NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Creek Week Hike: Pegg Tract to Miles Branch
2025-03-30 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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!

Triangle Trails Initiative 2nd Annual Trail Activation Event
2025-03-15 10:00 - 14:00 | 2139 Old Reedy Creek Rd. Cary, NC 27513, 2139 Old Reedy Creek Rd, Cary, NC, 27513, United States
Triangle Trails Initiative will be hosting their 2nd annual trail activation event at 286 Lake Crabtree. Come join us on Saturday March 15th from 10am – 2pm to enjoy the beautiful trails. There will be food trucks, vendors, and more. We are excited and look forward to seeing you there!

March Events with Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
2025-03-09 - 2025-03-26 | NC
We’ve got several events and workdays on the schedule in the coming weeks. Take a look at the website to learn more and sign up!
https://www.foothillsconservancy.org/communityevents

Winter Birding Hike
2025-01-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, 27016, 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 if you have your own please bring them with you. To sign up for the program please email Jonathan.buie@ncparks.gov.
Sat, Jan 25 2025, 9 – 11am
Shelter 42792 Hanging Rock Park RoadDanburyNC 27016

Jockey’s Ridge State Park Winter Star Party
2025-01-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Jockey’s Ridge State Park, 300 W Carolista Dr., NC, 27959, 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 and bring your own equipment if you like. Beginners are encouraged to participate to learn more about the night sky and how to choose the right telescope. Come celebrate the wonders of the universe with friends and family at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
Sat, Jan 18 2025, 6 – 9pm

Junior Ranger Hike
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, 27016, 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 to bring water, good shoes for hiking, and weather-appropriate clothing. Registration is required – please email Jackson.perry@ncparks.gov.

Sat, Jan 18 2025, 1 – 3pm
Lake Bathhouse2847 Hanging Rock Park RoadDanburyNC 27016

Hike to Wolf Rock
2025-01-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, 27016, 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 in the lake parking lot. Please email jackson.perry@ncparks.gov to register for the hike.
Thu, Jan 16 2025, 11am – 1pm
Shelter 42792 Hanging Rock Park RoadDanburyNC 27016

First Day Hike: Paint Hill Tract
2025-01-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC, 28388, 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 brevifolia, also spelled as Pyxie-moss or called littleaf pixiemoss) that blooms in winter.
Come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Meet at the parking area at the Stoneyfield Drive access.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 3 – 4pm
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve – Paint Hill TractStoneyfield DriveSouthern PinesNC 28387

First Day Hikes at Eno River
2025-01-01 14:00 - 16:30 | Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter, 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC, 27705, 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 Ford Access parking loop.
Please arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for parking and walking to the picnic shelter. When you arrive, please follow any parking directions given by park staff or volunteers.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 – 4:30pm
Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter 6101 Cole Mill Road Durham, NC 27705

First Day Outdoors at the Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail
2025-01-01 14:00 - 16:00 | NC
Start the New Year with Nature!
Join Palmer McIntyre from Piedmont Land Conservancy on January 1st, 2025, for a refreshing start to the year with a guided hike on the beautiful Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail in Winston-Salem.
This easy-to-moderate 1.75-mile hike offers a chance to enjoy the serenity of the outdoors on mostly smooth, natural-surface trails with gradual climbs.
We’ll meet at the Dr. CB Hauser Trailhead near Paisley at 949 Gillete Street, Winston-Salem, and hike the trail and one of the scenic trail loops. The hike will take approximately 2 hours, providing plenty of time to pause, reflect, and enjoy the surroundings.
This event is free and open to the public, but spaces are limited to 20 participants, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot!
Start the year off exploring nature with us!

First Day Hikes at Fort Macon State Park
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:30 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Rd., NC, 28512, 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 nature and bird hike on the Yarrow’s Loop Trail and the inlet beach, covering 0.75 mile.
The longer hike at 3 p.m. will also be a nature and bird hike, but on the 3.2-mile Elliot Coues Trail.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle and bug spray.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 – 3:30pm
Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

First Day Hike at Rendezvous Mountain State Park
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Rendezvous Mountain State Park, 1956 Rendezvous Mountain Rd, Purlear, NC, 28665, 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 Park 1956 Rendezvous Mountain Rd Purlear, NC 28665

Fort Fisher First Day Walk
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC, 28449, 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 soft sand and possible mud.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 – 3pm
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area 1000 Loggerhead Road Kure Beach, NC 28449

First Day Hike – Raymond Fisher Pond
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, NC, 28774, 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

First Day Outdoors at Haw River State Park - Great Blue Heron Loop Trail
2025-01-01 13:00 - 17:00 | NC
Kick Off 2025 in the Great Outdoors!
Join Dr. Ken Bridle from Piedmont Land Conservancy on January 1st, 2025, for an inspiring hike along the Great Blue Heron Loop Trail at Haw River State Park, just north of Greensboro.
This 3.75-mile trek is perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature in the new year. The trail winds through serene woodlands, offering smooth, natural surfaces and gentle climbs. Along the way, Dr. Bridle will share his deep knowledge of the natural world, highlighting unique features and points of interest.
We’ll begin at the Iron Ore Belt Access located at 6068 N Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27455, and follow the scenic loop. The hike is expected to take around 4 hours, giving plenty of time to explore, ask questions, and soak in the surroundings.
This free event is open to everyone, but space is limited to 20 participants—reserve your spot early to ensure you don’t miss out!
Step into the new year with curiosity, learning, and a deeper connection to nature. We hope to see you on the trail!

MTA First Day Hike - Point Lookout Trail in Old Fort
2025-01-01 13:00 - 16:00 | NC
Join the MTA on a 5-mile hike to Point Lookout on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

The Old Fort Trailhead is located at the end of Old Highway 70 about 3 miles west of Old Fort.Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QwLRy8EpVDm6k6Fa9

Old Fort and surrounding areas are recovering from Hurricane Helene. The Point Lookout Trail is open, but you will see areas that were affected by the storm. Hikers are expected to stay on the paved trail.

We hope you will join us for this First Day Hike.

Questions, contact the MTA at mtatrails@gmail.com

First Day Hike: To The Tower!
2025-01-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Moore’s Wall Trail, 1280 Campground Rd., Danbury, NC, 27016, United States
Join Ranger Fields on this moderate to challenging hike to the old fire tower on top of the mountain. This is the highest point of the park, and quite possibly the “best view” of the surrounding area that Hanging Rock State Park provides. Please dress for the weather, and anticipating shedding layers as the hike continues. Bring water/snacks and hiking sticks are recommended. You must sign up for this program by emailing jacob.fields@ncparks.gov

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 1 – 4pm
Moore’s Wall Trail 1280 Campground Rd. Danbury, NC 27016

First Day Hike: Point Lookout Trail
2025-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 | NC
Join McDowell Trails Association on a 5-mile round trip hike to Point Lookout. The trail is paved and features a great view from Point Lookout. This hike is through an areas that was affected by Hurricane Helene. Wear comfortable shoes, layers for the weather, water and an optional snack.

First Day Hike at Lake James State Park
2025-01-01 13:00 - 14:30 | Catawba River Office Breezeway, 2785 NC Hwy 126, Nebo, NC, 28761, United States
Put your best foot forward in 2025! Join Ranger Hughes for a nature walk along the Fox Den Loop Trail for Lake James State Park’s first guided hike of the year. We’ll also have free hot chocolate as a treat after the hike!

Meet in the Catawba River Area (McDowell County side) office breezeway at the day-use parking lot. This hike is 2.25 miles long and considered moderate.

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 1 – 2:30pm
Catawba River Office Breezeway 2785 NC Hwy 126 Nebo, NC 28761

First Day Hike: Weymouth Tract
2025-01-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC, 28388, United States
Start the year off right by getting outside for a First Day Hike! For this hike at the Weymouth Tract, we will hike an easy 2 miles to see the different habitats within the longleaf pine forest.
Come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Meet at the visitor center.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 1 – 2pm
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve – Visitor Center1024 Fort Bragg RoadSouthern PinesNC 28387

First Day Trek Together (Stroll & Roll)
2025-01-01 11:00 - 12:30 | NC
Burlington Recreation and Parks hosts Trek Together hikes – perfect for families with kids of all ages. These child-paced hikes encourage exploration and fun on the trail and no one gets left behind!
Our First Day Trek Together is a stroll & roll through Burlington City Park. Meet your guide and the group in front of the Carousel House. The trek will follow sidewalks, and paved and gravel paths around the park and are wheel-friendly (stroller, wagon, etc). Expect 1-1.5 hours on your feet and 1-2 miles of walking. After the walk, feel free to explore the inclusive playground on your own.
Preregistration is required at www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Outdoors#TT! Registered participants will get an email a day before Trek with additional information and reminders.

First Day Hike (Salmon Creek State Natural Area)
2025-01-01 11:00 - 12:30 | Bertie Beach, 243 Bal Gra Road, Merry Hill, NC, 27957, United States
Join park ranger Katie Sanford for a leisurely, approximately 2-mile hike at Bertie Beach. This county-owned property adjoins Salmon Creek State Natural Area in Merry Hill, NC. Learn about local plants and wildlife, as well as some of the history of the area. Dress for the weather, and wear your walking shoes!
This hike is planned in partnership with Bertie County Parks and Recreation.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 11am – 12:30pm
Bertie Beach 243 Bal Gra Road Merry Hill, NC 27957

First Day Hike and Polar Plunge
2025-01-01 10:30 - 12:30 | NC
EVTA will host a First Day Hike from Elkin Recreation Center, 399 NC 268 W, Elkin, NC 28621 to Crater Park, 310 Standard Street, at 10:30 am for an inaugural “ Polar Plunge” in the Yadkin River taking place at 11:30 at Crater Park. Hikers are welcome to take the plunge or to cheer on the brave participants or non-hiking participants can meet at Crater Park at 11:15 for the safety talk from Elkin Rescue Squad before taking the plunge. Hot chocolate and coffee will await the brave participants and spectators! Hope to see you there.

First Day Hike A Dash More 2025
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | NC
Join us for a a first day hike on the Fuquay-Varina Park Depot Greenway. We will hike from the trailhead parking area on NC55 to South Lake and return, and pickup any trash we might come along. Bagels and Hot Chocolate while it lasts!

First Day Hike at Carolina Beach State Park
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road, North Carolina, 28428, US
Join a Park Ranger to hike the Sugarloaf Trail at the Marina for a two mile round trip hike to Sugarloaf Dune. Lace up your shoes, bring water and start your new year off right. Hike will begin at 10:00am. Start with the group and stay with the group or find your own path!

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10am – 12pm
Carolina Beach State Park 1020 State Park Road Carolina Beach, NC 28428

First Day Hike at Morrow Mountain State Park
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrow Mountain State Park, 49104 Morrow Mountain Rd, North Carolina, 28001, US
Come out to Morrow Mountain State Park on New Year’s Day to get your wellness goals started off on the right foot.
Join a park ranger for a guided hike on the 3.3-mile moderate to strenuous Sugarloaf Mountain trail. Sugarloaf’s 850-foot summit is a fitting destination with expansive views stretching across the Uwharrie Mountains, Lake Tillery, and beyond.
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather including sturdy hiking shoes and bring water to drink. The trailhead is located at the Bridle trail parking area, which is the second driveway on the right after entering the state park gate.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10am – 12pm
Morrow Mountain State Park 49104 Morrow Mountain Road Albemarle, NC 28001

First Day Hike: Animal Superpowers In Winter
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Haw River State Park – Iron Ore Belt Access, 6068 N. Church Street, NC, 27455, US
Join us at the Iron Ore Belt Access of Haw River State Park for a leisurely walk with a North Carolina State Parks Education Specialist as part of the First Day Hike initiative. Learn all about animal winter adaptations on this route, approximately 2 miles in length along even, natural terrain. Please dress for the weather (in layers), wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring bottled water/snacks as needed.

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10am – 12pm
Haw River State Park – Iron Ore Belt Access 6068 N. Church St. Greensboro, NC 27455
