NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Trading Path Program
2025-11-08 10:00 - 11:30 UTC
Join an education specialist from NC State Parks for an introduction to Trading Paths in North Carolina during National American Indian Heritage Month. Learn about historical trading paths and Native American culture. Introductory mapping activities include past and current Tribes of North Carolina and routes of Trading Paths. Afterwards, we’ll hike some of the roads and paths around Bynum Mill Access to read the landscape. Closed-toe shoes required. This program is free and open to the general public and educators. All ages are welcome, but parents must accompany children. Our program leader is Brian Bockhahn, Regional Education Specialist with NC State Parks.

Nature Journaling
2025-11-08 10:00 - 12:00
Pick up your preferred writing utensil and grab your journal, we’re taking it slow and reflecting on the beauty of the nature around us in this program. Use your senses to guide you as you remark on what’s around you. This program encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to the environment reflected onto our pages. Join us at Meeting Place at the Tradition Cornerstone for this program. Parking is located along Prescott Street.

Speed Friending
2025-11-09 17:00 - 19:00
Want to meet new people, but not sure where to start? Join us for Speed Friending on Sunday, November 9th, as a fun and casual way to grow your social circle!

Register to reserve your spot online at https://tinyurl.com/DGfriending

Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

Choose the age group/time slot that suits you best:

1️⃣ 5:00 pm: ages 50-65+

2️⃣ 5:30 pm: ages 40-55

3️⃣ 6:00 pm: ages 30-45

4️⃣ 6:30 pm: ages 21-35

Thanks to Joymongers Brewing Co. and synerG for their continued support of this initiative!

Where the Stars, Stripes, and Eagles Fly
2025-11-14 09:30 - 10:30
Join CCPRCR’s Where the Stars, Stripes, and Eagles Fly program on Fri, Nov 14, 9:30am-10:15am. As part of Chatham’ American 250 celebration, they will explore some of the symbols associated with our country and the reasons and stories behind them. This class includes story time and a themed craft project. Registration opens Mon, Sep 8, and closes Mon, Nov 3.
This event is held indoors at Chatham Grove Community Center by Chatham County Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (CCPRCR). Registration $7 per person. Ages 3-5 and 6 months are welcome.

Camp Chestnut Ridge Trail Race
2025-11-22 08:45 - 12:00 | 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Rd, Efland, NC 27243, 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Rd, Efland, North Carolina, 27243, United States
The Camp Chestnut Ridge Trail Race will be held on Saturday, November 22, at Camp Chestnut Ridge in Efland. Participants can choose between four-mile and eight-mile races on single-track trails and dirt or gravel roads through hardwood forest. A three-mile virtual race option is also available. The course features rolling hills and water stations—one on the four-mile course and three on the eight-mile course. Headphones are not permitted, but childcare will be provided during the race. Registration closes on November 21. Early registrants receive a race shirt, and proceeds support the camp’s annual fund.

Birds of a Feather Trail Trot
2025-11-27 07:15 - 11:00 | 161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, 161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, United States
The Birds of a Feather Trail Trot at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Participants can choose between a mellow two-mile course (mostly paved and grassy) or a more challenging 5K course with roots, rocks, and hills. Each distance offers both timed and untimed options. After the run, participants can enjoy a slice of pie, a free kids’ treasure race, and an awards ceremony with games and giveaways. The two-mile course covers 2.04 miles with 134 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy, while the 5K course spans approximately 3.38 miles with 217 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderately challenging.

Leftovers Trail Run
2025-11-29 07:30 - 11:00 | 161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, 161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, United States
The Leftovers Trail Run is an eco-friendly 5K and 10K event held two days after Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 29, at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill. Participants receive a vintage race shirt and medal upcycled from previous events. The 5K course is 3.48 miles with 217 feet of elevation gain, while the 10K covers 6.23 miles with 380 feet of elevation gain. After the race, there will be a festive post-event party with food, a kids’ race, and prize drawings. Registration is capped to keep the event small and personal, with a well-marked course, professional timing, and age-group awards.

Into the Woods: Winter 2025–26 Trail Training Program
2025-11-30 08:00 - 2026-01-25 17:00 | Carrboro, NC 27510 US, Carrboro, NC, 27510, United States
The Into the Woods Winter Trail Training Program is an eight-week course designed to prepare runners for the Occoneechee Mountain Challenge. An informational session will be held on November 20, and the program runs from November 30, 2025, through January 25, 2026. Participants meet every Sunday morning at trailheads around Carrboro and Chapel Hill to learn trail-running techniques and build endurance. The program welcomes beginners and includes hiking groups. Registration costs $110.
Program Details:

Information Session & Gear Up Night: November 20th at Fleet Feet Durham Southpoint
Program Starts: November 30th, Carolina North Forest
Program Ends: January 25th, 2026 with the Occoneechee Mountain Challenge
We’ll explore local trails at Carolina North Forest, Eno River State Park, Umstead State Park, Wilson Park, Briar Chapel, and more
Runs are every Sundays at 8 am. These will be held at various trails around the triangle that will help expand your knowledge and comfort level of running in the area
We’ll have options for beginners and more seasoned trail runners, and we have a hiking group. Your training plan can help accommodate any level.
This is a very beginner friendly trail season! For any questions or concerns about your eligibility please email liz.goodman@fleetfeet.com.
Cost: $110 and we will share a discount code to register for the race!

Shakori 40 Running Festival
2025-12-05 08:00 - 2025-12-06 17:00 | Shakori Hills Community Art Center, 1439 Henderson Tanyard Rd, Pittsboro, NC, 27312, United States
The Shakori 40 Running Festival will take place on December 5 and 6 at the Shakori Hills Community Art Center in Pittsboro. The two-day celebration includes a 40-mile ultramarathon, a 40K open race, a 40-mile age-graded team relay (for up to 10 runners), and a four-mile open race. The cross-country course winds through the scenic Shakori Hills and combines competition with a festival atmosphere featuring camping, bonfires, craft beer, live music, and camaraderie. Registration closes on December 3, 2025.

Chatham Celebrates America 250: Cumulative Celebration
2026-06-27 10:00 - 14:00
July 4, 2026, marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Join Chatham Celebrates America 250 in recognizing the Semi quincentennial during our Cumulative Celebration on Sat, Jun 27, 2026, 10am-2pm. Admission is free. Together, we’ll remember the events that have shaped our history, reflect on the present, and envision a promising future for the next generation.
Festivities will include live music and performances, food trucks, vendors, displays and demonstrations, activities for children, and much more. If you are interested in participating, volunteering or getting involved in other ways, please contact Lindsay Ray at lindsay.ray@chathamcountync.gov or 919-545-8302.
This free, family-friendly event takes place indoors at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center (CCACC). Shuttle services will be provided by Chatham Transit. CCACC is an ADA-compliant space, featuring wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, shared spaces, and walkways. Since most of the festivities will take place indoors, this event will not be pet friendly. Please leave your furry friends at home. Service animals are welcome.
See more America 250 events. Learn more on the Chatham Celebrates America 250 Microsite. See more events at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center.
