NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Geocaching 101
2025-05-26 17:30 - 18:30 UTC
Do you enjoy adventure and exploring outside? Come learn a new hobby that’s fun for all ages and a great way to get outdoors: Geocaching. We’ll teach you the basics of this modern day treasure hunt activity and show you how to find caches locally – and around the world!
This program takes place at Woven Works Park (corner of Lindsay Street and Murrow Boulevard) along the Downtown Greenway. Parking is available at 401 Cumberland St., Greensboro, NC 27401.
Pre-register online at tinyurl.com/DGgeocache101. Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

Celebrate Spring HIke
2025-05-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Medoc Mountain State Park – Visitor Center, 1541 Medoc State Park Road, Hollister, NC, 27844, United States
Celebrate Spring with a relaxing morning hike at Medoc Mountain State Park. Learn about the native habitat and beauty of Medoc Mountain State Park by joining a park ranger for an invigorating hike.
Bring bug spray, water, and wear hiking shoes.
Meet at the visitor center.
Registration is not required. Note that this event is subject to cancellation due to adverse weather.

Carnivorous Plant Hike
2025-05-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road, North Carolina, 28428, US
Join park staff on a guided hike through the captivating ecosystems where carnivorous plants, including Venus flytraps, thrive in their natural environment. As you explore the terrain, we will share insights into the unique adaptations that allow these plants to trap and digest insects. You’ll have the chance to observe the flytraps, along with other fascinating species like sundews and pitcher plants. This immersive experience offers a deeper understanding of these extraordinary plants and the delicate ecosystem they inhabit.

Urban Foraging
2025-05-18 13:00 - 14:00
Come on out to the Downtown Greenway’s Meeting Place and Public Orchard to learn more about the natural edible world around you. Explore and identify edible plants in the area, and learn sustainable foraging techniques.

Intro to American Sign Language
2025-05-18 13:00 - 14:00
This beginner-friendly class will teach you basic signs in a fun, interactive, outdoor environment. Learn to communicate and connect with others in a whole new way!
This program takes place on the Downtown Greenway at the corner of Smith & Prescott Streets

Pace Cliffs Trail Day
2025-05-18 09:00 - 14:00
Trail Day at Pace Cliffs – May 18th
We’re super excited to share that we’ve officially teamed up with the Green River Gamelands to help support climbing access at Pace Cliffs! After years of use — plus a hurricane and wildfires — the area could use a little TLC, and we’re kicking things off with a trail day.
Join us on Saturday, May 18th and help build out some much-needed trail and access infrastructure at Pace. It’s a great excuse to get your hands dirty, meet some rad folks, and help open the door to better climbing access for years to come. Expect a 1 mile hike on uneven terrain, followed by some trail digging and rock moving.
Where: Pace Cliffs, Green River Gamelands
When: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What to Bring: Water, snacks, gloves, sturdy shoes — and a good attitude! We’ll have tools and good vibes ready.
Big thanks to The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for supporting this recovery work, and shoutout to the Green River Gamelands crew for being awesome partners.
Directions: https://maps.apple.com/?ll=35.291101,-82.317852&q=Marked%20Location&t=h
Note: There are multiple places under construction on big hungry road and a one lane section with an automated traffic light. Use caution while driving!

SPCA on the Greenway
2025-05-17 12:00 - 14:00
Spend your Saturday the best way possible—by walking with some adorable pups from the SPCA of the Triad! 🐾

Space is limited. Pre-registration required: https://tinyurl.com/DGspcawalk

Join us May 17 12-2pm for a fun 1-2 mile walk along the Downtown Greenway, starting at the Freedom Cornerstone (Parking at 750 Plott St.), where you’ll have the chance to walk and socialize with adoptable dogs in need of some exercise and love.

Come out, get some fresh air, and help these amazing dogs burn off energy in a positive way!

SPCA on the Greenway
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a walk along the Downtown Greenway with the SPCA of the Triad! Participants will help take a dog for a walk along the greenway to socialize them and get their energy out in a positive way. The walk will consist of only about 2 miles roundtrip, and begin at the Freedom Cornerstone (corner of Murrow Blvd and E Gate City Blvd). Parking at 750 Plott Street.
Space is limited. Pre-registration required: tinyurl.com/DGspcawalks

The SPCA is a local animal rescue non-profit dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused, neglected, and injured animals.

Downtown Greenway Walking Tour
2025-05-17 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for an informative and engaging guided walking tour of the Downtown Greenway! Explore the rich history, local neighborhoods, public art, environmental initiatives, economic impact, and much more.
Our next tour is Saturday, May 17, from 9 AM to 12 PM. The 4-mile loop will begin and end at LoFi Park (500 N. Eugene Street).
Register online today, or feel free to drop in if space allows!

Walking Tour
2025-05-17 09:00 - 12:00
Our guided walking tours cover a wealth of information about the Downtown Greenway project, local history, surrounding neighborhoods, public art installations, environmental stewardship, economic impact, and more!

Each tour will travel the 4-mile loop of the Downtown Greenway, and start and finish in LoFi Park (500 N. Eugene Street).

Register online at https://tinyurl.com/DGwalktours Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

Speed Friending
2025-05-16 17:30 - 19:30
We’re mixing things up for this round of Speed Friending, with a special Book Lovers edition! In collaboration with the Greensboro Bound Book Festival, hosted on May 17 at the Cultural Center, we’re calling all literary enthusiasts to join us on Friday, May 16 in LoFi Park.
Looking to make friends in town? Designed to spark creative conversations and to reduce the anxiety of talking with strangers to show how good conversations and possible friendships are just a simple “hey” away!
Registration is required: tinyurl.com/DGfriending. Drop-ins welcome if space permits.

Return to Western NC: Explore Panthertown Valley
2025-05-16 16:00 - 2025-05-18 13:00
Western NC is back from Hurricane Helene! Join us for a weekend of hiking and camping in Panthertown Valley, and for the culmination of the Friends of Panthertown Valley’s month-long BioBlitz on the weekend of May 16-18. On tap for the weekend:

Basecamp Backpack trip: We hike a mile in late Friday afternoon, set up basecamp and do a short sunset hike to the Salt Rock Overlook. 5-mile day-hikes follow on Saturday and Sunday.
5-mile day-hike on Saturday: We utilize various Panthertown trails for a 5-mile loop taking in waterfalls and scenic views.
5-mile day-hike on Sunday: We utilize various Panthertown trails )but not the ones from Saturday’s hike) for a 5-mile loop taking in waterfalls and scenic views.
BioBlitz Celebration in Cashiers on Saturday. Friends of Panthertown Valley present their findings from a monthlong survey of the valley.

To learn more and sign up, go here.

The Benefits of Hiking
2025-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Hanging Rock State Park- Lake Bathhouse Parking, 2847 Hanging rock Park Road, NC/Stokes, US
Join Ranger McKenney on a short hike around the lake to learn about how hiking and being outdoors can not only benefit your physical health but also your mental and emotional health. All ages are welcome. Please register for the program by emailing mitchell.mckenney@ncparks.gov
Photo taken by Ranger Mitchell McKenney.

Waterfall Wonders Hike
2025-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Indian Creek Trailhead, 1005 Visitor Center Dr., Danbury, NC, 27016, United States
This 3.6-mile hike will take us by the gently tiered Hidden Falls and Windows Falls. It meanders down the mountain along the Indian Creek, through Rhododendron thickets and oak forest, and ends at the Dan River. We will cross the creek several times and Hanging Rock Park Road. We will meet at the Visitor Center. The guided hike will be one way, and a shuttle will be provided back to the Visitor Center Parking lot. This program is suitable for 16+. To register for this program or for more information please email andra.dalton@ncparks.gov.
Photo taken by Andra Dalton.

Friends of Lake Norman State Park – Women's Nature Walk
2025-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Drive, NC, 28166, US
Calling all women to get out in nature for a hike!
FLANO will sponsor a Spring Hike for senior women at 10 am Wednesday, May 14, run by Julie Higgie, retired environmental educator, at Lake Norman State Park.
The group will meet at the Lake Shore Trailhead off Short Leaf Drive in the park. The hike, geared toward women who want to walk slowly and enjoy fellowship in nature, should take less than 2 hours. We will look for spring plants and nesting birds.
Hiking sticks and sturdy shoes are recommended. Meet at the Lake Shore Trailhead.
Reservations are requested; please call or text Julie at 704-877-4788. You will be advised of a rain date if the event is postponed.

Walk Audit for the Town of Sparta
2025-05-13 12:30 - 14:30
ASTA is pleased to co-host and participate with the NC Cooperative Extension Service and other community organizations to conduct a community walk audit in the Town of Sparta. Come join us as we perform a second walk audit with local citizens, business entities, community organizations and other persons that have an interest in promoting and improving walkability around the Town of Sparta. We will have several teams walking different routes in town to businesses, shopping, schools, churches, medical facilities, library, town parks, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues in town. The walk audit will help highlight parts of the community that need improvements to make it safer and easier for everyone to walk, bike and be active.
Our focus is to promote and improve the safety and ability to walk and bike in and around town. Walking is a great way to improve the overall health and well being of our citizens and connect with our neighbors. Help us to conduct this study and document ways to improve the ability to walk and bike around the Town of Sparta. You can help us understand the needs of the community and find the best solutions. Let’s see if we can find ways to safely walk and ride around town and let the cars take a break!
If you have additional questions, you may contact Carmen Long at the extension office at 336-372-5597 or email: carmen_long@ncsu.edu. You may also respond directly to Carmen to register your attendance.
DIRECTIONS: All teams will meet at the NC Cooperative Extension Service at 90 South Main Street, Sparta, NC. We will meet in the 2nd floor conference room for a short orientation before the walk. The walks should begin around 12:45 pm. A follow up discussion will be held at the conclusion of the walks.
Google Maps – NC Extension Service
Walk Teams: We will have several teams that will be walking different routes in and around town. Groups will be arranged so there are a variety of interests and fitness level in each group. Safety vests will be provided to each participant for use during the walk as there will be areas where you may potentially be in or beside a street. A short orientation session will be held for the participants prior to the start of the walks. Sparta Police will be available to ensure safety in designated areas where there are no current sidewalks or marked pedestrian crossings.
Audit Forms: Each team member will have a survey form to be completed for your walk loop during the walk. Clipboards and pens will be provided to each participant. The audit forms are the area to note your concerns and comments for the particular walk route you are participating.
Weather: This event is weather dependent. If the weather forecast turns inclement, we will possibly reschedule the event for a different day and time. If weather is questionable, please check back here to the home page before the event to see if conditions have changed, we will try to update the event status on Meetup as timely as practical and send a message via Meetup to attendees.
Other Info: You should bring water, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and season (example: warm gear in cold weather and rain gear for seasonal use is always a good idea). We will be walking in groups with different levels of fitness within the group but will tailor the speed of the walk to ensure all participants remain together for the duration of the walk. Participants are also encouraged to bring their phones to take pictures of any items important to them during the walk. These photos should be forwarded at the conclusion of the walk so we have access to them should they be desired to include in the final report summary.
Terms of Participation: Participation in this event constitutes acceptance of the terms of participation as listed for this group on its homepage. On behalf of yourself and any guest you invite, participation in our events is entirely at your own risk.

Riverbluffs Morning Hike
2025-05-11 10:00 - 11:00 | dan river access, 1258 Flinchum Road, Danbury, NC, 27016, United States
Start your day off with this easy 1.3-mile hike. This loop trail follows alongside the Dan River, past rock formations, a babbling river and beautiful meadows. Hikers can spot running cedar, a variety of mushrooms and wildlife. We will meet at the River Bluff Trailhead parking lot. This program is suitable for all ages. To register for this program please email andra.dalton@ncparks.gov
Photo taken by Andra Dalton.

ASTA Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock via the AT
2025-05-10 10:00 - 15:00
Description and Difficulty: Join ASTA for this beautiful hike from Elk Garden to Whitetop with a side trip to Buzzard Rock via the AT. This is a 7.4-mile loop trail near Troutdale, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4-5 hours to complete. Elevation gain is 1318.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/appalachian-trail-elk-garden-to-buzzard-rock?sh=omqz4x
Weather: This event is weather dependent. If the weather forecast turns inclement, we will possibly reschedule the event for a different day and time. If weather is questionable, please check back here to the home page before the event to see if conditions have changed, we will try to update the event status on Meetup as timely as practical and send a message via Meetup to attendees.
Other Info: You should bring water, hiking sticks if you need them, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and season (example: warm gear in cold weather and rain gear for seasonal rides is always a good idea), a snack if desired (please pack out any trash) and during bug season a good repellant for mosquitos and ticks may be desired. Well-behaved dogs on leash are permitted. ** ASTA is raising money for the rehabilitation of Sam Brown Park and a future Sparta Greenway. We will be selling ASTA T-Shirts and Hats after the hike for those who wish to support us. Cash or check: $20 for t-shirts, $25 for hats.
Terms of Participation: Participation in this event constitutes acceptance of the terms of participation as listed for this group on its homepage. On behalf of yourself and any guest you invite, participation in our events is entirely at your own risk.

Paddle Safety Classes in NC!
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00
We are excited to partner with GetOutdoors for kayaking and paddleboarding safety classes in a variety of locations across the basin.
No experience is necessary, these are all beginner friendly classes, of approximately 2 hours in duration; age 14 yrs and up welcome, all classes are co-ed.
The cost is free, however, if you register, please commit to being there, otherwise it’s taking a valuable spot that someone else would love to have.
This safety class is funded by a grant that DRBA secured to empower and educate our Basin paddlers.
If you do not have a kayak, life jacket, or paddle, we will provide these items for you but you must register as using GetOutdoors Kayaks (Class + Materials)
If you have your own kayak*, it is best to use it so you know how it will perform, and you can register for just the class.
An appropriate kayak* for this event is good-quality, sit inside or sit-on-top 10ft-14ft.
Four participants are required to run the event, with a max of 10 participants.
Locations and Dates:

May 10th: Hanging Rock Lake, 10 am -12:30 pm
June 20th: Lake Reidsville, 4 pm – 6:30 pm
June 23rd: Farmer Lake, Paddleboard, 5 pm – 7 pm
July 12th: Hyco Lake, 10 am -12:30 pm
August 18th: Dan River, Eden, 10 am-2 pm

Urban Foraging
2025-05-07 17:30 - 18:30
Interested in exploring edible plants in and around Greensboro? Join us on Wednesday, May 7 from 5:30-6:30 pm to learn about sustainable foraging techniques! This session will introduce you to the basics of urban foraging, including gathering wild foods, medicinal herbs, and craft materials. This program will take place at Meeting Place, located at the corner of Smith and Prescott Streets.
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Register online at www.tinyurl.com/DGforage. Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

Return to the Mountains of WNC: Trail Workday near Black Mountain
2025-05-05 09:00 - 12:00
Wonder what happens when a hurricane crosses a hiking trail? Grab a mattock and find out on a trail workday by Black Mountain Parks & Rec. A crew of 20 will meet in Black Mountain and drive a short distance to the Christmount Christian Assembly to work on trails damaged by Hurricane Helene. Learn more here.

Wheels on the Greenway
2025-05-03 09:00 - 13:00
The 10th Annual Wheels on the Greenway event is back! This growing 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 the fun on Saturday, May 3, from 9 am to 1 pm at Woven Works Park.
Community partners will be offering interactive and educational festivities including adaptive cycle demos, youth helmet giveaways, bike repair stations, guided rides, skating demos, children’s bike safety rodeo, “bling your bike” stations, face painting, 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.

Celebrate the Reopening of Hot Springs with a Hike
2025-05-02 09:00 - 2025-05-03 16:00
Hot Springs, NC, was devastated last September by Hurricane Helene, but it’s back! It’s official reopening is May 2-3, with ReBuild Hot Springs’ Town & Trail Festival. The festival includes four hikes on popular trails that have been reopened.
Friday, May 2, 9.a.m – Appalachian Trail: Garenflo Gap into Hot Springs, 7 miles.
Friday, May 2, 2 p.m. – Hike the Big Laurel River, 5.6 miles
Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. — Appalachian Trail: Tanyard Gap into Hot Springs, 5.6 miles
Saturday, May 3, 1 p.m. — Appalachian Trail: Lover’s Leap, 3 miles
All hikes will be lead by Blue Ridge Hiking Co. There is a fee for each hike, which will go directly to the non-profit ReBuild Hot Springs, which is aiding local businesses and residents.

Geochaching 101
2025-04-30 17:30 - 18:30
Geocaching 101Are you passionate about adventure and the great outdoors? Discover a fun new hobby for all ages – Geocaching! Join us on April 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Learn the basics of this exciting modern-day treasure hunt and explore how to find local caches or worldwide!

Program will take place at Woven Works Park (401 Cumberland Street). Parking is available at 401 Cumberland St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/DGgeocache

Drop-ins are welcome space permitting.

Tuesdays at Trailhead
2025-04-29 18:00 - 19:00
Drop-in to participate in free outdoor fitness classes on Tuesday evenings (April 29-June 24) from 6-7 pm on the beautiful Downtown Greenway. Enjoy a different class and instructor each week, courtesy of our partnership with the YMCA of Greensboro.
All ages and fitness abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate!
Text OUTDOOR to 844-765-7664 to receive YMCA outdoor class updates and weather cancellations.

This Trail's For You!
2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00
Come explore the beautiful Stuart and Emma Thomas Trail, a public trail protected by Piedmont Land Conservancy and managed by Crossnore Communities for Children in the heart of Winston-Salem. Two years after the Earth Day Grand Opening in 2023, we want to welcome you back to celebrate this lasting gift to the community and peaceful place to connect with nature.
Arrive before 2:00pm at either the Reynolda Rd or Dr. CB Hauser trailhead and volunteers from Friends of the Thomas Trail, Piedmont Land Conservancy, and Crossnore staff will be there to offer guided walks and share more about this special protected space.
This is a family-friendly event. All are welcome! We can’t wait to share this inspiring trail with you. See you on the trail!

Discovery Hike with iNaturalist (NC Science Festival) at Haw River State Park
2025-04-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Haw River State Park – The Summit Access Courtyard, 339 Conference Center Drive, Browns Summit, NC, 27214, United States
The 2025 NCSciFest theme is “Science: Everyday, Everywhere, Everyone” and we’re excited to celebrate all the important ways science is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives! For environmental educators and natural resource managers, this can mean leaning into modern technology to learn the native landscape, make new species discoveries, identify invasive plants, and contribute to global community science efforts.
On this guided hike through several Haw River habitats, learn how to use the iNaturalist app to discover and identify plants, animals, and more along the trails. This interactive hike is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and expand your knowledge of the local ecosystem as we celebrate science in the outdoors.
Meet in the courtyard outside of the Main Lodge (building closest to flag pole) for this easy hike less than 2 hours / 1.5 miles in length with minor elevation gains as we walk to & from the wetlands. Final route will be determined closer to date. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for a natural-surface travel (packed dirt or gravel) and water/snacks as needed. If you need to download the iNaturalist or SEEK app on your smartphone, there is free wifi in the reception area next to the meeting place. Contact the park with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Pisgah Project Day 2025
2025-04-26 08:00 - 16:00
Pisgah Project Day is Pisgah’s largest volunteer day. Each spring, hundreds of community volunteers join forces with The Pisgah Conservancy, our event sponsors and partners, and the U.S. Forest Service to complete 20+ improvement projects throughout the Pisgah Ranger District in a single day!
Volunteer registration is open through April 21st. This is a family-friendly event. For full event details, to register, and to see all of our sponsors and partners, please visit the event page: https://pisgahconservancy.org/pisgah-project-day/

2025 Panthertown Bioblitz
2025-04-22 15:00 - 2025-05-17 23:30
It’s Friends of Panthertown’s 20th anniversary and to celebrate Friends of Panthertown is hosting Panthertown’s first-ever Bioblitz in the spring of 2025, a month-long event that will focus on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. The primary goal of a Bioblitz is to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in
Panthertown. The last documented list of plants in Panthertown was taken in 2004 by Dan Pattillo and Gary Kaufman. Their list contains rare, unique plants, some of which are only found in two areas of the world. This bioblitz will update, add on, and inform this initial list, giving the U.S. Forest Service, Friends of Panthertown, and the public a fuller understanding of who and what lives in Panthertown.
Friends of Panthertown had a Specialists’ Summit hosted by Southwestern Community College to kick off the Bioblitz on January 23rd, 2025, privately. This allowed hike leaders, specialists, board members, partners, and friends to meet one another, learn about Panthertown, and discuss where and when their hikes will occur. From April 22nd to May 17th, Friends of Panthertown will have two to three weekly hikes, most focusing on different topics.
Each hike will be led by a specialist, ranging from mycologists to geologists and botanists, and each participant will be involved in the data collection of each hike. On May 17th, there will be a celebration at the Village Green in Cashiers to conclude the bioblitz and share collected data.
For more information and to RSVP visit: BioBlitz – Friends of Panthertown
