NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Bilingual Storytime
2025-07-12 10:00 - 10:30 UTC
Bilingual Storytime- 10AM

Sat, Jul 12 2025, 10 – 10:30am

Join a park naturalist and Friends of Gorges for a fun, bilingual (English & Spanish) story time featuring ‘Plott’s Tales and Trails: Aventuras with Carolina!’ Enjoy a lively reading outdoors while learning about North Carolina’s wildest places.

Soundside Nature Trail Hike
2025-07-14 08:30 - 09:30
Soundside Nature Trail Hike
Mon, Jul 14 2025, 8:30 – 9:15am
Join our environmental educator for a peaceful, one-hour hike along the scenic Soundside Nature Trail. This guided walk offers a chance to explore Jockey’s Ridge’s unique maritime evergreen ecosystem, home to a diverse array of plants and wildlife. Learn to identify native species and discover fascinating facts about the park’s natural history, ecology, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a morning outdoors, this hike provides a great way to connect with the environment and experience the beauty of the Soundside habitat firsthand.
Meeting Location: Soundside Access 330 West Soundside Road / parking Lot
What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes

July Walking Tour - Downtown Greenway
2025-07-19 09:00 - 12:00
Explore the heart of the city with our guided walking tour of the Downtown Greenway on Saturday, July 19 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).

Pre-register now at http://tinyurl.com/DGWalkTours

Drop-ins welcome, as space allows!

Natural Journaling
2025-08-11 17:30 - 19:00
Reflect on the beauty of nature and use your senses to guide you, as you remark on what’s around you for Nature Journaling Monday, August 11th from 5:30 – 7 pm at Meeting Place!
A notebook and other materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies if you’d like!

Parking is located along Prescott Street.
Register online here: https://tinyurl.com/greenwayjournaling

Drop-ins welcome, space permitting.

Downtown Greenway Walking Tour
2025-08-16 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!

Trail Daze of Summer: Looking Glass Rock
2025-08-16 09:00 - 13:00
This event is part of our Trail Daze of Summer Series sponsored by On the Road and Off

Help us make improvements to the climbers access trail
Bring: Work gloves, reusable water bottle/water, lunch/snacks, bug spray, sunscreen
Wear: Sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants/sleeves recommended
Email dcanter@carolinaclimbers.org or dvanbrocklin@carolinaclimbers.org with questions.
This event is part of our Trail Daze of Summer Series sponsored by On the Road and Off.
If you come to any 3 trail days all summer at any location you’ll be entered to win HUGE prizes at the End of Daze Party August 16th to celebrate all our hard trail work at the end of the summer. This party will take place after the Looking Glass trail day.
All are welcome to the End of Daze Party on August 16th, but only those who attend 3 trail days during the summer will be entered into the Black Diamond raffle for HUGE prizes. You can attend any 3 trail days during the summer (not just Trail Daze events) to quliafy for the EPIC Black Diamond raffle. All are welcome to the End of Daze Party August 16th.

When

Cat Gap Loop Trail Workday - Pisgah National Forest
2025-08-16 09:00 - 15:00
Do you like hiking in Pisgah National Forest?

Come join us on August 16th as we continue our work to restore and improve the Cat Gap Loop Trail. It’s a great way to give back, spend a day in the woods, and help take care of a trail that many of us enjoy.
Meet at 9:00 am at Fish Hatchery Parking Lot ( 1401 Fish Hatchery Rd., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768) or at 8:00 am behind Waffle House (798 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806) and caravan to Fish Hatchery.

Stroller Rollers
2025-08-21 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 August 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.

August SPCA on the Greenway
2025-08-23 09:00 - 11:00
Spend your evening in the best way possible – by walking with some adorable pups from the @spca_of_the_triad!
Join us Saturday, August 23 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/Spca-2025
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!

SPCA on the Greenway
2025-08-23 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, August 23 from 9 – 11 am at Freedom Cornerstone 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/Spca-2025

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!

"Going on a Bear Hunt" Family Hike
2025-08-23 09:30 - 11:00
Join the McDowell Trail Association and the Barefoot Baby Foundation for this exciting “bear hunt”! Each child (ages 2-10 recommended) will receive a copy of the Bear Hunt song and a set of binoculars so they can navigate the trail, with all the fun elements from the song. The trail ends at the “Bear Cave”, where each child can pick out a bear to take home, and be sure to watch out for the “real” bear lurking around! Feel free to have fun with this- hunting/safari gear encouraged! Water and a snack will be provided.

RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival celebrating the French Broad River Community in Asheville, NC 8/24
2025-08-24 11:00 - 20:00
Join Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins and Uproar for the inaugural Fly Fishing Festival on August 24th in Asheville, NC. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit MountainTrue & RiverLink.
The festival will take place just weeks from the one-year anniversary of Helene — a highly anticipated milestone for the people and businesses that have worked tirelessly to stand each other back up. Much like a native brook trout chasing a dry fly, together we will RISE to shift the current toward recovery on the river.
What to expect?
*casting and fly-tying competitions
*fly fishing clinics
*kid-friendly programming
*raffles
*shoppable A-frame cabin “takeovers” by outdoor brands
*live music in the Wrong Way Meadow
*food and drinks from Imposter Pizza Co., Chop Shop Butchery, and featured local breweries
*Fish Flash Tattoo Studio (Multiple local tattoo artists will offer river-centric flash designs)
The event is FREE to attend.
ABOUT WRONG WAY RIVER LODGE & CABINS
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is Asheville’s only outdoor-centered hotel, an urban cabin campground on the French Broad River Greenway in West Asheville, NC, opened by two locals and former river guides. Sixteen A-frame cabins built into the landscape give guests a basecamp for Asheville at the intersection of urban and the outdoors. The communal River Lodge anchors the property as a place to eat, drink, gather, and shop. The core mission of Wrong Way is to connect guests with the transformational qualities of the outdoors through comfortable accommodations, convenient access, inspiring experiences, and a little local culture. wrongwaycampground.com
ABOUT UPROAR CONCEPT
The Uproar Concept is a partnership between Nate Jordan and Derek DiLuzio founded on a shared drive to create, reimagine how creative content is crafted, celebrate the great outdoors, build authentic connections, and develop a more sustainable future. The company was founded with a goal of providing exceptional creative deliverables capable of elevating any brand. Uproar believes in working collaboratively with our clients to create disturbances in the market that command attention and achieve results. uproarconcept.com
For questions about the event, please contact: kelsey@dearclivepr.com
RSVP

Hellbender Festival
2025-08-30 08:00 - 22:00
The first-ever North Carolina Hellbender Festival is coming to Downtown Spruce Pine with live music, local art, river science, food trucks, and outdoor adventure—all inspired by the ancient Eastern Hellbender.
Check back soon for updates on schedules, vendors, artists, and more. Follow us on social media for the latest news and announcements.
For real time updates, follow us on Facebook!

Interested in Being a Vendor?
We’re looking for local makers, food trucks, and organizations to be part of the NC Hellbender Festival! If you’d like to join us as a vendor, apply below to be part of this exciting day celebrating our mountain rivers and communities.

Apply

Please fill out the form or email director@discoversprucepine.com. Note that we must receive your logo by July 31st in order to include your logo on any print materials.
Thank you so much for sponsoring the 2025 North Carolina Hellbender Festival!

Become a Sponsor!

Levels & Benefits

River Guardian – $5,000

Mountain Ally – $2,500

Hellbender Friend – $1,000

Downtown Business Sponsor – $250

Custom & In-Kind Sponsorships

Bird ID Walk
2025-09-08 17:30 - 19:00
Interested in what might be soaring above you? Join us Monday, September 8th from 5:30-7 pm with 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 https://tinyurl.com/BirdIDWatch
Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

Rediscover the Unforgettable: Explore Brevard
2025-09-09 10:00 - 2025-09-10 16:00
For the fifth year, Brevard celebrates the art of capturing on canvass the beauty of Western North Carolina with the Brevard Plein Air Festival. Throughout the week of September 8 – 13 downtown and surrounding areas will display both finished works and those in progress, culminating with a four-day juried event. As you take in the art, take time to take in its inspiration, with a hike, a bike ride, a trip down a river.
Join us for three guided hikes, or take advantage of the following resources to plan your own adventure.
Hiking

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. John Rock Hike, 4.7 miles, moderate difficulty. This lollipop loop hike starts and ends from the Fish Hatchery near the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, and includes a break atop the trail’s namesake, a rock outcrop offering stellar views. Learn more and sign up here.
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 4 p.m., Pink Beds Loop, 5 miles, moderate difficulty. A surprisingly flat hike, this trail spends much of its time navigating a rare mountain bog, elevated in the swampy parts by strategically placed boardwalk. Learn more and sign up here.
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m., Sam Knob Hike, 8.7 miles, moderate difficulty. Our long hike of the week, this hike includes great views of the Shining Rock Wilderness, mountain streams, a waterfall, passage through a high-altitude Balsam Forest and more. Learn more and sign up here.

HIY (Hike it Yourself) We will have resources available to help you find and execute a hike of your choosing at a time of your choosing, on the hundreds of miles of local trail.
Mountain Biking
There are more than 350 miles of singletrack mountain bike trail in the area. Local bike shops (there are several) are a good source of information for riding, you can also find 5 recommended rides through the Explore Brevard website, here.
Road cycling
Prefer your trails paved? The area is rich in road cycling routes with miles of scenery. Find 5 recommended routes at the Explore Brevard website here, or check out Ride Transylvania for a map and comprehensive collection of popular routes.
Waterfalls
Transylvania County’s slogan: The Land of Waterfalls. No kidding, there are 250 waterfalls in the county to back up those words. Some (Looking Glass Falls US 276) you can enjoy from your car. Some (Sliding Rock Falls) will take you on a wet and wild ride. Other falls (Hooker, Triple, High) are concentrated in one accessible area (DuPont State Recreational Forest). And others you may have to hike a bit to reach. In any case, you can’t visit without paying a visit to at least one; It would be rude.
Find your waterfalls here.
Tubing
We’re nearing the end of the tubing season, but that only means fewer tubers! Brevard is situated on an ideal stretch of the Davidson River: put in at the Davidson River Campground and float for an hour, hour-and-a-half to the takeout. Bring your own tube (a shuttle service is available) or rent one.
For more information on tubing in Brevard, go here.
Paddling
It’s back to the water, for a float on the French Broad River State Trail. The trail has its headwaters just above Rosman to the southwest and passes 115 miles through four North Carolina Counties before entering Tennessee northwest of Hot Springs. Along the way it offers a range of paddling and rafting options, from placid paddling at Rosman to Class IV whitewater in Madison County.
For more on the French Broad River State Trail, go here.
For more on paddling and rafting the French Broad, including access points, visit the Mountain True French Broad Paddle Trail site, here.
Lodging, Plein Air Festival, etc.
For more information on:

Lodging in the area, go here.
Plein Air Festival, go here.
Other stuff to do, go here.

Rediscover the Unforgettable: Explore Sylva
2025-09-12 09:00 - 2025-09-14 14:00
Sylva isn’t just the county seat of Jackson County, home to a remarkable variety of adventures in North Carolina. It’s also the county’s basecamp. From Sylva, you have quick access to hundreds of miles of escape-inducing hiking trail, challenging mountain bike trail networks, whitewater rafting, cycling – even snorkeling! You can do all this and more during Sylva’s Rediscover the Unforgettable Trail Sampler weekend September 12-14.
Friday
Hike the Pinnacle in Sylva’s Pinnacle Park, 9 a.m., 6.2 miles. Jackson County Parks and Recreation leads this hike, which gains 2,000 vertical feet and is recommended “for those who have previous experience hiking, although anyone is encouraged to try.” Learn more and sign up here.
Friday – Saturday
Mountain biking – SHREDnanigans 2025. This two-day annual festival by 7 Moons MTB includes a variety of mountain biking events, kicking off Friday with Nanigans Run-River-Ride “triathlon” and the Wheels & Thrills Bike Show, and continuing Saturday with a block party, vendor village, kids zone and live music. Learn more and sign up here.
Saturday
Forest bathing at Pinnacle Park, 9:30 a.m. – noon. If you’ve hear of forest bathing, the Japanese practice of restoring your soul through nature, here’s your chance to check it out. This hike will be led by Mark Ellison, a certified as a forest therapy guide and forest therapy trail consultant by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Learn more and sign up here.
Whitewater Rafting on the Tuckaseegee, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is a family-friendly whitewater trip on Class I and II. Equipment is provided. Learn more and sign up here.
Hike the Jackson County Greenway, Sylva, 5 p.m. We wind down the day with a mellow2.3-mile walk on the Jackson County Greenway in Sylva. Learn more and sign up here.
Sunday
Hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, 9 a.m., Soco Gap to Waterrock Knob, 8.8 miles. moderately challenging. On this out-and-back hike we will ascend to the highest point on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Waterrock Knob, then descend back to the trailhead. Learn more and sign up here.

Downtown Greenway Walking Tour
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00
Explore the heart of the city with our guided walking tour of the Downtown Greenway on Saturday, September 13 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!

MythBusters: Recycling Edition
2025-09-15 17:30 - 18:30
Think you know what belongs in the recycling bin?

Think again! Join us on Monday, September 15th, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Meeting Place for this free, interactive program and put your knowledge to the test.

Our partners with Solid Waste & Recycling will debunk common myths and reveal the truth about what can actually be recycled. Let us help you change your mind – and change the way you sort!
Pre-register now at https://tinyurl.com/DGRecycle

Parking is available along Prescott St. at 801 W. Smith Street

Blue Ridge Mountains Trailfest
2025-09-17 08:30 - 2025-09-21 13:00
Description

Blue Ridge Mountain Trailfest is like summer camp for adults. Make lasting memories as you navigate trails through old forests and Appalachian hollers while the smell of damp earth lingers among the trees. After each run, unwind at Camp Carolina, the Trailfest headquarters where we’ll have live music, motivational speakers, yoga & fitness clinics, gear demos, and more. Trailfest: run, relax, repeat.

Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://www.vacationraces.com/trailfest/blue-ridge-mountains/#course.

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Questions?

Facebook

Join this event and invite your friends on Facebook.

Yappy Hour
2025-09-17 17:30 - 19:30
It’s time for the pups to party!

Join us on Wednesday, September 17, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at LoFi Park for an evening of tail-wagging fun at Yappy Hour!

Bring your leashed dogs and enjoy:
Splash zones for playful pups
Tasty treats for hungry hounds
Opportunities to connect with local pet-friendly businesses
Discover giveaways, helpful resources, and services designed to support your four-legged friends. It’s the paw-fect chance to mingle, make new friends, and celebrate our furry companions!

Stroller Rollers
2025-09-18 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.

Speed Friending
2025-09-19 17:30 - 19:30
Want to meet new people, but not sure where to start? Join us for Speed Friending on Friday, September 19th, 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:

5:30 pm: ages 50-65+

6:00 pm: ages 40-55

6:30 pm: ages 30-45

7:00 pm: ages 21-35

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

Fall Migration Birdwatching
2025-09-21 09:00 - 12:00
Park Volunteer and birder Cathy Ford tours the park to observe the fall bird migration. Bring a pair of binoculars and learn how to identify our many birds by sight and by song. The Park at Flat Rock is relatively flat with paved and hard-packed trails. This event is free to attend.

29th annual Carolina Stampede Music Fest
2025-09-26 17:30 - 2025-09-27 22:00
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.
