Grandfather Mtn After Dark: Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight

Visitors are familiar with Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals, including black bears, bald eagles, cougars, river otters and elk. But what do they do after dark?

Find out each fall at Grandfather Mountain’s annual Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight. This nighttime event featuring fun and spooky stories told by firelight, along with rare after-dark tours.

Creatures of the Night is an opportunity to see the world that is Grandfather Mountain after the sun goes down. The mountain comes alive with inhabitants not seen in daylight. To experience this in complete darkness, with no outside lights, is awe-inspiring.

The event starts at dusk and is BYOS (Bring Your Own S’mores), but the park provides marshmallow roasting sticks, cider, hot chocolate and seating. From there, join Grandfather staff members on a nocturnal trek to the top of the mountain (via shuttle) and the environmental wildlife habitats.

“It’s a whole different way to experience the animals,” said Jenny Condron, habitat keeper at Grandfather Mountain. “When you see them in the daytime, it’s all just a visual experience. But at night, you hear their unique noises and rustling around way before you actually see them, and it can be quite exciting and eerie.”

An “Owl Prowl” takes participants on a search for the mountain’s feathered denizens of the night, during which guides attempt to communicate with the birds through recorded owl calls.

“On a previous Owl Prowl, the barred owls were very, very responsive, talking back a lot,” chief habitats curator Christie Tipton said. “By the time we take the last tour, it’s pitch black, and you can’t see anything. Although the owls can see you.”

In fact, the event casts Grandfather Mountain in a whole new light — or lack thereof.

Planning to Attend?

This is a ticketed event and participants must be at least eight years old to attend. Space is limited and registration is required by visiting: https://grandfather.com/creatures-night/

Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and bring blankets, flashlights and S’mores ingredients to enjoy around the fire. For more info, call 828-733-2013, or visit www.Grandfather.com.