Geocaching 101
2025-10-14 17:30 - 18:30 UTC
Looking for a fun, family-friendly hobby that combines exploration and excitement? Join us for an introduction to Geocaching—a modern-day treasure hunt for all ages Tuesday, October 14 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Morehead Park Trailhead! Learn the basics, get tips on finding caches both locally and around the world, and start your next great adventure!

Register online at https://tinyurl.com/DGGeo2025

Drop-ins welcome, space permitting.

Stroller Rollers
2025-10-16 09:00 - 10:30
Calling all caregivers with little ones! Join us for a stroller-friendly walk along the Downtown Greenway every third Thursday from May to October. Bring your kiddos and discover the downtown area while connecting with others! We’ll kick things off at LoFi Park (500 N. Eugene St.) at 9:00 AM.
This is a drop-in event, and we’ll cover a 1-2 mile roundtrip, with stops at fun, family-friendly play spaces along the route. We can’t wait to see you there! On-street parking is available nearby, or in the public parking deck at 215 N. Eugene Street. For questions, email chelsea.phipps@greensboro-nc.gov.

3k Sunrise Walk
2025-10-18 06:30 - 10:00
Join Franklin County Parks and Recreation for 3k nature trail walk at Owens Park! Our 3k, 1.86 miles, course walks you straight into the sunrise, loops into the tree line and back into the sun. We will be joined by Franklin County Animal Services and Franklin County Emergency Management to discuss the importance of both pet and human safety in the great outdoors.

Carolina Beach Monster Dash
2025-10-18 07:00 - 12:30
Monster Dash Trail Runs
Cape Fear Flyers youth running club hosts a youth cross country meet, age divisions and distances will be similar to that of national governing body championship meets. We finish the morning with a 5K race that we invite the general public to join us for. The 5K will not start before 11am.
Registration for the 5K opens on July 1 if you register in the month of July it is $25 August 1-Race Day (10/18) the price goes up to $35
5K Registrationh
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/CarolinaBeach/MonsterDashCB
Youth XC Meet Registration
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/254440/more
$150/team

Hike or Bike with the MTA on Great Trails State Day
2025-10-18 07:30 - 14:00
Depot to Depot Hike Black Mountain to Old Fort
Two hike options:

A one-way 12 mile hike from the Black Mountain Depot to the Old Fort Depot on the Fonta Flora State Trail (Copper Ridge and Point Lookout Trails) and along the proposed trail corridor.
An out and back 5 or 7 mile hike on the Point Lookout Trail segment of the Fonta Flora State Trail.

Meeting times:

Depot to Depot – 7:30 am at the Old Fort Depot for the full hike. Car shuttle to Black Mountain and hike to cars in Old Fort.
Point Lookout Trail – 9:30 am at the Old Fort Point Lookout Trailhead.

Final logistics will be worked out once we have an idea of the number of hikers for each hike option.
Want to hike? Contact Steve Pierce – stevepierce50@gmail.com with your hike preference.
Want to ride your bike? We are organizing a group cycling ride from Depot to Depot. Contact Gary Suttles – garysuttles28752@gmail.com

Great Trails State Day 2025 Hike
2025-10-18 09:00 - 10:30
DEAPR Staff will lead a hike at Seven Mile Creek Natural Area. The hike will focus on the history of Seven Mile and other natural heritage areas in Orange County.
Orange County is a member of the Great Trails State Coalition which hosts the annual Great Trails State Day in NC. The public is invited to participate in the hike as a way to celebrate this day.
Register for this free hike at www.orangecountync.gov/Hike

A Partner Hike at Bluestem
2025-10-18 09:00 - 11:00
Grab a partner and come celebrate Great State Trails Day with our conservation partners at Triangle Land Conservancy. TLC and Bluestem volunteers will share stories about their involvement with these two conservation organizations and offer two hikes around the 87-acre nature preserve and conservation cemetery. Find information and registration here.

Downtown Greenway Walking Tour
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00
Explore the heart of the city with our guided walking tour of the Downtown Greenway on Saturday, August 16 from 9 AM to 12 Noon! These engaging tours cover the full 4-mile loop and offer insights into the Downtown Greenway project, local history, surrounding neighborhoods, public art, environmental efforts, economic impact, and more.
Tours begin and end at LoFi Park (500 N. Eugene Street).
Register online at http://tinyurl.com/DGWalkTours
Drop-ins welcome, as space allows!

Group Hike: Bluffs Restaurant to Bluff Mountain Overlook, Doughton Park
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00
Description – Let’s enjoy the mountains full of fall colors and the final weekend of The Bluffs Restaurant! Join ASTA for a hike from the Bluffs Restaurant & Visitor Center to the Bluff Mountain Overlook in Doughton Park (out and back). This is a great hike along the Bluff Mountain Trail and the MST trail as it goes through Doughton Park. The hike offers excellent long-range vistas from the open meadow portions. Other parts of the hike are thru the forest and woodlands. This will be about a 6.5 mile out and back hike. You are welcome to turn around at any time. Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome.
Consider having a meal or snack at the Bluffs Restaurant after the hike, they are open 11-4.
Difficulty: The hike is considered moderate. The pace will be around 2 to 2-1/2 MPH but will be adjusted to allow the group opportunities for observing and photos. Total distance will be around 6.5 miles. The trail has moderate elevation changes, except along the steeper Alligator Back section.

Great Trails State Day and Rowan County Creek Week Paddle
2025-10-18 09:00 - 13:00
Join Yadkin Riverkeeper for a morning paddle on the South Yadkin River to celebrate both Great Trails State Day and Rowan Creek Week! We will meet registered participants at Hannah Ferry. Then we will shuttle to the put-in for a 2-3 hour paddle that will cover almost 6 miles of beautiful, mostly protected shorelines. The paddle will end back at Hannah Ferry just before the South Yadkin River meets the Yadkin River State Trail.
Registration for this event is FREE! Please sign up below!
https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/events/2025/10/18/great-trails-state-day-paddle

Chimney Rock Village Boulders Work Day
2025-10-18 09:00 - 14:00
Meet at the back of the Public Parking lot at the “Village Boulders Trail” kiosk. Volunteers need to follow all road closure rules around Chimney Rock and enter the town from the Lake Lure side. There are still several road closures between Bat Cave & Chimney Rock.
Join the CCC for a trail workday at the Chimney Rock Village Boulders Trail in celebration of Great Trails State Day 2025!
Our focus for this workday will be building steps near the current end of the trail, preparing for upcoming access improvements to the Ghost Town area. While this trail is currently known as the Village Boulders Trail, it will eventually serve as the main access point for Ghost Town and a segment of the future Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail.
What to Expect:

A ⅓–½ mile uphill hike to the worksite
Tools and PPE provided
Bring your own food, water, and any personal items you’ll need for a day outdoors
A great opportunity to learn about and contribute to ongoing access and conservation work in the Hickory Nut Gorge area

Pottery Pinecone Hunt
2025-10-18 09:00 - 17:00
On Saturday, October 18, in honor of Great Trails State Day, we’ve partnered with Seagrove Potter Crystal King to create 30 limited-edition pottery pinecones – and they’ll be hidden along select trails for you to discover. It’s the scavenger hunt you’ve been waiting for!
How the Hunt Works

On October 18, 2025, 30 pottery pinecones will be hidden on select Moore County trails.
By 9:00am on October 18, we’ll reveal which trails are part of the pottery pinecone hunt, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Rules

Please keep just ONE pottery pinecone, per household, per campaign.
Register your find using the Pinecone Registration Form below to be entered to win the grand prize. Only one registration per finder is permitted.
While people of all ages are welcome to join the hunt, only registered finders 21 or older are eligible to win the Grand Prize.
Stay on the trails, be respectful of animals and plant life, and practice Leave No Trace Principles.

Notes:

Pinecones will never be hidden more than roughly 3 feet off any trails but may be hidden up to 3-4 feet high.
Pinecones will never be hidden on private property.

Pottery Pinecones
2025-10-18 09:00 - 18:00
Pottery Pinecones

Register Your Pinecone

View Found Pinecones

The best county-wide scavenger hunt returns for one day only!
Celebrate Great Trails State Day: October 18, 2025

This fall, art and adventure come together on the trails of Moore County! On Saturday, October 18, in honor of Great Trails State Day, we’ve partnered with Seagrove Potter Crystal King to create 30 limited-edition pottery pinecones – and they’ll be hidden along select trails for you to discover. It’s the scavenger hunt you’ve been waiting for!
Each hand-crafted pinecone is finished with a brilliant dark blue glaze, called Moonlit Carolina, a new design following last year’s orange-and-green edition. Every piece will be stamped, numbered, and authenticated by King, making them rare and highly collectible.
At 9:00am on Saturday, October 18, we’ll reveal which trails are part of the pottery pinecone hunt, so stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages!
If you’re lucky enough to find a pottery pinecone, please register it online to be entered into a drawing for the grand prize:

$250 gift certificate for Crystal King Pottery in Seagrove

Since there are a very limited number of pottery pinecones, we ask participants to keep only ONE if they find multiple. Please leave any additional pinecones on the trail for others to find. Happy hunting and enjoy the trails!

How the Hunt Works

On October 18, 2025, 30 pottery pinecones will be hidden on select Moore County trails.
By 9:00am on October 18, we’ll reveal which trails are part of the pottery pinecone hunt, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Rules

Please keep just ONE pottery pinecone, per household, per campaign.
Register your find using the Pinecone Registration Form below to be entered to win the grand prize. Only one registration per finder is permitted.
While people of all ages are welcome to join the hunt, only registered finders 21 or older are eligible to win the Grand Prize.
Stay on the trails, be respectful of animals and plant life, and practice Leave No Trace Principles.

Notes:

Pinecones will never be hidden more than roughly 3 feet off any trails but may be hidden up to 3-4 feet high.
Pinecones will never be hidden on private property.

Did you find a pottery pinecone?
Congratulations!
Finding one of our pottery pinecones is a special experience and we’d love to celebrate with you! Complete the Pinecone Registration Form below to be entered for a chance to win our grand prize.
Grand Prize:

$250 gift certificate for Crystal King Pottery in Seagrove

Note: While people of all ages are invited to join the hunt, the Grand Prize winner must be 21 or older.

Register Your Pinecone

Why Great Trails State Day Matters

In 2023, the North Carolina legislature officially designated the third Saturday in October as Great Trails State Day. The celebration shines a light on the state’s expansive trail network, which provides free recreation, safe transportation alternatives, and supports North Carolina’s $16.2 billion outdoor recreation economy.
Pinecone Pathways
The pottery pinecone hunt is a fall companion to the CVB’s popular Pinecone Pathways Program, launched in 2023. Each spring, in partnership with Starworks glassmakers, the CVB hides 100 colorful glass pinecones on Moore County trails for visitors to discover between the first day of spring and Earth Day.
About Crystal King Pottery
Crystal King was born and raised within the rich pottery heritage of Seagrove, North Carolina. She is the daughter of renowned potters Terry and Anna King and is recognized by folk art collectors all over the country. Crystal is a vital figure in Southern folk art pottery, with her highly sought-after works featured in numerous museums and private collections.
Crystal King Pottery, 2475 NC-705, Seagrove, NC 27341

Fall Hike on Lower Haw
2025-10-18 10:00 - 11:00
Fall Hike at the Haw River in Chatham County with your families (ages 7+). During our time, we will explore using all of our senses with a special sensory scavenger hunt. Participants will enjoy taking in all that the season brings, even beyond the beautiful colors! We’ll be celebrating the Great Trails State Day by getting outside in the beautiful Lower Haw River State Natural Area at the Bynum Mill Access. Our guide will be Friends of Lower Haw board member and environmental educator Emily Behr. Arrive by 10:00am, hike will start at 10:15. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Please sign up in advance using this form: https://forms.gle/sYHWyi2qm7NRMZuA9

Medal Explorer Challenge
2025-10-18 10:00 - 17:00
Davie County Recreation & Parks is hosting a “Medal Explorer Challenge” North Carolinas National State Trails Day. While patrons are out enjoying our beautiful park trails, they will need to keep an eye out for special DCRP logo medals hidden along the way. The challenge isn’t to collect them, just spot them!

Backpacking Along the Haw
2025-10-18 14:00 - 2025-10-19 09:30
Celebrate Great Trails State Day by getting out on the trails and spending the night by the Haw River! This guided trip will begin at The Valley Paddle Access, pass through Glencoe Mill Village, and continue to Sellers Falls Campsites, approx. 5 miles down river. We’ll set up camp, make dinner, and enjoy a night under the stars. The next morning, we will make breakfast, pack up camp, and continue 2 miles down river to Red Slide Park. This is a great opportunity to experience backcountry camping with other people in a safe environment. There will be minimal elevation change so this should provide a good opportunity for hikers of all experience levels. This will also be a great chance to test out new gear before your next big trip!
Our group will stay together at all times. There will be plenty of free time once we arrive at camp to hang out, read, fish, etc.
Previous backpacking experience is not required, but you will be responsible for providing your own gear. Refer to the graphic on the event page of our website for a packing list of items you should/may want to bring.
October 18, 2025
2:00pm – Meet/park at Red Slide Park (103 Elk Street, Haw River, NC 27258)
The gate will be locked when the park is closed at night.
2:15pm – Drive to The Valley Paddle Access
2:30pm – Hike to campsite (5~ miles)
4:30pm – Set up camp, make dinner, enjoy the evening by the fire, etc.
October 19, 2025
7:30am – Make breakfast
8:00am – Pack up camp
8:30am – Hike to Red Slide Park
9:30am – Head home to a hot shower!

Trails & Treats
2025-10-18 15:00 - 17:00
We’re celebrating Great Trails State Day with Trails and Treats! 🎃🍬
On Saturday, October 18th, Pitt County Cultural Arts & Recreation will be hosting a free Halloween-themed event at Alice F. Keene District Park. This family-friendly celebration will be filled with candy, fun activities, and local vendors, all while highlighting the beautiful trails we enjoy here in Pitt County, NC.
Dozens of community vendors will be decorating tables along the trail and handing out candy for children to enjoy. Bring your costumes, your friends, and your sweet tooth, and join us for a fun afternoon on the trail!

The Great Trails State Day ~ Scavenger Hunt
2025-10-18 15:00 - 17:00
ATTENTION: Call your family and friends to join you on the trail!!
White Lake Friends, Inc., along with the newly formed White Lake Recreation Advisory Board, will host the Great Trails State Day ~ Scavenger Hunt
down White Lake Drive
from 3:00- 5:00 on
Saturday, October 18.
Begin at Town Hall, where you will receive your Great Trails State Day booklet.
At each of the ten stations, you will learn interesting facts about our trails here at the lake, about the flora and fauna of our unique Carolina bay, and there will be a chance for you to draw your favorite White Lake scene on the sidewalk!
All ages are invited. Stroller too!! Get outside and enjoy this beautiful place we call home.

The Pisgah Conservancy's 10th Anniversary Celebration
2025-10-18 15:00 - 18:00
Let’s celebrate 10 years of caring for Pisgah’s trails, rivers, native plants, and wildlife! Join us for a party at Oskar Blues on Saturday, October 18th from 3 to 6 p.m. We will draw the winner of the 2025 Pisgah Project Bike Raffle at 4 p.m., followed by a special appearance from Smokey Bear.

Glow in the Park 5K
2025-10-18 16:00 - 21:00
Surry Country Parks and Recreation and Surry County Health and Nutrition Center are excited to partner and host the Third Annual Glow in the Park 5K at Fisher River Park on October 18th. This will be a glow in the dark 5K where the trails at Fisher River Park will be lit up with blacklights, glow paint and glow balloons. Participants will have the opportunity to deck themselves out in glow in the dark paint and glow sticks for the race. This will be an evening of fun so bring the whole family out to run or walk. Prior to the race there will be inflatable games, hayrides, pumpkin carving, and many more fun activities available for everyone.
There will be a FREE concert from 7:00pm-9:00pm at the amphitheater. You must register by October 2nd to ensure that you will receive your glow in the dark t-shirt. If you register after October 2nd, you WILL NOT receive a t-shirt. This will be an officially timed event with chip timing. After the race there will be free snacks, smores, bonfires, and games. We hope to see you out for an evening of fun at the park!

Spooktackular Glow Kayak Paddle
2025-10-18 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for an unforgettable Halloween night on Mayo Lake! Combine the eerie glow of your Halloween decorations with the peaceful beauty of the lake for a one-of-a-kind experience. Bring your Kayak and Decorate it with your most creative Halloween designs. Then, set out on a 1-2 hour guided tour along the shoreline, showcasing your spooky masterpiece to campers in the park. Meet at the boat docks at 5pm ready to start decorating and ready to launch by 5:45pm. Must provide your own decorations. Preregistration is required.
What to bring:
Halloween decorations (waterproof or battery-operated lights recommended)
For added company during your trip, bring your carved jack-o-lantern to accompany you on the water.

"Spirits of Pittsboro's Past" Walking Tour
2025-10-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-10-19 17:30 - 19:30
Don’t miss the chance to see history come alive before your eyes at the Spirits of Pittsboro’s Past Walking Tour, hosted by the Chatham County Historical Association (CCHA), just in time for Halloween! Take a walk through downtown Pittsboro for an evening filled with local folklore and historical reenactments. The tour blends Chatham’s rich heritage with stories and legends, all presented by costumed interpreters portraying figures from the town’s past.
The journey begins at the historic courthouse and winds through old cemeteries, churches, and hidden corners, with each stop offering a window into the lives of the people and moments that shaped Pittsboro. The tour will take place on the following dates:

Sat, Oct 18, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Sun, Oct 19, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Event Details

Check- in is at 5:15pm, with the tour starting promptly at 5:30pm both days.
Age requirement: 12 years and older only (no pets or strollers).
Weather: Rain or shine (rescheduled only in case of severe weather).
This tour takes place indoors and outdoors, lasting between 90 and 120 minutes.
Bring a flashlight. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.
A liability waiver will be required at check-in.
Limited to 60 participates per evening, split into three small groups for a more personal experience.
Free parking is available behind the new Chatham County Justice Center.
Pets are not allowed; please leave your furry friends at home.
Accessibility: Tour participates will need to be able to navigate stairs, outdoor sidewalks, and grassy areas.

Tickets are $25 for CCHA members and $30 per person for nonmembers. Space is limited. Member-only tickets go on sale Mon, Sep 1, and sales of nonmember tickets will begin Mon, Sep 15 (if there are still tickets available). Tickets are available online only. For tickets and more information, go to www.chathamhistory.org.

Greenway Game Night
2025-10-19 15:00 - 18:00
It’s time to roll the dice, shuffle the cards, and let the games begin! Bring your family and friends out to the Downtown Greenway for an evening of fun for all ages. We’ll have a variety of games to play, including board games, card games, and more.

Register online at https://tinyurl.com/GameNightDG
Drop-ins welcome, space permitting.

Urban Foraging
2025-10-22 17:30 - 18:30
Interested in exploring edible plants in and around Greensboro? Join us on Wednesday, October 22 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm to learn about sustainable foraging techniques! This session will introduce you to the basics of urban foraging, including gathering wild foods, medicinal herbs, fuelwood, and craft materials. It’s a great way to discover how foraging can contribute to both subsistence and income for urban communities. This program will take place at Meeting Place (801 W Smith Street), parking is available at 490 Prescott St.

12th Annual Bear Grass Chicken Mull Festival
2025-10-25 09:00 - 16:00
One of the biggest small town festivals in NC, the Town of Bear Grass population goes from just 89 residents to near 4,000 in a day!
Get there early! Line forms around 9 a.m. and chicken mull will be served WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
Enjoy Live Music, Classic Car Cruise-In, Concessions, Freeze Dried Candy, Petting Zoo, Kids Zone and more!
What is Chicken Mull? Mull also called Muddle, is a southern delicacy. The recipe for Chicken Mull is simple: parboiled chicken, broth, crackers, and eggs with as much black and red pepper as you desire. Many also add a splash of hot sauce. Pair a pot of mull with a sleeve of crackers and dinner is ready. In Bear Grass, Chicken Mull has been the lunch of choice for decades, made over a fire in a large wash pot, stirred with a boat paddle. Enjoy your day visiting various vendors and hiking around the Town of Bear Grass, NC.

Author Event: Kamal Bell
2025-10-25 14:00 - 15:00
Join the Chatham Community Library for an Author Event with Kamal Bell on Sat, Oct 25, 2pm-3pm. Meet author Kamal Bell, founder of Sankofa Farms and a food justice, youth education, and sustainable agriculture advocate. He will be reading from his book, “Akeem Keeps Bees”, a children’s book inspiring young readers to explore agriculture and pollinator conservation.
This FREE, family-friendly event is to open to the public. No registration is required. The event will take place indoors in the Chatham Community Library’s Holmes Family Meeting Room. The Chatham Community Library is ADA-compliant, including wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, common spaces, walkways, and restrooms. The Holmes Family Meeting Room has an automatic door opener. Free parking is available outside the library. Pets are not allowed- please leave your furry friends at home.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Chatham Community Library and supported in part by the North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any Views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of North Carolina Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
This event is part of our Chatham Celebrates America 250 initiative.

Downtown Greenway Community Picnic
2025-10-26 16:00 - 18:00
The 3rd Annual Downtown Greenway Community Picnic is set for Sunday, October 26 from 4-6 pm in Woven Works Park.

Join us for a beautiful fall afternoon, as residents and guests are invited to gather together in a scenic outdoor setting along the Downtown Greenway for some good food, good music, and good conversation!

Tickets will go on sale in September, where you can pre-order a meal from one of two local restaurants. (check back for details later this summer)

Bring your friends and family out to enjoy some time outside, delicious food, live entertainment, and community connections.

G5 Fall Trail Weekend
2025-10-31 16:00 - 2025-11-02 12:00
Join the G5 and Camp Grier crews for a weekend of Halloween fun, trail work of all levels, good feels, bike demos & shuttle laps, hiking, running, and giving back to the trails that help sustain and grow our awesome Old Fort community.
Free camping and lodging at Camp Grier for all volunteers. Friday is a time for casual hang out at camp for those who want to arrive Friday night. Saturday morning will start with check-in and welcome at 9am. We’ll divide into different crews and work on the Old Fort trails until 2pm. Bring your own coffee mugs, as we’ll have hot coffee provided by Dynamite Roasting Co at check-in.
Saturday afternoon will be filled with a Vendor Village, free Kitsuma shuttles with Mountain Top Shuttle (bring your own bike), Altra shoe demo and group run with Mountain Running Company, and other activities at Camp Grier. At 5:30pm we’ll have a volunteer appreciation taco dinner provided by Camp Grier’s kitchen team and beverages from Hillman Beer, Sabor Del Sol, and Devil’s Foot Beverage Company. The G5 team will share community and trail updates, honor volunteers and giveaway sweet prizes from our sponsors like: Fox Factory, Industry Nine, Indigo Retreat, onX Maps, National Forest Foundation, and more. The evening will be filled with campfires and time to hang out with the trail community.
We’ll close out the weekend with some Sunday morning trail work. Everyone who joins us for Sunday’s work day will receive exclusive G5 swag as a thank-you for sticking around and helping us increase our volunteer hours!

Forest Bathing at Blackwood Farm Park
2025-11-08 09:00 - 12:00
Forest Bathing at Blackwood Farm Park
More than just a meander through the woods, forest bathing is a
way of immersing yourself in the total atmosphere of the forest.
Forest bathing provides opportunities to experience nature with all
of your senses by taking time to pause, breathe deeply and simply
notice what surrounds you.
Cost: $40. Register here.
