Grandfather Mountain
Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646
Phone: (800) 468-7325
Coordinates: Latitude: N36.467680 / Longitude: W -81. 8114° W
Website: http://www.grandfather.com/
There is a charge to visit Grandfather Mountain. Please go to their website for admission costs.
Description: Grandfather Mountain is a not-to-be missed stop if you are visiting the High Country. Partly owned by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, which was established by the Morton family, original owners of the mountain, and partly owned by the State of North Carolina Parks Department, it is known as Grandfather Mountain State Park, and is probably one of the most popular attractions in the area.
At over a mile high in elevation, it is one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park has awesome views of the surrounding area, abundant wildlife, hiking trails, camping and a managed nature area where bear, deer, otters, eagles and other wildlife can be seen up close and personal. There is a restaurant, and gift shop, fudge shop, and a not to miss crossing of the mile-high bridge.
With its extremes in elevation, a wide variety of birds have been seen here, over 200 species in fact.
Grandfather Mountain’s massive vertical drops into the Linville River Valley and Catawba Basin creates conditions that support 16 distinct ecological communities ranging from rich cove forests and acidic cove forests to heath balds and high elevation rocky summits. The range of soil, terrain, wind, water, sunlight and microclimates create habitats for as many as 200 different bird species. About 100 of these are documented breeding colonies, which is the highest number of breeding birds in the east. When visiting Grandfather Mountain, the most convenient place to see birds is on the feeders outside the Nature Museum Restaurant. You can also view many rare species along the Profile Trail or the Black Rock Trail. Click here for more information
Bird list: Several bird checklists can be found by using the links below.
http://www.grandfather.com/birding/
https://www.grandfather.com/pdf/gm_bird_list_08.pdf
Website: Extensive information about the hours of operation, and facilities can be found on their website. http://www.ncparks.gov/new-river-state-park
|