2011
The Mountain Times Autumn Guide
PAGE 39
A Colorful Grandfather Continued From Page 38
Programs throughout autumn To help ensure that all of their guests get the most out of their visit, Grandfather Mountain’s staff has prepared a range of programs for all ages. These programs are all in addition to the typical programs that are available year-round.
Kidfest on Sept. 10 On Saturday, Sept. 10, Grandfather Mountain will celebrate Kidfest, a day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina mountains through fun and entertaining activities. Throughout the day, a wide variety of activities and presentations will be available, including storytelling from renowned storyteller Glen Bollick, a guided hike with naturalist Katie Gray, natural crafts and more. For a complete schedule of activities at Kidfest, click to www.grandfather.com/ planning_your_visit/events/kidfest.php.
Girl Scout Day Sept. 17 On Girl Scout Day, all Girl Scouts and their troop leaders are admitted free to Grandfather Mountain with proof of scout membership. Families traveling with scouts may ask for discount admission rates. Free admission is not the only feature of Girl Scout Day. The staff of Grandfather Mountain has prepared a wide range of events and activities for the day, including a “hawk watch” from the top of Linville Peak, where visitors will hopefully catch a glimpse of hawks during the peak of their migration. For more information on Girl Scout Day and all the events planned on Grandfather, click to www.grandfather.com/planning_your_visit/ events/girl_scout_day.php.
High Country Audubon Society meeting Sept. 24
Grandfather Mountain will host a meeting of the High Country Audubon Society at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Nature Museum. The meeting will include a presentation in the auditorium on the monarch butterfly, followed by a trip to Grandfather’s butterfly garden.
Fall color guided hikes throughout October Grandfather Mountain will offer guided hikes upon request throughout October. These hikes will be available for families or groups of at least two individuals. This is ideal for visitors with specific interests or questions because guides are prepared to answer questions on topics ranging from geology to ecology to biology. Many of the mountain’s trails can be somewhat intimidating, so bringing a guide along can help keep family and friends safe. Guides will lead visitors throughout most of the mountain, answering any questions along the way. Guided hikes cost $15 for half of a day or $30 for a full day. Guides are limited, so it is a good idea to reserve your guide ahead of time. For more information or to reserve a guide, call Gabriel Taylor at (828)
Many roads lead to Grandfather Mountain for the best views of fall color. Travel U.S. 221 and you will see this view to the top of Grandfather Mountain.
Photo by Rob Moore 737-0833.
Hawk migration Billy Smith, a student conducting research on Grandfather, will also be on hand most days while he studies the migration of broad-winged hawks, which will sometimes gather in towering columns of more than 700 birds during their migration. The peak of the migration
usually arrives between Sept. 10 and 24. Smith will be on hand to do his research, and will be happy to answer questions regarding the raptors.
More to come For more information on programs throughout autumn on Grandfather, check its website, www.grandfather.com, in the coming weeks.