NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Great Trails State Day Paddle
2024-10-19 13:00 - 17:00 UTC
Whoa! Don’t put those canoes and kayaks away just yet! Come join us for a Fall paddle on Tuckertown Reservoir, an undeveloped wilderness, riverine lake formed by the Yadkin River. We will be celebrating the Great Trails State Day by paddling from two of our newest accesses for the Yadkin River State Trail. We will paddle 4 miles from Bringle Ferry to Flat Creek and see what fall colors may be on display. Also, a great stretch of river to see herons, osprey and bald eagles. Paddle from 1-5 PM, shuttle included.

The Creative Trail at Mayo River State Park
2024-10-19 16:00 - 18:00
The Creative Trail at Mayo River State Park is a rich and diverse event! NO TICKETS NEEDED! This is a free event and open to the public. But parking is limited so please come early!

– Acoustic music from various genres, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.– Live theater performances by the Reidsville High School Drama Club and the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County, bringing dynamic and local talent to the park.– The Children’s Art Forest Gallery, themed “Cherish the Wild,” showcasing the artistic creations of more than 300 local students, emphasizing the connection between art and nature.– A silent auction supporting the arts– Vendor tents offering information and opportunities to engage in the arts across Rockingham County.
The Creative Trail celebrates the arts and fosters community involvement, making it a vibrant gathering for all ages.

Children's Art Gallery in the Forest
2024-10-19 16:00 - 18:00
RoCo Art Alliance in Rockingham County is supporting grades, classes, and/or after school clubs and groups to participate in an upcoming arts and humanities event: the Creative Trail’s Forest Gallery at Mayo River State Park on October 19th from 4 pm to 6 pm. Rockingham County Arts Council provides canvases and paints to teachers and afterschool club leaders for students to create pieces that will be displayed in the Children’s Art Forest Gallery. This year’s theme is “Cherish the Wild,” and we encourage students to express their understanding of nature through their artwork. The public is invited to view the gallery and enjoy live music along the trail during the Creative Trail event – same time, same place.

Glow in the Park 5K
2024-10-19 16:00 - 21:00
Surry Country Parks and Recreation and Surry County Health and Nutrition are excited to partner and host the 2nd Annual Glow in the Park 5K at Fisher River Park to celebrate the Great Trails State

This will be a glow in the dark 5K where the trails at Fisher River Park will be lit up with blacklights, glow paint and glow balloons. Participants will have the opportunity to deck themselves out in glow in the dark paint and glow sticks for the race. This will be an evening of fun so bring the whole family out to run or walk. You must register by October 4th to ensure that you will receive a glow in the dark t-shirt. If you register after October 4th, you WILL NOT receive a t-shirt. You do not have to register or run in the 5K to attend the free concert.

Schedule of Events
Inflatable Games, Hayrides, and many Fun Activities:4:00pm-9:00pm
Packet Pickup/Bib Pickup:4:00pm-7:00pm
Free Concert7:15pm-9:00pm
Race Start7:30pm

The cost to run the 5K is only $15.00 per participant and you receive a glow in the dark t-shirt! To register use the link above in the ticket information. We hope to see you out for an evening of fun at the park!

⬇Registration⬇https://yearofthetrailglowinthepark5k.itsyourrace.com/
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Guided Hike at Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area
2024-10-20 11:00 - 13:00
Join this group hike lead by PLC’s Conservation Advisor, Dr. Ken Bridle. The guided hike will begin at the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area Pine Hill Trailhead in Snow Camp, NC. Parking is available at the trailhead which is 0.3 miles down the gravel road.
The group will hike the Northern Approach Trail and the Heartleaf Loop in a figure 8 for about 3 miles. The climb is about 400ft of elevation gain. The hike will take about 2 hours. This beautiful hike trail features unique rock formations, Buggy Shop Branch Creek, beautiful flora and fauna, and views of the surrounding countryside from the summit through the trees. This trail is considered moderate to difficult.
The outing is open to the public but is limited to 30 people.
Register here: https://www.piedmontland.org/events-and-outings/

Ruck on the Roanoke
2024-11-02 07:00 - 15:00
We are back at it again this year with the 5th Annual Ruck on the Roanoke! Same time, same place, a little different route, and some coupons!

This year’s ruck course is approximately 5 miles. We will have sandbags for those that want a little extra soreness the next day.

This year we will still be taking up food donations and monetary donations for Blessings in a Backpack of Martin County. Bring a donation for Blessings in a Backpack in lieu of registration. No T-Shirts this year since we got a little behind, so just show up and ruck!

As per tradition, a late breakfast of sausage dogs, coffee, and fruit will be provided after the ruck. Come make this years Ruck on the Roanoke the best one yet!

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/4iyLapUiKGSD8VuY/

Fall Walk with Andy Upshaw
2024-11-02 13:00 - 14:00
Friends of Lower Haw is offering a Fall Walk with popular naturalist Andy Upshaw to see what we can see along the Haw River. Andy is a local expert known for his entertaining and educational outings. During our outing, he will talk about the variety of vegetation with a couple of quick, easy ways to identify some native species. He will point out invasive plants and talk about their effects on the riparian ecosystem. We’ll also look at river flooding effects. With luck, we may see some birds and identify them. This event is free and open to the public. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground and bring drinking water. There are no restrooms at this location.
GPS coordinates 35.73063, -79.10706

Lower Haw Presents: Haw River Nature Photographs
2024-11-09 10:00 - 11:00
You may have seen his photos – now meet the photographer! Dr. Kevin Ricker will give a fascinating presentation about his nature photographs taken at the Haw River. Marvel at his images of birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals that make the Haw River their home. Event is free and open to the public.

Hot Springs Work Day
2024-11-30 09:00 - 14:30
Join Carolina Mountain Club for a volunteer day in Hot Springs to help restore area trails and parts of the town that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. All are welcome, and youth ages 14 and up can participate with a parent or guardian.

8:00 am – Carpool from the US Forest Service parking lot, 160 Zillicoa St., Asheville, NC
9:00 am – Kickoff at Hot Springs Resort, 315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC
2:30 pm – Event ends
Please bring your own lunch snacks, water, work gloves, long sleeves/ pants, and rain jacket. CMC will provide tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/CMCHotSprings

Hike with Santa
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00
Meet at the trailhead off Priddy Drive just before the Stoneville Municipal Park entrance for a FUN hike with Santa & elves … who knows, the Grinch might show up too! No registation necessary, but if you’d like to stay up to date on this and future trail events with Resilient Trails Network, register at https://forms.gle/bgmmuwo8dZTe29dE6

Celebrate WNC with a hike on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail
2024-12-14 10:00 - 12:00
Eager to get back to Western North Carolina to explore, but not sure where to go and what trails are open?
On Dec. 14 Valdese Parks and Recreation gives you the chance to both hike and to help a local community affected by Hurricane Helene. At 10 a.m., hike the first – and so far, only – open segment of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail. From the trailhead in Valdese Lakeside Park we will hike along Lake Rhodhiss, then upstream along McGalliard Creek over the 151-foot McGalliard Creek suspension bridge and on to the spectacular McGalliard Falls. From there, we’ll return the way we came, for a total hike of 4 miles.
This trail is hiker-friendly, with a short series of stone steps at the falls.
Then stick around to make a day of your visit by dining in one of Valdese’s downtown restaurants (with everything from Mexican and pizza to burgers made with locally grown beef), doing some holiday shopping in one of downtown’s eclectic shops, or visiting a local museum.

Celebrate WNC with a hike on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail (afternoon)
2024-12-14 14:00 - 16:00
Eager to get back to Western North Carolina to explore, but not sure where to go and what trails are open?
On Dec. 14 Valdese Parks and Recreation gives you the chance to both hike and to help a local community affected by Hurricane Helene. At 2 p.m., hike the first – and so far, only – open segment of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail. From the trailhead in McGalliard Falls Park, we will hike past the falls, then downstream along McGalliard Creek and over the 151-foot McGalliard Creek suspension bridge. We’ll continue downstream to Lake Rhodhiss and to in Valdese Lakeside Park for a short break before heading back to McGalliard Faslls Park. Total distance: 4 miles.
This trail is hiker-friendly, with a short series of stone steps at the falls.
Plan to make a day of your visit by dining in one of Valdese’s downtown restaurants (with everything from Mexican and pizza to burgers made with locally grown beef), doing some holiday shopping in one of downtown’s eclectic shops, or visiting a local museum.

First Day Hike at Lumber River State Park
2024-12-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Lumber River State Park – Chalk Banks Access, 26040 Raeford Road, NC, 28396, US
First Day Hikes at Lumber River State Park – Princess Ann Access and Chalk Banks Access
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10 – 11am
2819 Princess Ann Rd. Orrum, NC 28369

Natural Side of Fort Macon Hike
2024-12-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Rd., NC, 28512, US
Join the Fort Macon Ranger for a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of this North Carolina historic site. You’ll spend time both on the trail and at the beach.
Thu, Dec 19 2024, 10 – 11am
Fort Macon State Park – Visitor Center
2303 E. Fort Macon RoadAtlantic BeachNC 28512

Winter Wonderland Trail Workday
2024-12-21 09:00 - 14:00
Volunteer with Friends of Panthertown for the first day of winter! We’ll enjoy some hot chocolate at the trailhead after adding chicken wire to the backcountry boardwalks on the Wilderness Falls Trail.
RSVP: Events – Friends of Panthertown

Winter Solstice Celebration
2024-12-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Paddy’s Creek Visitor Center, 2229 Lake James State Park Road, Nebo, NC, 28761, United States
Come celebrate the returning of the light with us! Drop by the Visitor Center any time between 1pm-2:30pm to learn why the Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and make a solstice suncatcher.
Sat, Dec 21 2024, 1 – 2:30pm
Paddy’s Creek Visitor Center
2229 Lake James State Park RoadNeboNC 28761

First Day Hike Scavenger Hunt at Dismal Swamp State Park
2025-01-01 08:00 - 16:30 | Dismal Swamp State Park, 2294 US 17 N, South Mills, North Carolina, 27976, United States
For First Day Hike 2025, Dismal Swamp is offering a self-guided scavenger hunt!
Stop by the visitor center to pick up the scavenger hunt sheet, follow the directions, and explore. After you complete the sheet, you can receive a sticker.
The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
First Day Hikes logo from the National Association of State Park Directors.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 8am – 4:30pm
Dismal Swamp State Park 2294 US 17 N South Mills, NC 27976

First Day Hike at Hammocks Beach State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 10:00 | Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, NC, 28584, US
Maritime Eco-Hike
Join a park ranger on the first day of 2025 for an adventure-packed maritime eco-hike following our nature trails through the woods! Deer, eagles, a scampering wild turkey– you never know what you’re going to see! A great way to spend the first day of the new year! Meet at the trailhead near the Visitor Center.
Hike: 1.5 miles, easy

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 10am
Hammocks Beach State Park 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro NC 28584

First Day Hike at Stone Mountain State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 10:00 | stone mountain state park Backpack Parking trailhead, N36.39460, W81.06890, US
Join a Ranger for your first hike of 2025 at the Lower Trail Head at 9:00 AM. The hike will start on the Wolf Rock Trail and connect into the Cedar Rock Trail for a total of 2.5 miles. These trails are rated as moderate. Please come dressed for the weather and bring plenty of water.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 10am
Lower Trail Head – Stone Mountain State Park3042 Frank ParkwayRoaring GapNC 28668

First Day Hike at Raven Rock State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 10:00 | Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC, 27546, United States
Join a Park Ranger on this one-hour hike to discover some of the natural wonders of this piedmont landmark to celebrate First Day Hikes. Hike is 0.5 miles long and is easy.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 10am
Raven Rock State Park 3009 Raven Rock Road Lillington, NC 27546

First Day Hike: Boyd Tract
2025-01-01 09:00 - 10:00 | 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 Boyd Tract, we will hike an easy 1 mile through old growth longleaf pine forest. You’ll meet the oldest known living longleaf pine tree in the world, as well as the former state champion longleaf!
Come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable shoes!
Meet at the parking lot of Weymouth Center, at 555 E. Connecticut Ave.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 10am

First Day Hike at Pilot Mountain State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 10:00 | Pilot Mountain State Park – Bean Shoals Access, 622 Hauser Road, Pinnacle, NC, 27043, United States
Come out to Pilot Mountain’s Bean Shoals access on January 1, 2025 for a guided first day hike on the Horne Creek trail! This trail is located at the Bean Shoals access, the park’s property on the north side of the Yadkin River.
In addition to the 3-mile hike, participants will get to see the new improvements that have been made to the area.
Participants can meet park staff at the Hauser Road parking lot, located at 622 Hauser Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043 at 9:00am.
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing!

First Day Hikes at Fort Macon State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 10:30 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Rd., NC, 28512, US
First Day Hikes – 9 a.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 9 a.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 9 a.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, 9 – 10:30am
Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

First Day Hike: To Hanging Rock!
2025-01-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, 27016, US
Bring your thermos, a warm snack, and a journal as we celebrate the New Year by getting outside and experiencing nature with this guided hike up to Hanging Rock. At the top there will be a journaling experience for you be intentional about what goals you have for the coming year. Dress warm with appropriate footing and accessories as cooler temps are expected. Hiking sticks/poles are always a good suggestion. Registration is required. To register and for more information, please email andra.dalton@ncparks.gov

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 11am
Hanging Rock Trail 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road Westfield, NC 27016

First Day Hike at Mayo River State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Mayo River State Park – Mayo Mountain Access, 500 Old Mayo Park Road, North Carolina, 27027, US
Join us for a guided 1.8-mile hike along the fox trail. A ranger will navigate, while sharing inspired insight as we start the new year off with a stroll through the woods. We will meet at the Picnic Shelter located at the Mayo Mountain Access. We will have a fire, ready for you to warm your hands before and after the hike. We will provide hot chocolate, while supplies last. Let us know that you are coming by emailing us at mayo.river@ncparks.gov. We look forward to seeing you!

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 11am
Mayo River State Park – Mayo Mountain Access 500 Old Mayo Park Rd. Mayodan, NC 27027

Jordan Lake First Day Hike
2025-01-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Ebenezer Church Recreation Area, 2582 Beaver Creek Rd, Apex, NC, 27523, United States
Come join a park Ranger on a scavenger hunt at Ebenezer Church Recreation Area to kick off the New Year! The hike consists of locating various park animal silhouettes throughout the trail. Learn about animals of Jordan Lake and their special adaptations.

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 11am
Ebenezer Church Recreation Area 2582 Beaver Creek Rd Apex, NC 27523

First Day Hike Scavenger Hunt
2025-01-01 09:30 - 12:00 | Boone Fork Parking Area, Linville, NC, 28604, United States
Meet a ranger at the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile marker 299.9) to grab a scavenger hunt to complete on Nuwati Trail for your First Day Hike! The hike is approximately 2.4 miles round trip, so make sure to dress warmly, wear appropriate footwear, and bring snacks and water for your self-guided scavenger hunt hike. A ranger will be at the Boone Fork Parking Area from 9:30am-12:00pm to hand you a scavenger hunt.
Boone Fork Parking Area GPS: 36.120076, -81.781358 Linville, NC 28604

First Day Hike – Upper Bearwallow Falls
2025-01-01 10:00 - 10:30 | Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, NC, 28774, US
Join Park Staff for a 2025 First Day Hike to the Upper Bearwallow Falls Overlook.
Please be prepared for a moderate, 30 minute hike, with proper footwear and water. We will be meeting at the Upper Bearwallow Picnic Shelter.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10 – 10:30am
Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access 976 Grassy Ridge Road Sapphire, NC 28774

First Day Dune Hike
2025-01-01 10:00 - 10:45 | Jockey’s Ridge State Park, 300 W Carolista Dr., NC, 27959, US
Kick the year off right by joining Ranger Austin for a fun and informative hike to the ridge. We will discuss all things Jockey’s Ridge. Let us embrace 2025 by setting the pace for a year filled with adventure and physical activity. All are welcome. Bring your family and friends.

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10 – 10:45am

First Day Hike at Lake Norman State Park
2025-01-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Drive, NC, 28166, US
What a better way to ring in the New Year than by taking a hike with a Ranger? Meet at the swim beach parking lot for a 1 to 1.5-mile hike. Participants will get a First Day Hike sticker following the hike! No registration needed. Bring water and dress for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are recommended.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10 – 11am
Lake Norman State Park- Swim Beach 1412 State Park Rd. Troutman, NC 28166
