NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Walk Audit for the Town of Sparta
2025-05-13 12:30 - 14:30 UTC
ASTA is pleased to co-host and participate with the NC Cooperative Extension Service and other community organizations to conduct a community walk audit in the Town of Sparta. Come join us as we perform a second walk audit with local citizens, business entities, community organizations and other persons that have an interest in promoting and improving walkability around the Town of Sparta. We will have several teams walking different routes in town to businesses, shopping, schools, churches, medical facilities, library, town parks, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues in town. The walk audit will help highlight parts of the community that need improvements to make it safer and easier for everyone to walk, bike and be active.
Our focus is to promote and improve the safety and ability to walk and bike in and around town. Walking is a great way to improve the overall health and well being of our citizens and connect with our neighbors. Help us to conduct this study and document ways to improve the ability to walk and bike around the Town of Sparta. You can help us understand the needs of the community and find the best solutions. Let’s see if we can find ways to safely walk and ride around town and let the cars take a break!
If you have additional questions, you may contact Carmen Long at the extension office at 336-372-5597 or email: carmen_long@ncsu.edu. You may also respond directly to Carmen to register your attendance.
DIRECTIONS: All teams will meet at the NC Cooperative Extension Service at 90 South Main Street, Sparta, NC. We will meet in the 2nd floor conference room for a short orientation before the walk. The walks should begin around 12:45 pm. A follow up discussion will be held at the conclusion of the walks.
Google Maps – NC Extension Service
Walk Teams: We will have several teams that will be walking different routes in and around town. Groups will be arranged so there are a variety of interests and fitness level in each group. Safety vests will be provided to each participant for use during the walk as there will be areas where you may potentially be in or beside a street. A short orientation session will be held for the participants prior to the start of the walks. Sparta Police will be available to ensure safety in designated areas where there are no current sidewalks or marked pedestrian crossings.
Audit Forms: Each team member will have a survey form to be completed for your walk loop during the walk. Clipboards and pens will be provided to each participant. The audit forms are the area to note your concerns and comments for the particular walk route you are participating.
Weather: This event is weather dependent. If the weather forecast turns inclement, we will possibly reschedule the event for a different day and time. If weather is questionable, please check back here to the home page before the event to see if conditions have changed, we will try to update the event status on Meetup as timely as practical and send a message via Meetup to attendees.
Other Info: You should bring water, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and season (example: warm gear in cold weather and rain gear for seasonal use is always a good idea). We will be walking in groups with different levels of fitness within the group but will tailor the speed of the walk to ensure all participants remain together for the duration of the walk. Participants are also encouraged to bring their phones to take pictures of any items important to them during the walk. These photos should be forwarded at the conclusion of the walk so we have access to them should they be desired to include in the final report summary.
Terms of Participation: Participation in this event constitutes acceptance of the terms of participation as listed for this group on its homepage. On behalf of yourself and any guest you invite, participation in our events is entirely at your own risk.

Riverbluffs Morning Hike
2025-05-11 10:00 - 11:00 | dan river access, 1258 Flinchum Road, Danbury, NC, 27016, United States
Start your day off with this easy 1.3-mile hike. This loop trail follows alongside the Dan River, past rock formations, a babbling river and beautiful meadows. Hikers can spot running cedar, a variety of mushrooms and wildlife. We will meet at the River Bluff Trailhead parking lot. This program is suitable for all ages. To register for this program please email andra.dalton@ncparks.gov
Photo taken by Andra Dalton.

ASTA Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock via the AT
2025-05-10 10:00 - 15:00
Description and Difficulty: Join ASTA for this beautiful hike from Elk Garden to Whitetop with a side trip to Buzzard Rock via the AT. This is a 7.4-mile loop trail near Troutdale, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4-5 hours to complete. Elevation gain is 1318.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/appalachian-trail-elk-garden-to-buzzard-rock?sh=omqz4x
Weather: This event is weather dependent. If the weather forecast turns inclement, we will possibly reschedule the event for a different day and time. If weather is questionable, please check back here to the home page before the event to see if conditions have changed, we will try to update the event status on Meetup as timely as practical and send a message via Meetup to attendees.
Other Info: You should bring water, hiking sticks if you need them, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and season (example: warm gear in cold weather and rain gear for seasonal rides is always a good idea), a snack if desired (please pack out any trash) and during bug season a good repellant for mosquitos and ticks may be desired. Well-behaved dogs on leash are permitted. ** ASTA is raising money for the rehabilitation of Sam Brown Park and a future Sparta Greenway. We will be selling ASTA T-Shirts and Hats after the hike for those who wish to support us. Cash or check: $20 for t-shirts, $25 for hats.
Terms of Participation: Participation in this event constitutes acceptance of the terms of participation as listed for this group on its homepage. On behalf of yourself and any guest you invite, participation in our events is entirely at your own risk.

Paddle Safety Classes in NC!
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00
We are excited to partner with GetOutdoors for kayaking and paddleboarding safety classes in a variety of locations across the basin.
No experience is necessary, these are all beginner friendly classes, of approximately 2 hours in duration; age 14 yrs and up welcome, all classes are co-ed.
The cost is free, however, if you register, please commit to being there, otherwise it’s taking a valuable spot that someone else would love to have.
This safety class is funded by a grant that DRBA secured to empower and educate our Basin paddlers.
If you do not have a kayak, life jacket, or paddle, we will provide these items for you but you must register as using GetOutdoors Kayaks (Class + Materials)
If you have your own kayak*, it is best to use it so you know how it will perform, and you can register for just the class.
An appropriate kayak* for this event is good-quality, sit inside or sit-on-top 10ft-14ft.
Four participants are required to run the event, with a max of 10 participants.
Locations and Dates:

May 10th: Hanging Rock Lake, 10 am -12:30 pm
June 20th: Lake Reidsville, 4 pm – 6:30 pm
June 23rd: Farmer Lake, Paddleboard, 5 pm – 7 pm
July 12th: Hyco Lake, 10 am -12:30 pm
August 18th: Dan River, Eden, 10 am-2 pm

Urban Foraging
2025-05-07 17:30 - 18:30
Interested in exploring edible plants in and around Greensboro? Join us on Wednesday, May 7 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, and craft materials. This program will take place at Meeting Place, located at the corner of Smith and Prescott Streets.
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Register online at www.tinyurl.com/DGforage. Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

Return to the Mountains of WNC: Trail Workday near Black Mountain
2025-05-05 09:00 - 12:00
Wonder what happens when a hurricane crosses a hiking trail? Grab a mattock and find out on a trail workday by Black Mountain Parks & Rec. A crew of 20 will meet in Black Mountain and drive a short distance to the Christmount Christian Assembly to work on trails damaged by Hurricane Helene. Learn more here.

Wheels on the Greenway
2025-05-03 09:00 - 13:00
The 10th Annual Wheels on the Greenway event is back! This growing Greensboro tradition is a FREE community event that celebrates wheels of all kinds and encourages people of all ages to get out on the Downtown Greenway for a morning of fun! Join the fun on Saturday, May 3, from 9 am to 1 pm at Woven Works Park.
Community partners will be offering interactive and educational festivities including adaptive cycle demos, youth helmet giveaways, bike repair stations, guided rides, skating demos, children’s bike safety rodeo, “bling your bike” stations, face painting, prize drawings, and more!
This event is sure to be fun for the entire family and we welcome wheels of all kinds – bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, skateboards, rollerblades and skates.

Celebrate the Reopening of Hot Springs with a Hike
2025-05-02 09:00 - 2025-05-03 16:00
Hot Springs, NC, was devastated last September by Hurricane Helene, but it’s back! It’s official reopening is May 2-3, with ReBuild Hot Springs’ Town & Trail Festival. The festival includes four hikes on popular trails that have been reopened.
Friday, May 2, 9.a.m – Appalachian Trail: Garenflo Gap into Hot Springs, 7 miles.
Friday, May 2, 2 p.m. – Hike the Big Laurel River, 5.6 miles
Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. — Appalachian Trail: Tanyard Gap into Hot Springs, 5.6 miles
Saturday, May 3, 1 p.m. — Appalachian Trail: Lover’s Leap, 3 miles
All hikes will be lead by Blue Ridge Hiking Co. There is a fee for each hike, which will go directly to the non-profit ReBuild Hot Springs, which is aiding local businesses and residents.

Geochaching 101
2025-04-30 17:30 - 18:30
Geocaching 101Are you passionate about adventure and the great outdoors? Discover a fun new hobby for all ages – Geocaching! Join us on April 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Learn the basics of this exciting modern-day treasure hunt and explore how to find local caches or worldwide!

Program will take place at Woven Works Park (401 Cumberland Street). Parking is available at 401 Cumberland St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/DGgeocache

Drop-ins are welcome space permitting.

Tuesdays at Trailhead
2025-04-29 18:00 - 19:00
Drop-in to participate in free outdoor fitness classes on Tuesday evenings (April 29-June 24) from 6-7 pm on the beautiful Downtown Greenway. Enjoy a different class and instructor each week, courtesy of our partnership with the YMCA of Greensboro.
All ages and fitness abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate!
Text OUTDOOR to 844-765-7664 to receive YMCA outdoor class updates and weather cancellations.

This Trail's For You!
2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00
Come explore the beautiful Stuart and Emma Thomas Trail, a public trail protected by Piedmont Land Conservancy and managed by Crossnore Communities for Children in the heart of Winston-Salem. Two years after the Earth Day Grand Opening in 2023, we want to welcome you back to celebrate this lasting gift to the community and peaceful place to connect with nature.
Arrive before 2:00pm at either the Reynolda Rd or Dr. CB Hauser trailhead and volunteers from Friends of the Thomas Trail, Piedmont Land Conservancy, and Crossnore staff will be there to offer guided walks and share more about this special protected space.
This is a family-friendly event. All are welcome! We can’t wait to share this inspiring trail with you. See you on the trail!

Discovery Hike with iNaturalist (NC Science Festival) at Haw River State Park
2025-04-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Haw River State Park – The Summit Access Courtyard, 339 Conference Center Drive, Browns Summit, NC, 27214, United States
The 2025 NCSciFest theme is “Science: Everyday, Everywhere, Everyone” and we’re excited to celebrate all the important ways science is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives! For environmental educators and natural resource managers, this can mean leaning into modern technology to learn the native landscape, make new species discoveries, identify invasive plants, and contribute to global community science efforts.
On this guided hike through several Haw River habitats, learn how to use the iNaturalist app to discover and identify plants, animals, and more along the trails. This interactive hike is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and expand your knowledge of the local ecosystem as we celebrate science in the outdoors.
Meet in the courtyard outside of the Main Lodge (building closest to flag pole) for this easy hike less than 2 hours / 1.5 miles in length with minor elevation gains as we walk to & from the wetlands. Final route will be determined closer to date. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for a natural-surface travel (packed dirt or gravel) and water/snacks as needed. If you need to download the iNaturalist or SEEK app on your smartphone, there is free wifi in the reception area next to the meeting place. Contact the park with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Pisgah Project Day 2025
2025-04-26 08:00 - 16:00
Pisgah Project Day is Pisgah’s largest volunteer day. Each spring, hundreds of community volunteers join forces with The Pisgah Conservancy, our event sponsors and partners, and the U.S. Forest Service to complete 20+ improvement projects throughout the Pisgah Ranger District in a single day!
Volunteer registration is open through April 21st. This is a family-friendly event. For full event details, to register, and to see all of our sponsors and partners, please visit the event page: https://pisgahconservancy.org/pisgah-project-day/

2025 Panthertown Bioblitz
2025-04-22 15:00 - 2025-05-17 23:30
It’s Friends of Panthertown’s 20th anniversary and to celebrate Friends of Panthertown is hosting Panthertown’s first-ever Bioblitz in the spring of 2025, a month-long event that will focus on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. The primary goal of a Bioblitz is to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in
Panthertown. The last documented list of plants in Panthertown was taken in 2004 by Dan Pattillo and Gary Kaufman. Their list contains rare, unique plants, some of which are only found in two areas of the world. This bioblitz will update, add on, and inform this initial list, giving the U.S. Forest Service, Friends of Panthertown, and the public a fuller understanding of who and what lives in Panthertown.
Friends of Panthertown had a Specialists’ Summit hosted by Southwestern Community College to kick off the Bioblitz on January 23rd, 2025, privately. This allowed hike leaders, specialists, board members, partners, and friends to meet one another, learn about Panthertown, and discuss where and when their hikes will occur. From April 22nd to May 17th, Friends of Panthertown will have two to three weekly hikes, most focusing on different topics.
Each hike will be led by a specialist, ranging from mycologists to geologists and botanists, and each participant will be involved in the data collection of each hike. On May 17th, there will be a celebration at the Village Green in Cashiers to conclude the bioblitz and share collected data.
For more information and to RSVP visit: BioBlitz – Friends of Panthertown

Night Hike at Mayo River State Park
2025-04-19 20:00 - 21:30 | Mayo River State Park – Mayo Mountain Access, 500 Old Mayo Park Road, North Carolina, 27027, US
Come along to Mayo River State Park for a night hike on our Mayo Mountain Trail. This is an easy to intermediate 2-mile loop trail. Please dress accordingly and bring flashlights and water.
Hikers meet at the Mayo Mountain Access Trailhead (500 Old Mayo Park Rd.)
Please note: This event is subject to cancellation due to weather.
Registration is not required.
Photo by MOJE – Night Hike – Photo by C. Peek

Stroller Rollers
2025-04-17 09:00 - 10:30
Calling all caregivers with little ones! Join us monthly on third (April-October) Thursdays with your kids in strollers for a walk and roll along the Downtown Greenway. Meet new people and explore the downtown area as we venture out from LoFi Park. Plan for one to two miles roundtrip, including a stop at family-friendly play spaces along the way.

On-street parking is available nearby, or in the public parking deck at 215 N. Eugene Street.

Yappy Hour
2025-04-16 17:30 - 19:30
It’s time for the pups to party! Come out to Yappy Hour on Wednesday, April 16th from 5:30-7:30 pm at LoFi Park.

Bring your dogs (on-leash) for a fun-filled evening of making new friends, splashing in the waters, and enjoying some treats.

Connect with local community organizations and dog-centric businesses, who will be offering giveaways, information, and services to support your furry friends!

Kayak the Salt Marsh
2025-04-16 09:00 - 12:00
Learn about salt marshes and wildlife while on the water. Basic kayak instruction and safety lessons on shore are followed by a 1.5-mile paddle through the salt marsh in our sit-in cockpit touring kayaks; or bring your own kayak and join us at a discount. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must know how to swim; some kayak experience is recommended.
Field programs are designed to give participants a hands-on experience with North Carolina’s environment, history, and culture. Please note that these programs take place primarily outside. Please review the age and experience requirements before registering. Pre-registration is required by noon the day prior to the program. Register online at ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com. For more information, call 252-504-7758.
North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort

Intro to Permaculture
2025-04-13 13:00 - 14:00
What exactly is permaculture design? Join us to learn more and find ways to easily incorporate basic permaculture principles into your own backyard! Turn your outdoor space into an edible landscape by imitating and intensifying nature’s way – while providing food for your family, friends, and our pollinators!
Pre-registration is encouraged: tinyurl.com/DGintropermaculture. Drop-ins welcome.

Groovin' on the Greenway
2025-04-12 16:00 - 17:00
Get ready to move at Groovin’ on the Greenway! Join us for an afternoon celebrating movement and expression. Watch a captivating performance by Zodwa Dance Co, then join in for a fun Afro-Caribbean line dance lesson!

Register online (tinyurl.com/DGdanceclass) and let’s dance the day away at the Freedom Cornerstone!

Located at the corner of Murrow Blvd. and E. Gate City Blvd.; parking available at 750 Plott Street.

Beginner Birding
2025-04-07 17:30 - 19:00
Interested in what might be soaring above you?

Join the Piedmont Bird Club for a relaxing walk through Morehead Park along the Downtown Greenway to explore the basics of birding. You’ll learn how to identify birds by their colors, sounds, habitats, and more—potentially sparking a new hobby!

Register online at tinyurl.com/DGbirds
Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

Party for the Pine 2025
2025-04-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC, 28388, United States
Join us at the Weymouth Woods Boyd Tract meadow for a FREE festival to celebrate the oldest longleaf pine in the world. Learn about our native habitat, see turpentine demonstrations, play games, and, weather permitting, watch a live prescribed burn demonstration! Food trucks on site.
Park at 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167; www.partyforthepine.org

Public Hike: Ridgeline Trail
2025-04-05 09:00 - 14:00
Join Carolina Thread Trail staff on this advanced hike, which showcases forests and vistas that lie between two of the region’s most notable state parks. This approximately 9-mile hike, largely comprised of the Ridgeline Trail, traverses the undulating terrain of the Crowders and Kings Mountain “monadnock” ridge. Monadnocks are unique geological features comprised of more erosion-resistant rock that rise abruptly above the surrounding landscape. Monadnocks represent most of the steep ridges found in the Carolina piedmont.
This point-to-point hike, while immersing participants in beautiful natural environment, is considered challenging based upon length, duration and terrain. Please be prepared for a hike that will last between 4-5 hours. Once we arrive at Crowders Mountain State Park Visitors Center Pinnacle Trailhead, a shuttle van will transport participants back to Kings Mountain State Park.
To cover the cost of transportation and state park admission, there is a $40 cost for this hike.

Walking Tour
2025-04-05 09:00 - 12:00
Our guided walking tours cover a wealth of information about the Downtown Greenway project, local history, surrounding neighborhoods, public art installations, environmental stewardship, economic impact, and more!

Each tour will travel the 4-mile loop of the Downtown Greenway, and start and finish in LoFi Park (500 N. Eugene Street).

Register online at https://tinyurl.com/DGwalktours Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

First Friday Storytimes
2025-04-04 10:00 - 11:00
Join us every First Friday of the month, from April to October, at 10 am in Woven Works Park for a fun-filled storytime! Bring your little ones to enjoy engaging books and interactive play, all hosted by a local youth librarian.

These storytimes are made possible in partnership with Greensboro Public Library.

We can’t wait to see you at the first storytime!

Parking is available at 401 Cumberland Street

Curious Minds Science Adventures (NC Science Festival)
2025-04-01 - 2025-04-30 | Lumber River State Park – Chalk Banks Access, 26040 Raeford Road, NC, 28396, US
This is a month-long event! Stop by any time during April to participate.
Listen carefully and you may be able to hear the bygone shouts of lumberjacks hauling logs downriver at Lumber River State Park on the Coastal Science Trail. Today, it’s more likely that you’ll see paddlers and boaters floating between its quiet banks. Lined with cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, the river is home a variety of native fish and magnificent birds, like the swallow-tailed kite and prothonotary warbler. Explore an abundance of wildlife and plant life on this National Wild and Scenic River. What will you find when you go?
The NC Science Trail has partnered with the NC State Parks to bring you seven new scavenger hunts this Science Festival season. Explore the wildlife, plants, trees, and outdoor recreation at state parks across the state. All you have to do is download the Goosechase app, enter the “Join Code” (XHUIVI), and start your adventure at the Chalk Banks Access Entry Kiosk. Adventures will “go live” on March 24 and can be completed at any time all month long. Complete at least 7 out of 10 missions and redeem your points at Park Office at the Princess Ann Access for prizes.

Contact Information

Michele Miller Houck

michele@ncsciencetrail.org

Creek Week Hike: Pegg Tract to Miles Branch
2025-03-30 13:00 - 15:00
Due to forecast of thunderstorms and rain on March 16th we are rescheduling this hike to March 30th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Join Friends of Lower Haw River for an easy hike along the beautiful “Pegg Tract” section of the Lower Haw River State Natural Area. Enjoy views of the Bynum Dam and one of the Haw’s tributaries Miles Branch while walking upstream of the Haw River. Meet in the parking lot at US 15-501 by the Haw River. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground. There are no restroom facilities at this location.

Canvas Painting
2025-03-30 13:00
Local artist, Darlene J. McClinton, will be leading a guided canvas painting class on the Downtown Greenway.
Join us at the Morehead Park Trailhead (475 Spring Garden St.) for a fun afternoon of fall-themed creativity, right under Darlene’s own “Bridging The Gap” mural. All supplies will be provided, and participants will be able to take home their own canvas masterpiece!
Pre-registration is required: tinyurl.com/DGpaintclass

Downtown Greenway Run & Walk Club
2025-03-27 18:00 - 19:00
Join us every Thursday evening for a social run or walk along open sections of the Downtown Greenway. The group typically covers 2-4 miles. All ages and fitness abilities welcome.
Visit their Facebook page for updates and weather cancellations.

Volunteer at the Public Orchard
2025-03-23 13:00 - 15:00
Help support the preservation of our public orchard! On Sunday, March 23 from 1-3 pm, the Greensboro Permaculture Guild is hosting a volunteer workday. All are welcome to help get things ready for the season at the orchard – located at Meeting Place, our Tradition Cornerstone on the Downtown Greenway (corner of W Smith St. and Prescott St.)

No experience necessary. Volunteers are needed to help with pruning, weeding, and new plantings. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just looking to get involved, this is a great chance to give back to our green space and contribute to its long-term health. Together, we can ensure this beautiful community resource thrives for years to come!
