Special Places

Grandfather Mountain and Wilson Creek

Grandfather Mountain soars to almost 6,000 feet and is criss-crossed with an extensive trail network. Over 60 rare plants and animals occupy their various niches on the mountain. It also shelters one of six known populations of a tiny tarantula, the spruce-fir moss spider. Migratory bird species abound, and the mountain’s seeps and springs provide habitat for 16 species of salamanders. Wilson Creek, a beloved whitewater creek and Wild and Scenic River, flows for 23 miles from Grandfather Mountain to its junction with the Johns River. Thousands of acres of old-growth remain on Grandfather, which is considered to be one of the premier natural areas in the entire Southern Appalachian region.

Protect This Place

Why do you love this part of the forest? Submit your comments to the Forest Service below. Even a simple one-liner will make a big difference.

Popular activities at Grandfather Mountain and Wilson Creek

paddling

Paddling

hiking

Hiking

backpacking

backpacking

running

Running

swimming

Swimming

equestrian

Equestrian

old growth

Old-Growth

climbing

Climbing

rare species

Rare Species

biking

Biking

fishing

Fishing

scenic views

Scenic Views