It is ‘tis the season’ to visit our beautiful nearby mountains. This week’s snowfall will bring out the best of wintertime beauty only an hour away. Grandfather Mountain is decking its halls — and hills — for the holidays.
Visitors are invited to celebrate the season from a mile high, where they’ll encounter idyllic winter scenery, invigorating outdoor adventure and more at the Linville, N.C., nature park.
Last week the park officially rang in the holiday season with a special delivery — a 12-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree.
Larry Smith, who donated the tree said, “People come from all over the world to see Grandfather Mountain.”
Although this particular tree is on display in the Grandfather’s Nature Museum, Fraser firs can also be found in our area’s mountain more natural surroundings.
“The Fraser fir is basically the Cadillac of Christmas trees,” Smith said. “There’s only a few mountaintops in the world they’re native to, and Grandfather Mountain is one of them.”
Grandfather Mountain is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day in winter, weather permitting, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. During times of inclement weather, park opening is delayed until all roads and paths can be cleared of snow and ice. As such, those planning a trip are encouraged to contact the park’s entrance gate before visiting to confirm the day’s conditions.
Due to COVID-19, the park is also requiring guests to book their visit online at www.grandfather.com. To learn more about Grandfather Mountain’s COVID-19 operating procedures, visit www.grandfather.com/covid-19-update.
