NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

29th annual Carolina Stampede Music Fest
2025-09-26 17:30 - 2025-09-27 22:00 UTC
Williamston Downtown, Inc. proudly presents the 29th annual Carolina Stampede Music Fest — a high-energy Main Street celebration uniting thousands of music lovers from across North Carolina and beyond. Held in the heart of downtown Williamston, the Stampede is a vibrant, family-friendly weekend of, live diverse musical performances, craft and novelty vendors and delicious food trucks. And while you enjoy music over the weekend, you might enjoy the Skewarkee Rail Trail, which seamlessly connects to the Roanoke River Boardwalk, and offers a scenic route through lush landscapes and along the tranquil waters of the Roanoke River. The trail’s greenway runs through downtown Williamston, giving visitors access to shops, restaurants, and more. The new boardwalk expansion between Moratoc Park and NC Wildlife Boat Ramp in Williamston completes the walking loop connecting the park and Skewarkee Rail Trail.

Forest Bathing at Blackwood Farm Park
2025-09-27 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.

Max Patch Workday - National Public Lands Day
2025-09-27 09:00 - 14:00
Max Patch Workday – National Public Lands Day
📅 Saturday, September 28, 2024
📍 Max Patch, Pisgah National Forest
Join Carolina Mountain Club for a special workday at Max Patch in celebration of National Public Lands Day! This is your chance to help care for one of Western North Carolina’s most iconic balds while enjoying a day of community, stewardship, and mountain views.
Schedule

8:00 AM – Sign-in at Canton Ingles and carpool to site
9:00 AM – Sign-in at Max Patch
9:30 AM – Event kick-off
2:30 PM – Afterparty at BearWaters Brewing (Canton) 🎉

What to Bring & Wear

Long pants, sturdy shoes, eye protection, and work gloves
Water, snacks, and lunch
Tools and hardhats are provided

Perks

Celebrate with friends at the afterparty 🍻
Enter to win raffle prizes!

👉 Sign up here: carolinamtnclub.org/eventform.cfm?eventid=31
Let’s give back to the trails and lands that give us so much. See you at Max Patch!

16th Annual Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party
2025-09-27 16:00 - 19:00
Let’s party! We’ll be hosting the 16th Annual Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party – our biggest event of the year!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 27 from 4-7 pm to walk or run the 5K or 1-Mile, and enjoy a free community block party for all.

Register Now: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/120664/23?curm=9&cury=2025

Orange County Trails Plan Community Workshops
2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00
Orange County Trails Plan Community Workshops
What?
Two open house style workshops designed
to gather community feedback on the draft Orange County Trails Plan.
When & Where?
Join us for the event that works best with your schedule. You may come and go at any time during the workshop hours.
Wednesday, September 24 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Orange County Solid Waste Center
1207 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Sunday, September 28 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center 1020 US-70, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Who?
If you utilize any Orange County trails, greenways, parks, open spaces, or community spaces, we would love to hear from you!
Register at Orange County Trails Plan Workshop Registration. For more information visit orangecountync.gov/TrailsPlan

Step-A-Way
2025-09-28 15:00 - 17:00
Grab your boots and fans and join us and the Double B Steppas Sunday, September 28th from 3-5 pm to learn new line dances at Freedom Cornerstone.

Pre-register now at: https://tinyurl.com/DGLineDance

Parking is available at 750 Plott Street

First Friday Storytime
2025-10-03 10:00 - 10:30
Come out for First Friday Storytime on the Downtown Greenway, happening at 10 am on the first Friday of each month (April through October) at Woven Works Park! Young children will enjoy engaging books, playful movement, and cheerful songs with a member of the Youth Librarians team from Greensboro Public Library. The first 15 families can receive a free book courtesy of Ready for School, Ready for Life and The Basics Guilford.

SPCA on the Greenway
2025-10-04 09:00 - 11:00
Spend your morning in the best way possible – by walking with some adorable pups from the SPCA of the Triad! Join us Saturday, October 4 from 9 – 11 am at Freedom Conerstone for a fun walk along the Downtown Greenway, where you’ll have the chance to walk and socialize with adoptable dogs in need of some exercise and love.

Pre-registration is required, to help plan how many dogs to bring on their field trip! Sign-up now https://tinyurl.com/DGspcawalks

The SPCA is a dedicated local animal rescue non-profit, committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for abused, neglected, and injured animals. Come out, get some fresh air, and help these amazing dogs burn off energy in a wonderful way!

Sunset Forest Bathing at Blackwood Farm Park
2025-10-04 17:00 - 19:00

Pumpkin Paint Party
2025-10-05 13:00 - 15:00
Get creative this fall at our Pumpkin Paint Party! All ages are invited decorate a pumpkin masterpiece to take home – while sipping on warm apple cider or hot chocolate, and enjoying sweet cookies! It’s a festive, fun-filled way to celebrate the season with family and friends.

Sign up now https://tinyurl.com/DGPaintParty

Creepy Creations
2025-10-07 17:30 - 18:30
It’s time to upcycle for Hallowe’en! Join us to create spooky DIY crafts made from non-recyclable materials, all created with love and sustainability in mind. Transform trash into treasure, and walk away with some ghostly decorations for the season! Special thanks to our partners with Solid Waste & Recycling for this creepy collaboration!
Register online at https://tinyurl.com/DGCreepyCrafts
Drop-ins welcome, as space allows!

Goldston Old Fashion Day
2025-10-11 09:00 - 16:00
The 38th Annual Goldston Old Fashion Day is on Sat, Oct 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This one-day street festival, sponsored by the Goldston Lions Club, features local arts, crafts, pottery, jewelry, live music, food vendors, and a petting zoo. There will also be a display of classic cars and tractors. The food court is located in the same area and features a covered seating area.
Main Street will be closed to traffic from United Fire and Safety to the old BB&T Bank. The old parking lot will feature classic cars and trucks. C-Cape will also be on hand, displaying their unique power equipment — including tractors, engines, and more.
Limited seating is available, so bringing a lawn chair is recommended.
Be sure to stop by the Chatham County Historical Association (CCHA) tent to share your stories and memories of the Goldston area. Goldston is over 100 years old and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. CCHA needs your stories of Goldston’s past to help bring their collection to life.
This event is part of the countdown to Chatham Celebrates America 250.

3rd Annual Downtown Greenway Community Picnic
2025-10-13 16:00 - 18:00
The 3rd Annual Downtown Greenway Community Picnic is back! On Sunday, October 13 from 4-6 pm at Woven Works Park, bring your friends and family out to enjoy some fresh air, delicious food, live entertainment, and community connections. Tickets will be available to pre-order meals from local restaurants, or reserve seats and pack your own picnic! Register Today!

Geocaching 101
2025-10-14 17:30 - 18:30
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!
