Grandfather Mountain

The History and Guide to an Appalachian Icon

By Randy Johnson | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

With its prominent profile recognizable for miles around and featuring vistas among the most beloved in the Appalachians, North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain is many things to many people: an easily recognized landmark along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a popular tourist destination, a site of annual Highland Games, and an internationally recognized nature preserve. In this definitive book on Grandfather, Randy Johnson guides readers on a journey through the mountain’s history, from its geological beginnings millennia ago and the early days of exploration to its role in regional development and eventual establishment as a North Carolina state park. Along the way, he shows how Grandfather has changed, and has been changed by, the people of western North Carolina and beyond.

To tell the full natural and human story, Johnson draws not only on historical sources but on his rich personal experience working closely on the mountain alongside Hugh Morton and others. The result is a unique and personal telling of Grandfather’s lasting significance. The book includes more than 200 historical and contemporary photographs, maps, and a practical guide to hiking the extensive trails, appreciating key plant and animal species and photographing the natural wonder that is Grandfather.

Editions of Grandfather Mountain

Hardcover
ISBN 9781469626994
Paperback
ISBN 9781469674315
EBook
ISBN 9781469627007
PDF
ISBN 9798890844279

Read an Excerpt

With its prominent profile recognizable for miles around and featuring vistas among the most beloved in the Appalachians, North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain is many things to many people: an easily recognized landmark along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a popular tourist destination, a site of annual Highland Games, and an internationally recognized nature preserve. In this definitive book on Grandfather, Randy Johnson guides readers on a journey through the mountain’s history, from its geological beginnings millennia ago and the early days of exploration to its role in regional development and eventual establishment as a North Carolina state park. Along the way, he shows how Grandfather has changed, and has been changed by, the people of western North Carolina and beyond.

To tell the full natural and human story, Johnson draws not only on historical sources but on his rich personal experience working closely on the mountain alongside Hugh Morton and others. The result is a unique and personal telling of Grandfather’s lasting significance. The book includes more than 200 historical and contemporary photographs, maps, and a practical guide to hiking the extensive trails, appreciating key plant and animal species and photographing the natural wonder that is Grandfather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grandfather Mountain about?

With its prominent profile recognizable for miles around and featuring vistas among the most beloved in the Appalachians, North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain is many things to many people: an easily recognized landmark along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a popular tourist destination, a site of annual Highland Games, and an internationally recognized nature preserve. In this definitive book on Grandfather, Randy Johnson guides readers on a journey through the mountain’s history, from its geological beginnings millennia ago and the early days of exploration to its role in regional development and eventual establishment as a North Carolina state park. Along the way, he shows how Grandfather has changed, and has been changed by, the people of western North Carolina and beyond.

To tell the full natural and human story, Johnson draws not only on historical sources but on his rich personal experience working closely on the mountain alongside Hugh Morton and others. The result is a unique and personal telling of Grandfather’s lasting significance. The book includes more than 200 historical and contemporary photographs, maps, and a practical guide to hiking the extensive trails, appreciating key plant and animal species and photographing the natural wonder that is Grandfather.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Grandfather Mountain?

Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure > Nature and the natural world: general interest > The Earth: natural history: general interest

Where can I read a sample of Grandfather Mountain?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469626994

How long is Grandfather Mountain and how many pages does it have?

Grandfather Mountain has 296 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Grandfather Mountain?

Randy Johnson

Who is the Publisher of the book Grandfather Mountain?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Grandfather Mountain is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469626994) and paperback(ISBN 9781469674315) and ebook(ISBN 9781469627007) and pdf(ISBN 9798890844279)

Where can I buy Grandfather Mountain online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Grandfather Mountain from below

Where can I buy Grandfather Mountain?