Community Calendar

Join Mattie Decker, a certified forest therapy guide for a forest bathing retreat at Grandfather Mountain. Through a series of invitations, you will have an opportunity to focus on being present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. This course allows participants to bring whatever items they please to express themselves (e.g., musical instrument, camera, journal, art, etc.) in order to form a deeper connection to nature. This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Limited to 15 participants.

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 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.

Community Matters Cafe serves more than coffee and food... it's a place to restore hope. The cafe serves as an extension program of Charlotte Rescue Mission, a nonprofit organization that provides free, residential recovery services to men and women struggling with substance abuse and homelessness.

This 2-day entry-level course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for introductory first aid training and backcountry medical skills. There are no prerequisites for this class. Holders of a current Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification from SOLO may use this course for recertification. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) covers topics ranging from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Students will have an opportunity to learn practical skills through hands-on scenarios as well as in a traditional classroom setting. This workshop will take place at Grandfather Mountain and be hosted by Nantahala Outdoor Center’s SOLO Southeast Wilderness Medicine and Survival School. Instruction both days is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $285. All participants must be 14 years or older. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tour de Turns is an original and unique charity bicycle ride and walk that benefits Nourish Up, formerly Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, Inc. Since 2012, the event has netted more than $500,000 to help turn the corner on local hunger!

For those signing up for the Walking events, please remember you must follow all traffic and pedestrian laws. You must stay on the sidewalks/shoulders and not walk in the streets!

This 2-day entry-level course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for introductory first aid training and backcountry medical skills. There are no prerequisites for this class. Holders of a current Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification from SOLO may use this course for recertification. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) covers topics ranging from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Students will have an opportunity to learn practical skills through hands-on scenarios as well as in a traditional classroom setting. This workshop will take place at Grandfather Mountain and be hosted by Nantahala Outdoor Center’s SOLO Southeast Wilderness Medicine and Survival School. Instruction both days is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $285. All participants must be 14 years or older. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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 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.

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission.

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission.

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission.