NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Trails & Trains Festival Volunteer Trail Work Day At Camp Grier
2024-06-01 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
We’re excited to invite you to join G5 and the Trails & Trains Festival! Together, we’ll clear out the final rhododenderons and begin clearing the way for the new Rostan re-route.
Why re-route Rostan? Because the curent alignment follows the fall line down next to the creek, causing erosion and sedimentation. The new trail will allow Bike, Hike, Horse, and Onewheels to travel both up and downhill between two of the sweetest sections of rostan trail and even add in some fun challenge features!
Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to play in the woods! It’s a beautiful setion of forest and it’s not every day that you’re able to volunteer on a project with the designer and builder themself!
Difficulty rating: 3/5: up to 1 mile hike each direction on steep trail, use of pruners, digging tools and rakes
*Be sure to bring your favorite gear, plenty of snacks and water, high tops (boots preferred), eye protection, long pants, leather gloves and whatever else you need to stay comfortable for a great 4+ hour day in the mountains

National Trails Day Celebration
2024-06-01 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Come celebrate the beauty and importance of our trails with National Trails Day! We will have free trail related activities for all ages including guided hikes, bike rides, paddling demos, music, prizes, and more!

National Trails Day Walk on Roanoke Island
2024-06-01 09:00 - 11:30 UTC
Celebrate National Trails Day with a short walk on Roanoke Island! June 1st 2024 from 9:00am-11:30am at the North End Parking Lot on Roanoke Island.

National Trails Day Hike
2024-06-01 09:00 - 10:00 UTC
Oxford parks and recreation will be having a nature walk on June 1st at Lake Devin 9am.
There is no cost for this event but you must register online at https://oxfordnc.recdesk.com
The hike will be lead by a park ranger from Kerr Lake State Park. If you have questions please call
919-603-1135.

Join us as we celebrate National Trails Day by giving back!
2024-06-01 08:00 - 15:00 UTC
Join us for a day of trail work on the Appalachian Trail and area trails near Hot Springs. This event is designed for individuals who may be new to trail work, including those who work or go to school during the week. You will learn from experienced trail maintainers. All are welcome; no experience is necessary, and you do not need to be a member of the Carolina Mountain Club (CMC) to participate. Families and youth are welcome, though all youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or youth organization.
All necessary tools will be provided. Please wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Remember to bring lunch, snacks, and water.
After the workday, join us for an Afterparty at Big Pillow Brewing!
We will have two meeting locations:

8:00 AM: US Forest Service parking lot, 160 Zillcoa St., Asheville, NC 28801. Volunteers meeting here will sign in and carpool to Hot Springs.

9:00 AM: Free parking until 12 midnight at Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Volunteers will gather here to divide into work teams and carpool to the work sites.
For more information, email Les Love at president@carolinamountainclub.org.

Uwharrie Hike on National Trails Day
2024-06-01 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Three Rivers Land Trust will host a hike on National Trails Day, on Saturday, June 1st, 2024. We will meet at 8:00am at the Joe Moffitt Trailhead located at 998 Thayer Rd in Troy, NC 27371. We will hike to the top of Little Long Mountain where there are views of the surrounding Uwharrie Mountains, and take a rest break at the trail shelter located on top. Then we will hike back down. Three Rivers Land Trust acquired the Little Long Mountain Property in 2011, and then transferred it to the Uwharrie National Forest in 2015, to expand the Uwharrie Trail. TRLT and volunteers built the approximately 1.5 miles of trail located on this property in 2012 and 2013. This is an approximately 2 mile hike of moderate difficulty. Please wear good hiking shoes and bring drinking water and any snacks you might want. You may like to have trekking poles and a hat for this hike.

National Trails Day 5K/3K Walk/Run
2024-06-01 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
The Town of Wake Forest will host a family-friendly 5K/3K walk/run as part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Check-in on the day of the event starts at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. Registration ahead of time costs $35, or $40 the day of the race.
Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/WakeForest/NationalTrailsDay5Kand3K

A Toast to Three New Trails!
2024-05-31 17:30 - 21:00 UTC
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/6bDCoKWPM
Join us!
We are thrilled to announce the Ribbon Cutting of three new trails at Knight Brown Nature Preserve: Running Pines Trail, Fern Trail, and Canopy View Loop.
Location:
Knight Brown Nature Preserve
221 Waterfield Ln, Stokesdale, NC 27357
Reception Venue:
Stonefield Cellars Winery
8220 NC-68, Stokesdale, NC 27357
Itinerary:
5:30 PM -7:00 PM
Ceremony and 2 mile guided hike at Knight Brown Nature Preserve
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Reception at Stonefield Cellars Winery with the West Coast Wanderer Food Truck
Don’t Miss Out:
Just 10 minutes from Knight Brown Nature Preserve, we will reconvene at Stonefield Cellars Winery to enjoy wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and West Coast Wanderer Food Truck. Plus, 25% of wine sales will be generously donated to Piedmont Land Conservancy. Your attendance will contribute to the preservation of our natural landscapes in the Piedmont. Even if you cannot make it to the guided hike, join us at Stonefield Cellar Winery for an evening of celebration. Optional carpooling available from Stonefield Cellars. If interested visit stonefieldcellars.com
www.piedmontland.org
RSVP not required. All are welcome.
Rain Date: Sunday, June 2nd at 12pm details to follow if needed.

Trails and Trains Festival
2024-05-31 17:00 - 2024-06-01 15:00 UTC
See you at the 2nd annual Trails & Trains Festival on June 1st, 2024! Mark your calendar and help us celebrate North Carolina as the Great Trails State by joining us in downtown Old Fort, North Carolina. Come celebrate with us the rich history of our Blue Ridge Mountain community by focusing on its pathways and connections through the town’s notable railroad and Pisgah National Forest history.

NC Trail Days in Elkin
2024-05-30 09:00 - 2024-06-02 16:00 UTC
North Carolina Trail Days in Elkin celebrates the many outdoor recreation opportunities found in small towns throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills.
At the junction of three state trails, Elkin is a true trails town. NC Trail Days has grown to a four-day event, aligning with National Trails Day on the first Saturday of June and including neighboring Jonesville, just across the Yadkin River.
Much of Elkin’s resurgence as an eclectic town has to do with its trails and the healthy outlets they provide.
Organized and self-guided hikes take place throughout the weekend on area trails with attention to local features and themes, such as waterfalls and birdwatching, moonshine still discoveries and plein air painting.
New this year is a through-hike and paddle along segment six of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Other activities include rock climbing at Pilot Mountain State Park, exploring stretches of the Yadkin River while cleaning it up, and trout fishing and cycling specifically for kids. Community leaders give educational talks, and a host of regional gear and arts vendors showcase their wares. Live music, as well as local wine, beer and food, round out the festivities.
Accommodation options include hotels, vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfasts, as well as a variety of camping opportunities.

NC Trail Days
2024-05-30 09:00 - 2024-06-02 15:00 (America/New_York) | Elkin, Main Street, NC, 28621, US
Celebrate the outdoors in the trails town of Elkin. Guided waterfall & winery hikes, daily paddles, a downtown block party & live music. Coincides with National Trails Day, June 1.

Carnivorous Plant Hike
2024-05-25 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
Join a park ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. We will learn about different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home.
Meet at the Flytrap Trail parking area at the end of Nature Trail Lane.
This is an outside program. The trail is wheelchair accessible.

Night Hike at Mayo River State Park
2024-05-23 21:00 - 22:00 UTC
Mayo River State Park will be open later into the night to host a ranger led night hike. The hike will be on the 1.9 mile Mayo Mountain Loop Trail. We will be holding most of our attention towards the sky during our hike as this is the night of a full moon. There are also many sightings of owls along this trail system. Dress appropriately as this is a hiking trail and mud is expected. Personal lighting and hiking equipment is recommended.

Free Beginner Kayak Safety Class- HaRo Lake!
2024-05-19 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Beginner Friendly
1.5 Hours
Join Outdoor Women and Dan River Basin Association to learn the basics of kayaking; technique and safety to minimize chance of injury and have more FUN!
No experience necessary.
14 yrs. and up
Co-ed
Taught by American Canoe Association Certified Kayak Instructor.
Cost: free but if you sign up please commit to be there otherwise it is taking a valuable spot that someone else would love to have!
This safety class is funded by grants that DRBA secured to empower and educate our watershed paddlers and want to be paddlers about things you need to know before heading out!
The exact launch location will be emailed out to participants a few days prior. This class will be in Stokes County on Hanging Rock State Park lake.
What to Bring
– Water in a reusable, sealable bottle (no single-use plastic please!)
– Sunscreen if needed
– Hat
– Sunglasses
– Insect repellent if needed
– Closed-toed shoes that can get wet and muddy (old sneakers are fine, no flip flops or strappy sandals with no toe box)
– Snack
*If you do not have an appropriate kayak, PFD, paddle, we will provide this for you but you must sign up as using ours.*
If you have your own kayak it is best you use it so you know how it will perform and allow those without a kayak to utilize ours. Appropriate kayak for this event is a sit inside or sit on top 10ft-14ft. of good quality
Four participants are required to run the event, with a max of 10 people.
Weather Policy: If we have to cancel at the water due to extreme weather, we will make all efforts for the event to be rescheduled, or participants moved to another date that has availability.
PLEASE BOOK USING THIS LINK: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/outdoorwomenbyjp/items/544933/availability/1448842810/book/?full-items=yes
Questions? Email me jo@outdoorwomenbyjp.com

Haw River Camp'n'Clean
2024-05-18 14:00 - 2024-05-19 12:00 UTC
Welcome to Camp & Clean! For this iteration of this event we are offering 2 options to participate. Land and water!
Land: Join us at Shallow Ford Natural Area to help cleanup along the river and creeks as well as assist in removing invasive species. We will work all afternoon and then set up camp at the primitive sites where the river group will join us for the night. You will be responsible for your own dinner but we will have breakfast for everyone in the morning.
Water: After dropping off your overnight stuff with our team, you will put in at Altamahaw Paddle Access on 87N. From there you will make your way downriver collecting debris as you go until you make it to your overnight campsite at Shallow Ford where you will join up with the Land-based group for dinner and some sleep. Sunday morning you will be provided breakfast and then paddle one more leg collecting trash as you go and ultimately take out at The Valley golf course.
We will help handle all of the logistics of getting your overnight stuff to and from SFNA as well as getting to/from parking.
Don’t want to stay the night? Join us for the land-based workday on Saturday.
Send any questions to Jason Witherspoon, 336-570-6288, jason.witherspoon@alamance-nc.com OR Nolan Carter, 336-229-2380, nolan.carter@alamance-nc.com

Hike the Deep River State Trail
2024-05-18 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
Join us for a year of celebrating North Carolina’s 14 State Trails with a hike on the Deep River State Trail! The trail follows its namesake river through the central Piedmont from Jamestown in Guilford County south and east through Randolph, Moore, Chatham and Lee counties before emptying into the Cape Fear River. It is one of just two State Trails with both a hiking and paddling component.
On this hike we will explore the land aspect of the trail, hiking from Franklinville downstream to Ramseur. The 1.5-mile hike (3 miles out and back) is on finely crushed gravel on an old rail bed paralelling the river. It penetrates a lush hardwood forest, passing an old grist mill and Deep River Fabricators, ending at the new Sandy Creek Bridge. On this guided hike you will learn the history of the railroad and the various mills along the way.
This is considered an easy hike. There is an optional 1-mile hike to Faith Rock, which is deemed moderate.
Come and learn about the Deep River State Trail and North Carolina’s other 13 State Trails!
This event is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/Hometown Strong, Piedmont Land Conservancy, Randolph County, Lee County, Deep River Park Association, and NC Great Trails State Coalition.

9th Annual Wheels on the Greenway
2024-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Rescheduled to May 18th! The 9th Annual Wheels on the Greenway event is back! This Greensboro tradition is a FREE community event that celebrates wheels of all kinds and encourages people of all ages to get out on the Downtown Greenway for a morning of fun! Join us on Saturday, May 18th from 9 am to 12 noon. The event will focus around Woven Works Park (our Innovation Cornerstone), located at the corner of Murrow Boulevard and Lindsay Street.
More than 30 community partners will be offering interactive and educational festivities including adaptive cycle demos, youth helmet giveaways, bike repair stations, guided rides, a mini skate park and skateboard demos, children’s bike safety rodeo, “bling your bike” stations, face painting, the ECO Bus, prize drawings, and more! This event is sure to be fun for the entire family and we welcome wheels of all kinds – bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, skateboards, rollerblades and skates!
Borough Coffee, Cookee’s Cafe, and Cailee Belle’s Sweet Shoppe will on-site selling refreshments.
Parking available at 405 N. Murrow Blvd, Greensboro NC 27401 (State Employees’ Credit Union).

Paddle Trip on the Deep River State Trail
2024-05-18 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Join us for a year of celebrating North Carolina’s 14 State Trails with a 5-mile paddle trip on the Deep River State Trail! The trail follows its namesake river through the central Piedmont from Jamestown in Guilford County south and east through Randolph, Moore, Chatham and Lee counties before emptying into the Cape Fear River. It is one of just two State Trails with both a hiking and paddling component.
On this hike we will paddle a mellow stretch of the Deep River near Sanford. The trip starts with passage beneath the Camelback Bridge, past the long-abandoned Endor Iron Furnace, and an old lock and dam. The Deep is scenic and peaceful through this stretch, suitable for novices and experienced paddlers alike. A guide will discuss the river’s natural and human history.
Don’t have a boat? You can rent one through Endor Paddle. Single sit-on-tops are $49, tandems are $79. Rentals include boat, paddle, PFD, and shuttle back to your car. Reserve a boat by going here and clicking on “Explorer – 5 Miles.” PLEASE NOTE: You must reserve your boat(s) through Endor Paddle by 9 a.m. May 17.
If you do have a boat, arrive at Deep River Park at 8 a.m. to set up a shuttle.
Come and learn about the Deep River State Trail and North Carolina’s other 13 State Trails!
This event is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/Hometown Strong, Piedmont Land Conservancy, Randolph County, Lee County, Deep River Park Association, and NC Great Trails State Coalition.

Lower Kitsuma Volunteer Trail Day With Trek Asheville
2024-05-11 09:00 - 15:00 UTC
Kitsuma is one of the most thrilling trails in Pisgah! A fast and challenging trail with one of the longest vertical descents in the area. People come from far and wide to SHRED this favorite. It’s steepness, the thing that makes it every rider’s favorite thriller also makes it one of the most challenging to maintain, but with your help we’re up to the challenge! Join Trek Asheville and the crew to using hand tools and rock baskets to rock armor and harden the tread surface in key areas to help mitigate braking bumps and reduce erosion to help ensure this trail stays open for a long time!
Trek Asheville will be on trail Knockin’ it out with us! Come for freebies, trail fixing good feels, stoke and FUN!
We’ll meet at the Old Fort Picnic Area
2415 State Rd 1400, Old Fort, NC 28762
Be sure to bring your favorite gear, plenty of snacks and water, high tops, eye protection, long pants, leather gloves and whatever else you need to stay comfortable for a great 4+ hour day in the mountains
Difficulty rating: 4/5 1+ mile hike each way, use of digging tools, use of cutting tools, rock work

Paddle the Mayo River in May!
2024-05-04 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
Enjoy a late spring outing with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) for a First Saturday of May paddle on the beautiful Mayo River. We will float six miles from Anglin Mill’s Mayo Beach to NC 770 near Stoneville, NC.
Participants are asked to meet at 9:00 a. m. at Old Anglin Mill Road (GPS 36.528463, -79.989540), downstream from Anglin Mill Bridge. During the FSO, the group will float past portions of the Mayo River State Park. Coordinator for the trip is Wayne Kirkpatrick, an avid paddler and river enthusiast.
“Beginning paddlers are invited to launch below Mayo Beach for a fairly easy float through mostly Class 1 waters,” says Kirkpatrick. “There’s one tricky rapid just upstream of the put-in that can be avoided by putting in downstream from it.”
Expert paddlers with a yen for more thrills will have the option of running the famous “Boiling Hole” and the “S-turn” (alias “Blender”) before proceeding with the rest of the trip. Otherwise the most excitement comes from navigating small rapids through several 1000-year-old fish weirs created in the river by Native Americans and used by local residents until about 1900. These vee-shaped stone fish weirs concentrated migrating fish at the point of the vee, making it possible to collect them in nets or baskets. Great spawning runs came from the Atlantic, up the Roanoke and Dan, into the Mayo River and its tributaries, where the fish laid their eggs and headed back downstream. For centuries, until dams stopped the fish migrations, people who lived near the river made huge catches that fed their communities or provided a living. Today, the fish weirs provide routes through shallow water, enhancing the interest of the float.
Portions of the land along this section of the river are part of North Carolina’s Mayo River State Park. The Mayo River is one of the region’s great assets. Paddlers can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the river, with forested banks, wildlife, birds, and few signs of civilization. Watch the riverbanks for wildflowers in bloom along the edge of the water. Layers of azalea, mountain laurel, and rhododendron climb the banks to a thick forest cover. Songbirds migrating through or claiming nesting territory will join waterfowl, such as ducks, herons, and kingfishers, along the route.
Participants in the outing are asked to bring boat, life jacket, lunch and water, to dress in layers of wool or artificial (quick-drying) fabric, be prepared to get wet and to sign a waiver.
To reach the put-in, from US 220 north of Stoneville, exit onto Smith Road (SR 1360) and turn west. Go four miles to a T-intersection with Anglin Mill Road (SR 1358). Turn left on Anglin Mill Road and travel about a half-mile to within less than a mile of the Anglin Mill Bridge over the Mayo. Turn left onto unpaved Old Anglin Mill Road (SR 1385). Go one-half mile to a T-intersection with Mayo Beach Road (SR 1359). GPS 36.528463, -79.989540
DRBA is on MEETUP! Sign-up for free and never miss a DRBA event!
For more information about the outing, contact Trip Coordinator Wayne Kirkpatrick: email or call 540-570-3511.

Gateway Trails Volunteer Day With G5 Trail Collective & Black Mountain Rec.
2024-05-03 12:00 - 16:00 UTC
We’re excited to invite you to join G5 and the Black Mountain Rec. Crew, with Clint Bowman! Together, we’ll hike into key areas on Gateway trail to move dirt and work on some of the (awesome) insloped turns. This work is important maintenance for a local favorite trail and our efforts will help keep this new trail on its regular maintenance schedule.
Black Mountain Rec. Is a recreational organization in the Town Of Black Mountain. Their outing schedule can be found here: https://bmrp.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Difficulty rating: 2/5: up to 1 mile hike each direction on packed trail, use of digging tools and rakes
*Be sure to bring your favorite gear, plenty of snacks and water, high tops (boots preferred), eye protection, long pants, leather gloves and whatever else you need to stay comfortable for a great 4+ hour day in the mountains

MST Gathering of Friends, Black Mountain, NC
2024-05-03 09:00 UTC
Join others from the MST community for our annual membership meeting and a fun weekend exploring trails and nearby towns. We’re also excited to share the work being done locally to build community and make trails inclusive for all neighbors.
The Gathering is our annual membership event. We welcome anyone to attend, and if you are not a member of the Friends of the MST, you’ll see non-member pricing that includes your annual membership of $35. Once we have confirmation for all hikes and excursions, we will update our website and contact our already registered guests so that can register.
The weekend includes:

Early bird meet-up in Black Mountain Thursday evening
Friday’s Welcome Reception and Dinner
Saturday’s Friends of the MST annual meeting and workshops
Recognition of MST volunteers and completers
Guided hikes and fun excursions
Opportunities to learn from and connect with local partners
Time for fellowship with Friends of the MST and MORE!

Aquatic Critters Outing
2024-04-27 10:00 - 11:30 UTC
Join Environmental Educator Leah Purvis in this free event to learn about the incredible creatures that live in the Haw River! You will learn how to collect and identify fish and macroinvertebrates, and understand how these organisms can tell us about the health of the river. Please wear pants and shoes you won’t mind getting wet and dirty! Old tennis shoes, rubber boots, or waders are recommended. We will walk about a quarter of a mile total to the sampling site. All sampling materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own net if desired!
Group size is limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required. Sign up at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AyyDVLXozjH3-4WFyxRYIeoWvb2HAsj94OrV23fNQkY/viewform?edit_requested=true
Directions: Meet in the Bynum Mill parking lot at 10:00 AM. From US 15-501, turn onto Durham-Eubanks Road. If coming from Chapel Hill, it will be a left turn before crossing the Haw River. If coming from Pittsboro, it will be a right turn after crossing the Haw River. Follow Durham-Eubanks Road to the stop sign. At the stop sign, cross Bynum Road and continue uphill on Bynum Church Road. After passing the church, continue downhill and the large State Parks parking lot will be on the right.

Rock n' Roller 3rd Edition
2024-04-27 09:30 - 17:30 UTC
Rock n Roller
A Premiere Road Cycling Event
Old Fort, North Carolina
McDowell Trails Association Fund Raiser

Limit 300 riders
The 2024 edition includes country roads and plenty of rolling hills along with a new gravel ride.

The Hard Rock– Approximately 60 miles with 4,200 feet of climbing (3 SAGs) with an additional 10 mile option. For route details click HERE
Soft Rock – Approximately 30 miles with over 2,000 feet of climbing (1 SAG) with an additional 10 mile option. For route details click HERE
The Rollin’ Stones Gravel Grind – 45 miles of challenging terrain and gravel paths
Off the Couch” Fun Ride–10 miles with 570 feet of climbing led by an experienced cyclist.

Whack Attack
2024-04-27 09:00 - 12:30 UTC
Friends of Lower Haw River is having an invasive plant removal workday with State Parks biologists on April 27th from 9:00 to 12:30 (or whenever you need to leave). For this workday, volunteers will be working in the Pokeberry Creek area of the Lower Haw River State Natural Area, about half a mile walk from the Bynum Mill parking lot. Invasive plant workdays involve identifying and removing non-native plants using clippers, pruners, saws, and other non-motorized hand tools. Learn about invasive plants and removal techniques. Bring your own loppers or hand pruners, work gloves, insect repellent, and water. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, and closed toe shoes. There are no restroom facilities at this location. Youth volunteers ages 12 to 17 are welcome to participate if accompanied by an adult.
Sign up at this link: https://bit.ly/3sXsmjb
For questions contact lowerhawevents@gmail.com
Meet in the Bynum Mill parking lot at 9:00 am. Directions: From US 15-501, turn onto Durham-Eubanks Road. If coming from Chapel Hill, it will be a left turn before crossing the Haw River. If coming from Pittsboro, it will be a right turn after crossing the Haw River. Follow Durham-Eubanks Road to the stop sign. At the stop sign, cross Bynum Road and continue uphill on Bynum Church Road. After passing the church, continue downhill and the large State Parks parking lot will be on the right.

Lake Reidsville Tails on Trails!
2024-04-26 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
Bring your friends and leashed pups! This hike series will focus on dog-friendly hikes in Rockingham County and responsible stewardship practices for dog owners.
We will be hiking Lake Reidsville Trail on April 26th at 6 pm.
We will meet at the first set of soccer fields when you enter the park. A DRBA flag will be out to direct people! There will be light refreshments and puppy snacks.
This hike will be approximately 1.5 miles and is considered a moderate hike due to rock crossings and a natural trail surface. You will need to sign a waiver.
Link to the Google map directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g47b483zjbT71zsy8

Hidden Gems of the Dan River Basin!
2024-04-24 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Dan River Basin is packed with “Hidden Gems.” Many of these sites are well-known and loved by locals and visitors. But there are some hidden secrets you may not know about. Join us while you are eating lunch as we explore a few of these hidden gems and learn about some unique characteristics you may not have noticed at your favorite destinations in our watershed.
Pre-Registration is required. This webinar is online and free.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
REGISTER NOW!

Work day at John Rock Trail, Pisgah National Forest
2024-04-20 09:00 - 15:00 UTC
Join us for a day of trail work in the John Rock area of Pisgah National Forest.
This days is designed for individuals who may be new to trail work and/or work or go to school during the week. You will learn alongside experienced maintainers. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. You do not need to be a CMC member to join us on work days. Families and youth are welcome. All youth under the age of 18 must be accomplished by parent, guardian, or youth organization.
All necessary tools are provided. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt. Bring lunch, snacks, and water.
Meet at 9:00 am at John Rock Loop trailhead ( 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 John Rock. We will return by 3:00.
Click here to register.

4th Annual Earth Day Countywide Clean Up
2024-04-20 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/VPDEaRrCdVcbAmYe6
Help us celebrate Earth Day in Johnston County, NC! Let’s work together to remove litter across the county, in parks, open spaces, on trails, and roadsides, on Saturday, April 20th, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Participating locations include but are not limited to:
Town of Benson (morning of April 19th)
Princeton Community Action
Bentonville Battlefield
Cleveland School Rotary
Town of Archer Lodge
Town of Clayton
Town of Selma
Town of Smithfield
Kenly Parks and Recreation
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
Triangle Land Conservancy’s Flower Hill Nature Preserve
Businesses, churches, youth groups, neighborhoods, civic groups, families, and individuals across the county are invited to participate.
Details:
– Our goal is to work with local parks and recreation departments and nonprofit organizations in towns across the county, as well as NC DOT as part of the Litter Sweep initiative.
– Registration is required for litter cleanup in public spaces.
– Supplies will be provided at each location as available, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own if they have them.
We look forward to working with you!

MTA Hike - Valdese Lakeside Park
2024-04-13 10:30 - 15:30 UTC
We are venturing a little farther afield for this hike, but The MTA is always looking to introduce new places in the region to hike. Valdese Lakeside Park is only 45 minutes from Downtown Marion. Come out and enjoy the day!
The Park: Valdese Lakeside Park is a 300-acre park on Lake Rhodhiss and McGalliard Creek. There are 8 miles of trails with a suspension bridge over McGalliard Creek. The park connects with McGalliard Falls near Valdese.
The Trails: Greenway Trail – 4 miles out and back to McGalliard Falls in a crushed cinder surface. Outer Loop – 2 mile natural surface trail.
Our plan is to hike the Outer Loop 2 miles, 1 mile to McGalliard Falls (picnic & restrooms available) then 2 miles to return on the Greenway Trail. Total 5 miles. Add Meditation Point or other trails in the park.
Bring water and a lunch and layers for the weather conditions. Wear shoes appropriate for natural surface trails.
Where and When:
We will meet at 10:30 AM at Valdese Lakeside Park Restrooms are available at the park.
