly. If brush is not cleared and if drainage on a trail is not working properly, a trail could become inaccessible for months after the first snowfall or severe winter storm.

“If we don’t clean drainages well in the fall and make the necessary removals, then the winter destroys trails and makes them inaccessible,” Rose Trew, natural resource management specialist for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, said. “It’s work that requires continuous monitoring and upkeep.”

Hikers should be prepared to encounter ice any time the trails are open during the winter months and even into early spring. See our Winter Hiking Tips.

Visiting Grandfather Mountain in the Winter
While the weather atop Grandfather is some of the most extreme and fast-changing in the Eastern U.S., between the periods of wind and snow, you’ll find many sunny days perfect for hikes and visiting the park.

The winter season is generally quieter, with more opportunities for magical mile-high experiences. Cold temperatures bring clearer views – and even the chance to see the Charlotte skyline more than 80 miles away on some days. The new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery offers the perfect place to warm up with a dozen interactive exhibits, a film about Grandfather’s history and ecology in an ADA-accessible theater and homemade soups, burgers and wraps at Mildred’s Grill. See more tips for visiting in the winter.

In the winter, guests are encouraged to call 828-733-4337 or check our website home page before visiting the park to learn about the day’s conditions and opening status. While the staff works very hard to make the park accessible, there are days when all or portions of the mountain are closed because of adverse conditions.

Grandfather Mountain to hold job and volunteer fair Tuesday, Jan. 20

LINVILLE, N.C. – Grandfather Mountain is inviting folks to take their careers to new heights – literally.

The Linville, N.C.-based nonprofit nature park and preserve, owned and operated by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is hiring in multiple departments for the 2026 season and beyond. Seasonal and year-round positions are available, as well as a few summer internships, offering mountains of opportunities for job- and career-seekers.

The organization is kicking it all off with the Job and Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 3-5 p.m. The event will take place in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery’s Classroom in the Clouds. Eight departments from across the mountain will be represented. Attendees will be able to chat with staff members from each department, learn about Grandfather and the open positions on the mountain and enter to win door prizes.

The event will also provide the chance for those interested in being a volunteer to hear more about this program, for which the nature park is currently recruiting.

“The Job and Volunteer Fair is a great opportunity to learn more about everything we do here at Grandfather Mountain,” said Tommy Oakley, vice president of operations for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “All eight departments are excited to make connections with people and share their openings, from volunteer spots to internships and more.”

The park is seeking staff to assist with its slate of expanded programming and experiences for guests, as well as the work it takes to operate the nature preserve on a daily basis. Grandfather Mountain is extending such opportunities for positions in many departments, most of them seasonal unless otherwise noted. Seasonal employment runs from roughly mid-February through mid-November (though this time frame will vary depending on the department), and applicants of all ages, including high school and college students, are welcome to apply.

Positions are currently available in the following departments:

• Education (seasonal and internship)
• Entrance Gate
• Food and Beverage (seasonal and full-time)
• Habitats
• Maintenance (full-time)
• Natural Resources (seasonal and internship)
• Parking and Logistics/Operations
• Retail

Aside from the powerful purpose of the organization and the park being one of the most scenic workplaces in the world, Grandfather Mountain has a mile-high list of employment perks: competitive pay; a friendly, fun environment; free access to approximately 20 area attractions, including destinations in Western North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia; employee discounts and more.

“I have experienced firsthand the passion and energy each department brings to the mountain, having started my Grandfather career in natural resources and also worked in habitats and education,” said Jesse Pope, president and CEO of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “We truly offer something for everyone, and the Job and Volunteer Fair is a great way for folks to get involved.”

It is an exciting time to join the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation team as the park continues to add new learning spaces, programming and experiences for guests. Coming in March of this year, Yonni’s Clubhouse, an interactive conservation education center for young explorers, will further expand the mountain’s growing Conservation Campus.

In June 2022, the park opened the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, a building with 10,000 square feet of education space, including state-of-the-art museum exhibits, three classrooms and an ADA-accessible auditorium, as well as enhanced food-service facilities to allow for catering and serving educational groups and expanded capacity for hosting conferences, seminars, receptions and community events.

As a nonprofit, Grandfather Mountain strives to inspire conservation of the natural world through education, exploration and example.

Those with an interest in learning more about job and volunteer opportunities at Grandfather Mountain for the 2026 season, as well as for year-round roles, are invited to attend the Jan. 20 Job and Volunteer Fair. The event will run from 3-5 p.m., with 2:45 p.m. being the earliest that attendees will be able to enter the park. No advance registration is required to attend the event. Casual or business casual attire is welcome, and bringing resume copies to share is encouraged.

To learn more and see the positions currently open, visit www.grandfather.com/jobs.

To learn more about the organization’s volunteer program, visit www.grandfather.com/volunteer.

The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world through education, exploration and example. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com.

November 2025 saw fairly dry conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 1.74 inches of precipitation in November 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). This total ties the 2021 precipitation amount for the eighth driest November at Grandfather on record. The driest November on record was observed in 2007, when 1.06 inches were measured at the top.

There were 11 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for November 2025. The record number of days for the month of November is 21 days, observed in 1977 and 1986. The November on record with the lowest number of days of precipitation is 2010, with only five days noted.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 1.71 inches of precipitation and also noted 3.3 inches of snowfall for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top of the mountain.

The mountain’s rainiest November was recorded in 1977, when 13.02 inches were observed near the bridge.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Nov. 21, when 0.44 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for November was Nov. 6, 1977, when the weather station noted 5.70 inches.

The average high temperature for November 2025 was 44.26 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 31.07 degrees and a mean of 37.67 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 60.1 degrees on Nov. 5, just under nine degrees shy of the mountain’s record November high of 69 degrees, observed both Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 of 2004.

Nov. 11 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 7.5 degrees, breaking the daily low record for that day. The previous record for Nov. 11 was 11 degrees, recorded in 1973. A wind chill of minus 22.7 was noted Nov. 12. A total of six days in November experienced a wind chill below zero. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of November (not counting wind chill) was minus 12 degrees on Nov. 15, 1959.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 17 days in November with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Nov. 16, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 89.5 mph, with a sustained wind speed clocking in at 51.9 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).
• In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

October 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for October 2025 was 51.66 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 39.72 degrees and a mean of 45.69 degrees. The 69-year average high temperature for October at the mountain is 54.81 degrees, the 69-year average low temperature for October is 41.10 degrees and the historic average mean is 47.88 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 65.1 degrees on Oct. 18, just under 10 degrees shy of the mountain’s record October high of 75 degrees, observed Oct. 3, 1986.

Generally, October sees fall weather conditions continue on Grandfather Mountain, with cooler temperatures starting to take hold. Oct. 31 saw the coldest temperature recorded with 28.4 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of October (not counting wind chill) was 15 degrees on Oct. 28, 1957; Oct. 27, 1962; and Oct. 21, 1974.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted five days in October with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Oct. 30, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 86.4 mph, with a sustained wind speed clocking in at 51.8 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 3.40 inches of precipitation in October 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 4.62 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest October was recorded in 1970, when 15.86 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest October on record was observed in 1963, when 0.31 inches were measured at the top. October 2025 comes in as the mountain’s 28^th driest October in the 69 years of weather recording.

There were 18 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for October 2025. The record number of days for the month of October is 20 days, observed in 1976.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Oct. 28, when 1.11 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for October was Oct. 5, 1995, when the weather station noted 5.12 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).
• In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

September 2025 saw drier conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 4.25 inches of precipitation in September 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). This is the 23^rd driest September in Grandfather’s 69 years of weather recording. The lowest monthly precipitation total for September is .68 inches in 2019.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 4.95 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest September was recorded in 2004, when 32.3 inches were observed near the bridge.

There were 21 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for September 2025. The record number of days for the month of September is 23 days, observed in 2020 and 2024.

The day with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Sept. 27, when 1.10 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for September was Sept. 8, 2004, when the weather station noted 11.3 inches. Data from 2024’s Hurricane Helene is not taken into account for this record as staff were not able to record precipitation measurements in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

The average high temperature for September 2025 was 60.65 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 51.55 degrees and a mean of 56.1 degrees. The 69-year average high temperature for the mountain is 63.18 degrees, the 69-year average low temperature is 50.99 degrees and the historic average mean is 57.07 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 67.6 degrees on Sept. 5, just over 11 degrees shy of the mountain’s record September high of 79 degrees, observed Sept. 24, 2010.

Generally, September sees fall weather conditions take hold on Grandfather Mountain, with cooler temperatures arriving. Sept. 9 saw the coldest temperature recorded with 40.8 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of September (not counting wind chill) was 24 degrees on Sept. 30, 1967.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in September with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).
• In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

Results are in from Grandfather Mountain’s annual Hawk Watch for 2025. Staff and volunteers at Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, came together during the month of September for a vast citizen-science project to count and identify the numerous species of raptors during their annual journey to warmer climates.

Raptors are birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles, owls and vultures. The telltale signs of the raptor are sharp talons and a hooked upper bill. While some raptors remain in place during winter, most will travel south, where food is more abundant.

Visitors had a front-row seat to one of nature’s most stunning spectacles and were invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they tallied the number of migrating passersby in the sky from viewing locations on Linville Peak and Half Moon Overlook throughout the month of September. Grandfather Mountain is one of more than 300 Hawk Watch sites officially designated by the Hawk Migration Association of North America.

This year saw the second-highest tally on record, with a total of 7,250 raptors recorded overhead. The average monthly total for Hawk Watch over the last 10 years is 4,909. Broad-winged hawks were the most-counted species, as they have been since the mountain’s first Hawk Watch in 2008. The year with the most birds observed from the park was 2015, when 10,723 were spotted that September.

The busiest day of the count came on Sept. 20, with 3,583 birds recorded. The second busiest day was one day earlier, on Sept. 19, when 1,101 raptors were counted.

More than 230 observation hours were invested in Hawk Watch this year, between both volunteer and staff time.

“There were only two days in September where cloud and fog cover prevented us from holding a count,” said Will Bennett, research coordinator for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “The prime weather conditions throughout the month provided us with more days to collect data, which makes this year’s Hawk Watch stand out compared to rainier Septembers in the past.”

Grandfather Mountain is typically a prime spot for viewing this phenomenon because it sits along the eastern escarpment of the Appalachian Mountains, and its rocky peaks generate strong thermal uplifts and allow excellent visibility.

Aside from offering quite a show, Hawk Watch serves an important purpose; the annual counts from Grandfather Mountain and other locations help track hawk populations and migration routes over time and contribute to this growing body of research.

The goal is to accumulate a large set of data over an extended period for researchers to examine the birds’ migratory patterns and what external factors, such as climate change, may be affecting them. When it comes to conservation projects like this one, long-term data (input from Hawk Watch sites) is key in being able to better understand what issues these species are facing.

“Hawk Watch continues to provide us with important migration data,” said John Caveny, vice president of conservation and education for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “Even better, the project allows guests and citizens to partake in conservation efforts, which is something we encourage here at Grandfather Mountain.”

To view more data from this year’s Hawk Watch, visit www.hawkcount.org/grandfathermountain.

August 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for August 2025 was 62.45 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 54.72 degrees and a mean of 58.59 degrees. The 69-year average high temperature for the mountain is 68.49 degrees, the 69-year average low temperature is 56.06 degrees and the historic average mean is 62.25 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 73.9 degrees on Aug. 1, just over nine degrees shy of the mountain’s record August high of 83 degrees, observed Aug. 22, 1983.

Generally, August sees summertime weather conditions on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly cooler fall-like temperatures starting to arrive. Aug. 27 saw the coldest temperature recorded with 44.8 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of August (not counting wind chill) was 36 degrees on Aug. 29, 1986.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in August with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 6.28 inches of precipitation in August 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 7.93 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest August was recorded in 2008, when 12.47 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest August on record was observed in 1956, when 0.81 inches were measured at the top.

There were 25 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for August 2025. The record number of days for the month of August is 29 days, observed in 2020.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Aug. 19, when 1.39 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for August was Aug. 27, 2008, when the weather station noted 8.50 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).
• In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

July 2025 tied a record for the number of days of precipitation on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

There were 26 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for July 2025, tying the record originally set in 1982.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 6.37 inches of precipitation in July 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 7.64 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest July was recorded in 2013, when 23.91 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest July on record was observed in 1977, when 1.74 inches were recorded.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was July 13, when 0.99 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for July was July 4, 1989, when the weather station observed 6.25 inches.

The average high temperature for July 2025 was 69.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 60.63 degrees and a mean of 65.07 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded last month was 72.9 degrees on July 29, more than ten degrees shy of the mountain’s record July high of 83.2 degrees, observed July 1, 2012 (which is also the highest temperature ever recorded at the park). Generally, July sees summertime weather conditions on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly warmer temperatures having arrived.

July 6 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 55.6 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of July (not counting wind chill) was 41 degrees on July 27, 1962.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted zero days in July with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.