NC Trail Days
2024-05-30 09:00 - 2024-06-02 15:00 (America/New_York) | Elkin, Main Street, NC, 28621, US
Celebrate the outdoors in the trails town of Elkin. Guided waterfall & winery hikes, daily paddles, a downtown block party & live music. Coincides with National Trails Day, June 1.

NC Trail Days in Elkin
2024-05-30 09:00 - 2024-06-02 16:00 UTC | NC
North Carolina Trail Days in Elkin celebrates the many outdoor recreation opportunities found in small towns throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills.
At the junction of three state trails, Elkin is a true trails town. NC Trail Days has grown to a four-day event, aligning with National Trails Day on the first Saturday of June and including neighboring Jonesville, just across the Yadkin River.
Much of Elkin’s resurgence as an eclectic town has to do with its trails and the healthy outlets they provide.
Organized and self-guided hikes take place throughout the weekend on area trails with attention to local features and themes, such as waterfalls and birdwatching, moonshine still discoveries and plein air painting.
New this year is a through-hike and paddle along segment six of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Other activities include rock climbing at Pilot Mountain State Park, exploring stretches of the Yadkin River while cleaning it up, and trout fishing and cycling specifically for kids. Community leaders give educational talks, and a host of regional gear and arts vendors showcase their wares. Live music, as well as local wine, beer and food, round out the festivities.
Accommodation options include hotels, vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfasts, as well as a variety of camping opportunities.

Trails and Trains Festival
2024-05-31 17:00 - 2024-06-01 15:00 UTC | NC
See you at the 2nd annual Trails & Trains Festival on June 1st, 2024! Mark your calendar and help us celebrate North Carolina as the Great Trails State by joining us in downtown Old Fort, North Carolina. Come celebrate with us the rich history of our Blue Ridge Mountain community by focusing on its pathways and connections through the town’s notable railroad and Pisgah National Forest history.

A Toast to Three New Trails!
2024-05-31 17:30 - 21:00 UTC | NC
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/6bDCoKWPM
Join us!
We are thrilled to announce the Ribbon Cutting of three new trails at Knight Brown Nature Preserve: Running Pines Trail, Fern Trail, and Canopy View Loop.
Location:
Knight Brown Nature Preserve
221 Waterfield Ln, Stokesdale, NC 27357
Reception Venue:
Stonefield Cellars Winery
8220 NC-68, Stokesdale, NC 27357
Itinerary:
5:30 PM -7:00 PM
Ceremony and 2 mile guided hike at Knight Brown Nature Preserve
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Reception at Stonefield Cellars Winery with the West Coast Wanderer Food Truck
Don’t Miss Out:
Just 10 minutes from Knight Brown Nature Preserve, we will reconvene at Stonefield Cellars Winery to enjoy wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and West Coast Wanderer Food Truck. Plus, 25% of wine sales will be generously donated to Piedmont Land Conservancy. Your attendance will contribute to the preservation of our natural landscapes in the Piedmont. Even if you cannot make it to the guided hike, join us at Stonefield Cellar Winery for an evening of celebration. Optional carpooling available from Stonefield Cellars. If interested visit stonefieldcellars.com
www.piedmontland.org
RSVP not required. All are welcome.
Rain Date: Sunday, June 2nd at 12pm details to follow if needed.

National Trails Day 5K/3K Walk/Run
2024-06-01 08:00 - 10:00 UTC | NC
The Town of Wake Forest will host a family-friendly 5K/3K walk/run as part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Check-in on the day of the event starts at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. Registration ahead of time costs $35, or $40 the day of the race.
Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/WakeForest/NationalTrailsDay5Kand3K

Uwharrie Hike on National Trails Day
2024-06-01 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | NC
Three Rivers Land Trust will host a hike on National Trails Day, on Saturday, June 1st, 2024. We will meet at 8:00am at the Joe Moffitt Trailhead located at 998 Thayer Rd in Troy, NC 27371. We will hike to the top of Little Long Mountain where there are views of the surrounding Uwharrie Mountains, and take a rest break at the trail shelter located on top. Then we will hike back down. Three Rivers Land Trust acquired the Little Long Mountain Property in 2011, and then transferred it to the Uwharrie National Forest in 2015, to expand the Uwharrie Trail. TRLT and volunteers built the approximately 1.5 miles of trail located on this property in 2012 and 2013. This is an approximately 2 mile hike of moderate difficulty. Please wear good hiking shoes and bring drinking water and any snacks you might want. You may like to have trekking poles and a hat for this hike.

Join us as we celebrate National Trails Day by giving back!
2024-06-01 08:00 - 15:00 UTC | NC
Join us for a day of trail work on the Appalachian Trail and area trails near Hot Springs. This event is designed for individuals who may be new to trail work, including those who work or go to school during the week. You will learn from experienced trail maintainers. All are welcome; no experience is necessary, and you do not need to be a member of the Carolina Mountain Club (CMC) to participate. Families and youth are welcome, though all youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or youth organization.
All necessary tools will be provided. Please wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Remember to bring lunch, snacks, and water.
After the workday, join us for an Afterparty at Big Pillow Brewing!
We will have two meeting locations:

8:00 AM: US Forest Service parking lot, 160 Zillcoa St., Asheville, NC 28801. Volunteers meeting here will sign in and carpool to Hot Springs.

9:00 AM: Free parking until 12 midnight at Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Volunteers will gather here to divide into work teams and carpool to the work sites.
For more information, email Les Love at president@carolinamountainclub.org.

National Trails Day Hike
2024-06-01 09:00 - 10:00 UTC | NC
Oxford parks and recreation will be having a nature walk on June 1st at Lake Devin 9am.
There is no cost for this event but you must register online at https://oxfordnc.recdesk.com
The hike will be lead by a park ranger from Kerr Lake State Park. If you have questions please call
919-603-1135.

National Trails Day Walk on Roanoke Island
2024-06-01 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | NC
Celebrate National Trails Day with a short walk on Roanoke Island! June 1st 2024 from 9:00am-11:30am at the North End Parking Lot on Roanoke Island.

National Trails Day Celebration
2024-06-01 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | NC
Come celebrate the beauty and importance of our trails with National Trails Day! We will have free trail related activities for all ages including guided hikes, bike rides, paddling demos, music, prizes, and more!

Trails & Trains Festival Volunteer Trail Work Day At Camp Grier
2024-06-01 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | NC
We’re excited to invite you to join G5 and the Trails & Trains Festival! Together, we’ll clear out the final rhododenderons and begin clearing the way for the new Rostan re-route.
Why re-route Rostan? Because the curent alignment follows the fall line down next to the creek, causing erosion and sedimentation. The new trail will allow Bike, Hike, Horse, and Onewheels to travel both up and downhill between two of the sweetest sections of rostan trail and even add in some fun challenge features!
Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to play in the woods! It’s a beautiful setion of forest and it’s not every day that you’re able to volunteer on a project with the designer and builder themself!
Difficulty rating: 3/5: up to 1 mile hike each direction on steep trail, use of pruners, digging tools and rakes
*Be sure to bring your favorite gear, plenty of snacks and water, high tops (boots preferred), eye protection, long pants, leather gloves and whatever else you need to stay comfortable for a great 4+ hour day in the mountains

National Trails Day Celebration
2024-06-01 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | NC
High Point Parks & Recreation
National Trails Day Celebration
Piedmont Environmental Center
1220 Penny Road, High Point
Saturday, June 1
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Grab your hiking shoes and help us celebrate National Trails Day in High Point! Natural beauty and open space, exploration and discovery, solitude and reflection, exercise and other health benefits – all these are the gifts and opportunities of having a variety of trails in our community, and they make our lives richer.
PEC naturalists will lead guided hikes beginning at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., live animals will be on display and other organizations will be present during the celebration. Registration for the hikes takes place on site; please call 336.883.8531 for more information.

National Trails Day Volunteer Day in Hot Springs
2024-06-01 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | NC
Join us for a day of trail work on the Appalachian Trail and area trails near Hot Springs. This event is designed for individuals who may be new to trail work, including those who work or go to school during the week. You will learn from experienced trail maintainers. All are welcome; no experience is necessary, and you do not need to be a member of the Carolina Mountain Club (CMC) to participate. Families and youth are welcome, though all youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or youth organization.
All necessary tools will be provided. Please wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Remember to bring lunch, snacks, and water.
After the workday, join us for an Afterparty at Big Pillow Brewing!
We will have two meeting locations:

8:00 AM: US Forest Service parking lot, 160 Zillcoa St., Asheville, NC 28801. Volunteers meeting here will sign in and carpool to Hot Springs.

9:00 AM: Free parking until 12 midnight at Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Volunteers will gather here to divide into work teams and carpool to the work sites.

Register here: Carolina Mountain Club Event Registration
For more information, email Les Love at president@carolinamountainclub.org.

Clifford's Army Rescue Doggie Event
2024-06-01 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | NC
Dogs are brought to the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail that volunteers can walk the dogs on the trail and the dogs are available to adopt. This starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 12:30. The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail will be open sunup to sundown. Flowers can be view at a very large butterfly garden on top of the Plateau.

Guided Trail Walk on the 12 Mile Creek Greenway
2024-06-01 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | NC
Free Event! To celebrate National Trails Day on June 1st, we will have a guided trail walk led by our own Director of Parks and Recreation, Dena Sabinske! The walk will begin and end at our Nesbit Park Trail Head, 1304 HC Nesbit Park Drive. The guided trail walk begins at 10:00am, and round trip, the walk will be about 6 miles. All ages welcome, but children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

National Trails Day at Chimney Rock
2024-06-01 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | NC
Celebrate one of our favorite days of the year with a day of guided hikes along Chimney Rock’s six unique trails. Join naturalists throughout the day and learn more about the park’s history, flora, and fauna. Their partners at Waypoint Adventures will also be in the park leading excursions for disabled hikers. Visit chimneyrockpark.com for more details.

ADA Fishing Trail Widening With Leader Thomas Speer
2024-06-07 12:00 - 16:00 UTC | NC
The ADA fishing trail on Curtis Creek has been one interesting trail to figure out! From several springs dotting the trail to the rock underlying it, this trail still needs some serious TLC! Join Thomas and crew to help widen and ditch the trail to ease accessibility for all!
Our mission is simple: widen the turn for wheelchair access, and to add ditching and fill rip rap to reduce moisture on the path and minimize the existing hard pathway edge.
The work will be challenging. Crews will dig ditches, break rocks with special rock tools, haul rip rap, bend & move
Be sure to bring your favorite gear, plenty of snacks and water, high tops, eye protection, long pants, gloves and whatever else you need to stay comfortable for a great 4+ hour day in the mountains
Difficulty rating: 3/5 repeated short walks, use of digging tools, use of cutting tools, rock work, travel on flat, even but wet ground

Paddle Trip on the Deep River State Trail
2024-06-08 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | NC
Join us for a year of celebrating North Carolina’s 14 State Trails with a 5-mile paddle trip on the Deep River State Trail! The trail follows its namesake river through the central Piedmont from Jamestown in Guilford County south and east through Randolph, Moore, Chatham and Lee counties before emptying into the Cape Fear River. It is one of just two State Trails with both a hiking and paddling component.
On this hike we will paddle a mellow stretch of the Deep River near Sanford. The trip starts with passage beneath the Camelback Bridge, past the long-abandoned Endor Iron Furnace, and an old lock and dam. The Deep is scenic and peaceful through this stretch, suitable for novices and experienced paddlers alike. A guide will discuss the river’s natural and human history.
Don’t have a boat? You can rent one through Endor Paddle. Single sit-on-tops are $49, tandems are $79. Rentals include boat, paddle, PFD, and shuttle back to your car. Reserve a boat by going here and clicking on “Explorer – 5 Miles.” PLEASE NOTE: You must reserve your boat(s) through Endor Paddle by 9 a.m. May 17.
If you do have a boat, arrive at Deep River Park at 8 a.m. to set up a shuttle.
Come and learn about the Deep River State Trail and North Carolina’s other 13 State Trails!
This event is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/Hometown Strong, Piedmont Land Conservancy, Randolph County, Lee County, Deep River Park Association, and NC Great Trails State Coalition.

Wildflower Walk
2024-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | NC
Join a park ranger for a guided wildflower walk along Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain State Park. Grandfather Mountain is home to an amazing variety of wildflower species, which change from week to week, so join us throughout the season to experience the changes! All hikes will be slow paced on natural surface trails, cover between 1-1.5 miles, and last two hours. Please wear sturdy hiking boots and dress according to weather. This event is weather permitting. All ages welcome: participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please.

Tails on Trails at Farris Memorial Park!
2024-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | NC
Bring your friends and leashed pups! This hike series will focus on dog-friendly hikes in Rockingham County and responsible stewardship practices for dog owners.
We will hike the Farris Bike Trail on June 25th at 6 pm.
We will meet at the first shelter when you enter the park. A DRBA flag will be out to direct people! There will be light refreshments and puppy snacks.
This hike will be approximately 1.5 miles and is considered a moderate to easy hike due to rock crossings and a natural trail surface. You will need to sign a waiver.
Link to the Google map directions: https://g.co/kgs/Y8QV2oY

Paddle Parade 2024 - York Hill Access at Yadkin River Park
2024-06-29 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | NC
Yadkin Riverkeeper will be joining Waterkeepers Carolina in their first annual Paddle Parade this summer to celebrate our Carolina rivers!

Yadkin Riverkeeper will be paddling a 4.5 mile loop starting and ending at the York Hill access in Yadkin River Park. Paddlers will paddle upstream and visit the historic Beard’s Bridge (1818) pilings and explore the Trading Ford crossing used for more than 10,000 years.
This event is open to the public. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets below!

Register here: https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/events/2024/6/29/paddle-parade-2024-york-hill-access

Price: $50 for ticket with boat rental, or $25 for ticket without boat rental (bring your own boat)

Tree Identification Walk
2024-07-05 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | NC
Join a park ranger for a guided tree ID walk along Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain State Park. Grandfather Mountain is home to a unique variety of tree species- learn how to ID them based on leaves, buds, and bark! The hike will be slow-paced on natural surface trails, cover between 1-1.5 miles, and last two hours. Please wear sturdy hiking boots and dress according to weather. This event is weather permitting. All ages welcome, participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please.

Celebrate N.C. State Trails with a 2-hour Paddle on the Haw River
2024-07-06 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | NC
The Haw River Trail runs 80 miles, from just north of Greensboro southeast to its conclusion in Jordan Lake. It’s boulder-strewn waters give the impression of a mountain river while its flora-choked banks are junglelike in spots. It’s perhaps the wildest experience to be had in the Piedmont.
Join the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Hometown Strong initiative for a celebration of the Haw by both land and water on July 6 in Saxapahaw. The day begins with a paddle on a dammed portion of the Haw, known as Lake Saxapahaw, from 1-3 p.m. It’s followed by this 3-mile hike from 3:30 – 5 p.m. (see separate sign-up). We’ll cap the day with Saturdays in Saxapahaw, live outdoor music from 6-8 p.m.
Regarding the paddle portion of the event: If you have a canoe/kayak/stand-up paddleboard, great! Just meet us at the put-in at 1 p.m. If you need a boat, you can rent from Haw River Canoe & Kayak, located at adjacent to the put-in. Rentals are:

$44 Single kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
$64 Tandem kayaks and canoes

Rentals incldue boat, PFD, paddle. Go here for details and to sign up!

Celebrate N.C. State Trails: Hike the Haw River Trail
2024-07-06 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | NC
The Haw River Trail corridor runs 80 miles, from just north of Greensboro southeast to its conclusion in Jordan Lake. It’s boulder-strewn waters give the impression of a mountain river while its flora-choked banks are almost junglelike in spots. It’s perhaps the wildest experience to be had in the Piedmont.
Join the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Hometown Strong initiative for a celebration of the Haw by both land and water on July 6 in Saxapahaw. The day begins with a paddle on a dammed portion of the Haw, known as Lake Saxapahaw, from 1-3 p.m., followed by this 3-mile hike from 3:30 – 5 p.m.
The hike will begin just outside the Haw River Ballroom. We will hike the Haw River Trail 1.5 miles downstream on surprisingly smooth trail that defies the rocky river on your right, the lush wall of green on your left (save for a short stretch near the turnaround that passes a meadow).
This is an easy hike that’s dog-friendly (leashed-dog friendly). We will take a mellow pace, stopping to check out the Haw along the way. After the hike, stick around for Saturdays in Saxapahaw, live outdoor music from 6-8 p.m.
For more information and to sign up for this free event, go here.

Lake James State Park Kayaking
2024-07-09 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | NC
Enjoy the fun and serenity of Lake James State Park all while being part of a supportive community. This outdoor kayaking program is accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. You can participate thanks to a variety of adaptive kayaking equipment and instruction designed to meet your individual needs. Our highly trained staff will instruct, support, and encourage you as you meet new people and learn new skills or further develop your existing ones. Cost per participant is $20. However please do not let the cost discourage you from joining us. Scholarships are available for those who need it. If a scholarship accommodation is needed, please reach out.
Sign up here:
https://waypoint-adventure-nc.jumbula.com/OpenEnrollment2024/070924LakeJamesStateParkKayaking

Please contact Waypoint Adventure NC if you have any questions!

Phone: 828-483-3383

Email: rcarlson@waypointadventure.org

Lake Norman State Park Kayaking
2024-07-11 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | NC
Lake Norman is the largest man made lake in the Carolinas. The section of lake you will be paddling on, by the visitor center, is a quiet and peaceful location. There are no motorized boats allowed on this section of lake making for flat, calm waters. This outdoor kayaking program is accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. Enjoy the fun and serenity of Lake Norman State Park all while being part of a supportive community. You can participate thanks to a variety of adaptive kayaking equipment and instruction designed to meet your individual needs. Our highly trained staff will instruct, support, and encourage you as you meet new people and learn new skills or further develop your existing ones.
Cost per participant is $20. However please do not let the cost discourage you from joining us. Scholarships are available for those who need it. If a scholarship accommodation is needed, please reach out.

Register here:
https://waypoint-adventure-nc.jumbula.com/OpenEnrollment2024/071124LakeNormanStateParkKayaking

Lake James State Park Adaptive Kayaking
2024-07-18 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | NC
Enjoy the fun and serenity of Lake James State Park all while being part of a supportive community. This outdoor kayaking program is accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. You can participate thanks to a variety of adaptive kayaking equipment and instruction designed to meet your individual needs. Our highly trained staff will instruct, support, and encourage you as you meet new people and learn new skills or further develop your existing ones. A variety of wildlife can be seen at Lake James including bald eagles, otters, beavers and more than 11 species of fish.
Cost per participant is $20. However please do not let the cost discourage you from joining us. Scholarships are available for those who need it. If a scholarship accommodation is needed, please reach out.
Register here:
https://waypoint-adventure-nc.jumbula.com/OpenEnrollment2024/071824LakeJamesStateParkKayaking
Any questions?
Please contact Waypoint Adventure NC if you have any questions.

Phone:
828-483-3383
Email:
rcarlson@waypointadventure.org

Pollinator Mingle - Piedmont Land Conservancy
2024-07-19 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | NC
Spend the morning with The Emily Allen Wildflower Preserve pollinators and landscape designer Susan Andrews, recent awardee of the Emily H. Allen Award for Landscape Design using Native Plant Materials from the Native Plant Society!
The EAWP Pollinator Garden was planted by EAWP volunteers in the fall of 2022 with the help of generous donors and is abloom in its second year with 31 species of native plants selected to attract local pollinators. Come hear all the buzz on how the sunny garden transforms April through October and is stewarded with care to provide seed and wildlife cover throughout the winter.

RSVP by emailing Garden Manager, Janice, at jlancaster@piedmontland.org.
Hope to see you in the garden!

Crater Park to Carolina Heritage Vineyard paddle
2024-07-20 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | NC
Mark your calendars for our annual Carolina Heritage Vineyard paddle on Saturday, July 20th!
Crater Park in Elkin offers a floating dock to assist with launching, and a pleasant float down to the confluence of the Yadkin and Mitchell rivers. After the paddle, we will take out at Burch Station and walk (15 minutes) or ride up to Carolina Heritage Winery to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, beer or non-alcoholic beverage and live music. Freshly cooked food will be available for purchase as well.
Register here: https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/events/2023/7/15/crater-park-to-carolina-heritage-vineyard-2024
Price: $70 – paddle ticket with boat rental, or $45 – paddle ticket without boat rental (bring your own boat)

Celebrate North Carolina's State Trails with a Paddle on the Yadkin River
2024-07-20 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | NC
Crater Park in Elkin offers a floating dock to assist with launching, and a pleasant float down to the confluence of the Yadkin and Mitchell rivers. After the paddle, we will take out at Burch Station and walk (15 minutes) or ride up to Carolina Heritage Winery to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, beer or non-alcoholic beverage and live music. Freshly cooked food will be available for purchase as well.
Need a boat? No problem. Kayaks are available for rent. To purchase tickets for this event, go to the Yadkin Riverkeeper website, here.
