NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Rediscover the Unforgettable: Explore Sylva
2025-09-12 09:00 - 2025-09-14 14:00 UTC
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, 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.

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.

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.

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.
