Tag: grandfather mountain

The Autumn Air in Boone and Blowing Rock

Despite approaching the end of October, it is still very much autumn here in the Boone area. The fall leaves on the trees are still very much a wonder to behold. It is a wonderful activity to do while we still need to keep our social distance. 

In the Boone and Blowing Rock area, there are plenty of places to view the fall colors on the mountain. In addition to being able to view the mountainside forest from the town of Blowing Rock, on the roads entering and exiting the town there are beautiful overlooks to take pictures from them. 

Grandfather Mountain is another wonderful place to view the fall colors. You do need to make an appointment ahead of time to visit due to the pandemic

Beech Mountain, while well known as a ski resort, also has trails to walk to enjoy the scenery throughout October, and guided tours on Wednesday and Fridays. The ski resort itself is scheduled to open November 21.

William Kradel Leave a comment on The Autumn Air in Boone and Blowing Rock Blowing Rock, Boone, Hiking, Outdoor Fun Tags , , ,

Birdwatching on Grandfather Mountain

In addition to its wonderful scenery and trails, Grandfather Mountain is also home to a large variety of birds to enjoy watching!

Even at the Nature Museum Restaurant many birds can be found out on the bird feeders. Some of the birds which can be spotted include Nuthatches, Carolina Chickadees, and Juncos.

For woodland birds, the Profile Trail offers many opportunities to spot species such as Warblers, Louisiana Water Thrushes, and Scarlet Tangers.

On Black Rock Trail, there are plenty of birds which prefer high elevations. Some of these include Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, and Magnolia Warblers.

A special event in September is the annual southern migration of a variety of raptor species. Throughout the month, visitors can join trained staff to watch the migration and learn more about the passing eagles, peregrine falcons, and more raptor species.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Birdwatching on Grandfather Mountain Hiking, Outdoor Fun Tags , ,

2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

On Grandfather Mountain this July will be the 65th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games!
Running from July 9-12, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games at MacRae Meadows is a very entertaining event combining traditional Highland games with a mountain flair.

To start it off on July 9, at 2pm is a very delightful wine tasting event at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Banner Elk.

At 4:30, at MacRae Meadows, will begin the traditional Scottish entertainment and Celtic music. At 7 will be The Bear: Assault on Grandfather. This is a 5 mile foot race climbing from Linville up to the summit of Grandfather Mountain, a 1,568 foot climb
.
Friday July 10 starts off at 9am at MacRae Meadows with a series of preliminary athletic activities. Sheep herding and music and dancing competitions will begin then too.

These will continue throughout the day and starting at 6:30pm through 11 will be a Celtic rock concert at MacRae Meadows. For another unique highland musical option is the Scottish Country Dance Gala at Appalachian State University.

On Saturday July 11, starting at 7:30am will be plenty of competitions such as track and field, piping, drumming, Scottish dancing, and many more. At 6:30pm will be Celtic Jam at MacRae Meadows.
Finally, on Sunday July 12, starting at 8am, a Scottish cultural village will open. Also on Sunday will be a Children’s Border Collie demonstration.

These and many more events are things to look forward to at the 2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on 2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Banner Elk, Concerts and Events, Outdoor Fun Tags ,

Hiking on Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Grandfather Mountain is most well known for its mile high swinging bridge which provides a wonderful view of the surrounding mountainside. The bridge is not the only place to get great views however, there are plenty of other trails that you can take to see other perspectives!

Grandfather Mountain offers a wide array of types of trails such as calm strolls through the forests. There are also more demanding trails which require cables and ladders, the views though are quite spectacular
.
An example of the trail offerings is Nuwati Trail. A 1.2 mile trail through an old logging road. An easy but somewhat rocky trail, the path will take you through strands of Bigtooth Aspen trees, a stream, and ends with a view of the Boone Bowl.

Another example is the Daniel Boone Scout Trail is a 3 mile trail which starts at the Tanawha Trail and ascends 2,000 feet to the summit of Calloway Peak which is the highest point in the Blue Ridge Escarpment. It is a strenuous trail with in-place ladders and cables to help through particularly steep areas. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on Hiking on Grandfather Mountain Hiking, Outdoor Fun Tags , , ,

Black Bears on Grandfather Mountain

Bear Photo Trail
Hopefully this is the only bear you’ll encounter along a trail!

There’s more to do on Grandfather Mountain than hike the trails. One of the most enjoyable activities on Grandfather Mountain is visiting the environmental habitats. Environmental habitats are large enclosures built around the natural habitat which enable visitors to view animals in natural settings. 

One of the most impressive animals found in one of the habitats, and all throughout the mountain, are black bears.

Black bears are the smallest, and most common bears in North America. They have better sight and hearing than humans. And their sense of smell is seven times greater than that of a dog.

Their diet primarily consists of various kinds of vegetation. Their animal diet normally consists of  insects such as birds and ants. They do in fact like to eat honey. On the pacific coast where salmon are abundant, they will fish for them at night as the salmon are able to see them otherwise.

Enjoyably on Grandfather Mountain, there is a wildlife habitat just for Black Bears so you can view them safely in their natural environment. So next time you’re visiting Grandfather Mountain take some time to visit the bear habitat!

kradelskabins Leave a comment on Black Bears on Grandfather Mountain Boone, Hiking Tags , , ,