First Day Hike – Raymond Fisher Pond

Gorges State Park - Grassy Ridge Access 976 Grassy Ridge Road, NC, US

Join Park Staff for a 2025 First Day Hike down the Raymond Fisher Pond Trail. Please be prepared for a moderate, 60 minute hike, with proper footwear and water. We will be meeting at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead area. Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 - 3pm Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access976 Grassy Ridge RoadSapphireNC 28774

Fort Fisher First Day Walk

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC, United States

Start 2025 outside and active.  Join us for a hike on the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.  Meet at 2pm at the Flag Pole beside the trail head and we will walk the 2.2 mile trail.  Stay with the group or go at your own pace. Trail covers various terrain including very […]

First Day Hike at Rendezvous Mountain State Park

Rendezvous Mountain State Park 1956 Rendezvous Mountain Rd, Purlear, NC, United States

On January 1st 2025 at 2pm, you can meet at the park office, (two story cabin building) for a Ranger led one mile stroll through the mountains mixed hardwood forest. This Ranger led program will last approximately one hour while we stop and discuss Rendezvous Mountain's history. Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 - 3pm Rendezvous Mountain State […]

First Day Hikes at Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Rd., NC, US

First Day Hikes – 2 p.m. (one short and one long) Start off the new year with a hike in your favorite state park. Fort Macon State Park will be offering four ranger-led hikes this year, two at 9 a.m. and two at 2 p.m. The shorter hike at 2 p.m. will offer a short […]

First Day Hikes at Eno River

Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC, United States

Start the New Year on the right foot with guided hikes along the Eno River! Join staff from Eno River State Park and the Eno River Association for either a two or four mile hike. Stay after for hot cocoa in the picnic shelter! Both hikes will start from the picnic shelter in the Fews […]

First Day Hike: Paint Hill Tract

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC, United States

Start the year off right by getting outside for a First Day Hike! For this hike at one of Weymouth Woods' satellite properties, Paint Hill Tract, we will hike an easy 1.5 mile. This property has more elevation change than much of the Sandhills, as well as a rare plant called the Sandhills pixiemoss (Pyxidanthera […]

Hike to Wolf Rock

Hanging Rock State Park 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, US

Join a park ranger on a hike to Wolf Rock. On this 2-mile hike we will meander through a mixture of oaks and pines, climb out on an outcropping of quartzite, and listen for the sounds of nature. Bring water and wear weather appropriate clothing. We will start and end our hike at Shelter 4 […]

Junior Ranger Hike

Hanging Rock State Park 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, US

Join a Park Ranger to explore topics about what makes Hanging Rock State Park unique. Learn about what a Park Ranger does, look for creatures, and earn a Junior Ranger badge, all while hiking around our lake. The trail is an easy 1-mile loop. This program is for children ages 5-12 and their families, but all are welcome. Be sure […]

Jockey’s Ridge State Park Winter Star Party

Jockey's Ridge State Park 300 W Carolista Dr., NC, US

Join Jockey's Ridge State Park and the OBX Astronomy Club for an evening under the stars. Telescopes will be set up for public viewing at the visitor center parking area. Table activities for kids will take place in the Community Room. Buckle in and let an educational video take you on a trip through space. There is also HOT COCOA! Join in the fun […]

Winter Birding Hike

Hanging Rock State Park 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, US

Join a park ranger on a hike to learn how to identify winter birds. You will learn how to identify birds visually and by their calls. We will hike 1.8 miles along the Wolf Rock Trail. Please wear proper hiking attire and bring water. There will be a limited number of binoculars to borrow so […]