January-February Programs at Grandfather Mountain State Park

BANNER ELK, NC (January 12, 2017)…Listed below are two upcoming programs that will be offered at Grandfather Mountain State Park.

WINTER TREE ID HIKES
DATES: Jan. 22 – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Feb. 12 – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Profile Trail Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (GPS: 36.121990, -81.829993) https://goo.gl/dBX99s
Appropriate for ages 10 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets. Participants will learn how to identify local trees without the aid of leaves by learning differences in bark, limb, bud and branching patterns. Participants are encouraged to bring field guides to local trees. Program will last approximately two hours and hike 1 mile (2 miles round trip). Hiking boots are recommended. This is an outdoor event and those in attendance should come dressed for the current weather conditions. If there is new snow and/or ice, please call ahead. 828.963.9522 or email grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov. Difficulty: moderately strenuous terrain.
NOTE: If the Profile parking lot is closed: Hikers will meet at the Lowes Foods parking lot (north end); At intersection of Highway 105 and Highway 184 (GPS: 36.117745, -81.835408 Google Map: http://goo.gl/2UfGha).

SNOWSHOE HIKES
DATES: Jan. 29 – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Feb. 13 – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Feb. 17 – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
LOCATION: Asutsi Trailhead, Hwy 221, located approximately 1.8 miles south of Holloway Mtn. Rd (GPS: 36.116397, -81.777301 – https://goo.gl/0Q2dZo)
Appropriate for ages 10 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets. Have you ever wanted to try snowshoeing, or you like snowshoeing but do not have a pair? Well, this is your chance. Join Ranger Sicard for a snowshoe hike that will begin at the Asutsi Trailhead on Hwy 221 (located south of Holloway Mtn Road – GPS: 36.116397, -81.777301 https://goo.gl/0Q2dZo). There will be a limited number of snowshoes available and will be given out on a first come first use basis, so please plan to arrive on time. The hike will be approximately 3 miles round-trip and will last approximately 3 hours. Please dress accordingly for the weather and bring any snacks, water, and personal items you will need to be out in the weather for the duration of the hike. To make the hike more comfortable, we suggest you wear the sturdiest winter weather shoes you have (boots with firm soles and insulation to keep feet dry and warm). No animals will be allowed on the hike. If you have questions about the snowshoe hikes, please contact Ranger Sicard at the park office 828-963-9522 or email: grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov. If there is no snow, the ranger will still lead a trail hike without snowshoes.