NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Guided Hike at Ridge's Mountain
2024-09-20 16:30 - 18:30 UTC
Explore a unique landscape in the Uwharrie Mountains with Piedmont Land Conservancy. This guided hike will be led by PLC’s Conservation Advisor Dr. Ken Bridle. Note that Ridges Mountain is not open to the public. PLC has reserved this group hike through the NC Zoo.
We will be hiking somewhere between 2 to 3 miles. Some of this hike will be on an old road, some trail, and some off trail through the woods. This hike is considered moderate to strenuous. There will be an opportunity to explore the big rocks at your own risk.
The guided hike will pass by a few upland pools. Upland Pools are rare, isolated wetlands in upland settings, with water deep enough to prevent the formation of a forest canopy across the basin. Water stands well into the growing season, though it often dries by the end of summer. These pools are breeding habitat for several amphibians.
The crowning feature of Ridges Mountain is the boulders (some are as high as 50 feet) located within the Monadnock Forest at the top that provide great viewing locations of the surrounding Randolph County.
Originally established in 2000 with a PLC and NC Zoo partnership, the preserve just grew again with as the NC Zoo added an addition 139 acres, making the preserve 423 acres in total! Read more in this press release.
The group will leave from the parking area at 4:30pm. An exact address and directions will be emailed to you upon registration.
The outing is open to the public but has a limit of 25 participants.

Tails on Trails at the Smith River Greenway!
2024-09-20 18:00 - 19:30
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 hike the Smith River Greenway on September 20th at 6 pm.
We will meet at the trailhead shelter. 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 beginner-friendly and accessible due to the crushed gravel path and grade. You will need to sign a waiver.
Link to the Google map directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YS8AGXmeC8X6JBBYA

Fall Float on the French Broad Paddle Trail
2024-09-21 10:30 - 15:00
Come float the headwaters of the French Broad River with Headwaters Outfitters, MountainTrue, and local partners in celebration of North Carolina being the Great Trails State.
While the French Broad Paddle Trail flows for over 140 miles in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the upper sections in Transylvania County have become especially popular due to the plentiful access, calm water, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. This float will experience all of these factors as we travel from the river’s beginnings in Rosman to Headwaters Outfitters’ Hannah Ford Campground, a distance of 8 miles and approximately 3 hours. Before the float, we’ll present some light programming to cover the history, present status, and future plans for the Paddle Trail, and afterward – there’s an option to attend the annual “Paddle to the Pork Bluegrass Festival” happening at Hannah Ford Campground or be shuttled back to your car and head into Brevard for an evening of your choosing.
Participants should have prior paddling experience and be comfortable navigating their boat of choice in moving water. Boats and gear can be rented from Headwaters Outfitters, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Lunch will be eaten along the river, so plan to pack your own or reserve a catered option.
We hope you’ll join us for a beautiful start to autumn here on the French Broad River in Transylvania County.
Click this link for ticket options and to book your trip: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/headwatersoutfitters/items/544504/availability/1448057332/book/?flow=no&full-items=yes

Celebrate N.C. State Trails: Paddle the French Broad Trail
2024-09-21 10:30 - 15:00
Come float the headwaters of the French Broad River with Headwaters Outfitters, MountainTrue, and local partners in celebration of North Carolina being the Great Trails State. The French Broad River was designated a North Carolina State Trail in 1987, and officially launched as the French Broad Paddle Trail by MountainTrue and RiverLink in 2012. MountainTrue is the North Carolina State Parks Partner Organization for the French Broad River State Trail and leads watershed-wide Paddle Trail efforts through its French Broad Riverkeeper program based in Asheville.
While the French Broad Paddle Trail flows for over 140 miles in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the upper sections in Transylvania County have become especially popular due to the plentiful access, calm water, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. This float will experience all of these factors as we travel from the river’s beginnings in Rosman to Headwaters Outfitters’ Hannah Ford Campground, a distance of 8 miles and approximately 3 hours. Before the float, we’ll briefly discuss the river’s history, its present status, and future plans for the Paddle Trail. After the float there’s the option to attend the annual “Paddle to the Pork Bluegrass Festival” happening at Hannah Ford Campground or be shuttled back to your car.
Participants should have prior paddling experience and be comfortable navigating their boat of choice in moving water. Boats and gear can be rented from Headwaters Outfitters, or you’re welcome to bring your own. We will have lunch along the river, so plan to pack your own or reserve a catered option (see “Tickets”).
There are several signup options for this event:

Canoe rental (2 adults) — $45
Single kayak (1 adult) — $45
Tandem kayak (2 people per boat) — $45
Shuttle fee (for people with their own boat) — $25
Paddle to Pork Bluegrass Festival — $10
Packed lunch — $15

To make a reservation, go here. To receive additional information about this event, please secure a free ticket. As the event nears, we will send you more information about the trip, including suggested dress, weather forecast and more specifics on how the day will unfold.
We hope you’ll join us for a beautiful start to autumn here on the French Broad River in Transylvania County.
Feel free to reach out to Jack Henderson, MountainTrue’s French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, at jack@mountaintrue.org with any questions.

BikeWalk NC’s 13th Transportation Summit
2024-09-22 14:00 - 2024-09-24 12:00
What is theNC BikeWalk Transportation Summit?
The Summit is a multi-day conference that focuses exclusively on the safety, health, community design, and equity dimensions of active mobility. The event features both nationally recognized and regional presenters. It also offers interactive, “hands on” tools and experiences that attendees can bring back to their own communities. The BikeWalk Transportation Summit is a valuable educational and networking resource for anyone who cares about creating safer streets and healthier, more equitable communities for all road users.
Who Should Attend the Summit?
The summit offers valuable information for transportation planners, elected officials, students of City Planning and Public Health programs, road engineers, planning consultants, nonprofit advocates, health promotion personnel, bike/ped professionals, nonprofit trail groups, and others who are interested in safer roads and transportation options.
Where will the Summit be held?
The Summit’s primary venue will be the Friday Conference Center at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC, with several offsite educational and social opportunities. Room blocks are available at the following local hotels, both within walking distance of the venue. Be sure to ask for the BikeWalk NC conference rate:
aLoft Chapel Hill (919) 932-7772 – $130/night
Courtyard by Marriott (919) 932-7772 – $145/night
I am interested in sponsoring this important event. How do I go about doing that?
Please see our Sponsor Package HERE and Sponsor Registration HERE

TreeTops Trail Race
2024-09-28 09:00 - 11:30
Join us Saturday, September 28, 2024 for the 2nd Annual TreeTops Trail Race in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina!
This race offers a unique opportunity to explore the spectacular 10,000 acres of rolling hills and towering trees that make up this beautiful forest. Take on the 8.5 mile challenging trail race – but beware! With nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain it’s no walk in the park!
Celebrate your journey through nature with a super unique succulent plant for all participants. Register before August 18th at midnight and get a FREE custom, TreeTops Trail Race hoodie and race sticker with your registration!
Join us at the Dupont Forest Festival afterwards from 10am – 3pm to visit with vendors, hike, yoga, bike, hunt waterfalls and learn outdoor recreation tips to last you a lifetime. Admission to the festival is FREE!
The TreeTops Trail Race is not just any ordinary event – it’s an exclusive experience only available within Dupont State Forest! So don’t miss out on this tree-mendous event and join us for an unforgettable journey through DuPont State Forest – roots down, branches up!

Max Patch Trail Work Day
2024-09-28 09:00 - 15:00
National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer event in the country. Volunteers, along with Carolina Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and US Forest Service, will continue restoration efforts on Max Patch, endearingly referred to as the Jewel of the Southern Appalachian Trail.
Come join us! No experience necessary. All are welcome.

Chasing Trail Ultras
2024-10-05 07:00 - 19:00
Chasing Trail is a timed event lets you choose your distance in 3 hours, 6 hours, or 12 hours. *5k option just added!* The race starts and finishes in the Gateway Trailhead parking lot in Old Fort, NC.
The course is a ~3.2 mile loop with approximately 380ft of elevation gain. This trail system is very approachable for beginner trail runners, while still providing a challenge as you add more and more loops.
Runners must complete at least 1 loop before the end of their time limit to be a finisher. Only loops completed within your time limit will be counted towards your total. 5k runners complete 1 loop. Race fuel and hydration will be provided at the start/finish race base. Crews are welcome in the Gateway Trailhead parking lot.
This event is owned and managed by Kick It Event Management.

Sandy Creek Bridge Ribbon Cutting
2024-10-18 16:00 - 17:30
Ribbon Cutting for Sandy Creek Bridge connecting Franklinville/Faith Rock (2.5 mi) and Ramseur (.75 mi) rail trail sections of the Deep River State Trail for a total of 3.25 miles.

Great Trails State Day 2000 Mile Challenge
2024-10-19 07:00 - 19:00
Last year our goal was 1000 Miles and we did 1525. This year we are setting a goal of 2000 Miles. It is going to be tough – and we need your help!! Save the date and closer to time we will had breakfast, lunch and dinner details along with other activities to bring you out to the park to hike, bike and/or paddle

Pottery Pinecone Hunt
2024-10-19 08:00 - 18:00
To celebrate Great Trails State Day in North Carolina, the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB has partnered with renowned Seagrove Potter Crystal King to create 30 pottery pinecones which will be hidden along select Moore County trails on Saturday, October 19th. This is a spinoff of the very popular spring Pinecone Pathways Program which will enter its third year in 2025.

Journeys: Women in the Woods
2024-10-19 09:00 - 14:00
Join Three Pines Project for a day of connection, hiking, art, nature journaling and mindfulness with facilitators that meet you where you are and help shift perspectives and deepen your appreciation and confidence in the outdoor world!
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Childcare on the island available through Wild Earth & Wonder.

Great Trails State Day - Randolph County
2024-10-19 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday, October 19:
Walk at Asheboro’s Zoo City Sportplex at 9 am,
Creekside parkrun at 9 am;
Caraway Creek Preserve at 11 am;
Franklinville Rail Trail/Sandy Creek Bridge at 2 pm.

Great Trails State Day Group Walk at the Quarry at Grant Park
2024-10-19 10:00 - 11:00
Take a 2-mile group walk along the paved Greenway from the parking lot to Harding Street and back. Then, follow the trail past the playground to the overlook pier that extends over the eastern side of the quarry, offering views of the deep blue waters of the old quarry that give the park its name and of the city skyline in the distance. Along the route, you will see and learn about North Carolina’s quarries and the rocks extracted from each. The walk begins at 10:00 am at the parking lot and ends at 11:00 am.

Town of Stem Community Hike for Great State Trails Day
2024-10-19 10:00 - 11:30
Join us on Saturday, October 19th at 10am for a community hike to celebrate North Carolina’s 2024 Great Trails State Day 2024. We will meet in the gravel parking lot at the Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area Trailhead #1 located at 3189 Brogden Rd, Stem, NC 27581. We will take the yellow Pond Trail which is 1.3 miles and a difficulty level of easy. This hike should take approximately one hour to complete.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for hiking. Refreshments will be provided at the end of the hike.
Please RSVP here by Wednesday, October 16th.
In case of inclement weather, the hike will be postponed until Saturday, October 26th at 10am.

Meet and Greet Trail Ride
2024-10-19 10:00 - 12:00
EQUESTRIANS! Come to the Croatan National Forest for our Meet and Greet Trail Ride sponsored by the Back Country Horsemen of the Croatan.
Saturday October 19th, 2024.
Ride out at 10 AM and return by noon for a hot dog and beverage. Free – no cost.
Please note no dogs are allowed on this ride and we do not provide horses for this event.
You will need to trailer in your horse and bring water for your horse. See our website for details – https://www.backcountryhorsemenofthecroatan.com/

The Outer Banks Trail Festival
2024-10-19 10:00 - 18:00
Celebrate the 1st Annual Great Trails State Day at The Outer Banks Trail Center in historic downtown Manteo. Preview our FREE hike and kayak maps or enjoy our archived route videos to plan your own adventure. All ages and abilities welcome!
THE OBX WAY researches, documents, and promotes trails on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the purpose of safety, health, and education access. THE OBX WAY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 88-3753150.

Monster Dash
2024-10-19 11:00 - 13:00
Start the morning with a Youth XC meet 8&u run 2k, 9-10 & 11-12 run 3K, 13-14 run 4K. 15-18 run 5K
A 5K trail run, open to anyone who wants to join, in Carolina Beach State Park to celebrate Great Trails State Day and raise money for young runners.
Registration for XC meet on Milesplit and for the 5K for the general public~ https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/CarolinaBeach/MonsterDashCB

MST Advocates Author Jerry Barker and Howard Lee to be Featured Speakers for Great Trail State Day
2024-10-19 11:00 - 14:00
Elkin Valley Trails Association (EVTA) is delighted to feature Jerry Barker, author, avid hiker, and former president of Friends of MST, and Howard Lee, NC politician, avid hiker, and whose speech inspired the creation of the MST in 1977, as presenters at Elkin’s Great Trail State Day celebration. The event will be held at Elkin Public Library, 111 N Front St., Elkin NC 28621 at 11:00 am. It will highlight Jerry’s book, Discovering North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and also an MST talk about the inception for the MST by Howard Lee. This will be an easy 2.5 mile level hike with Jerry and Howard and EVTA volunteers to follow the talk.

Great Trails State Day paddle on Tuckertown Reservoir.
2024-10-19 13:00 - 17:00
Don’t put those canoes and kayaks away just yet!

Come join us for a Fall paddle on October 19th from 1-5pm 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.

Get tickets today!

Great Trails State Day Paddle
2024-10-19 13:00 - 17:00
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
