NC Trails - Great State Trails Coalition

Return to the Mountains of WNC: Trail Workday near Black Mountain
2025-05-05 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Carnivorous Plant Hike
2025-05-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-31 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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

Geocaching 101
2025-05-26 17:30 - 18:30
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.

Tune in & Tune Up
2025-05-28 18:00 - 20:00
Join us on Wednesday, May 28, from 6-8 pm for Tune In and Tune Up at LoFi Park!

In partnership with The Community Bike Shop and Bicycling in Greensboro, volunteer bike mechanics will be offering free simple tune-ups, along with music and light refreshments.

Metered on-street parking is available along North Eugene Street between West Smith Street and Bellemeade Street.

Heads, Hearts, and Tales Moonshine Hike
2025-05-29 09:00 - 10:00 | stone mountain state park – garden creek church, 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC, 28668, United States
Join a Ranger at Garden Creek Church parking lot for a one-mile roundtrip moderate moonshine history hike. Weather Permitting.

Trail Maintenance Workday with MountainTrue & Carolina Mountain Club near Asheville, NC
2025-05-30 08:00 - 14:00
About this event

Join MountainTrue and Carolina Mountain Club for a day of trail maintenance work!
The exact location will be determined the week of May 26th.
Please bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, and any medications you may need. Wear close-toed shoes and long pants, and bring a hard hat, eye protection, and work gloves if you have them. We will provide these if you do not have them, as well as any tools necessary for the work.
Children that are able to hike in and out to the worksite are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This will be a moderately strenuous workday that includes hiking to a work site and completing trail maintenance work for a few hours.
Photo Release & Waiver of Liability-all participants must read and agree: There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, member, and guest must check the box below and in doing so, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), MountainTrue, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of MountainTrue concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. MountainTrue also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for future publications and promotions.
Register Here: https://www.mobilize.us/mountaintrue/event/780467/

Women's Nature Journal Hike
2025-05-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Lower Cascades, 2143 Hall Road, Danbury, NC, 27016, United States
Join Ranger Maggie on a hike to Lower Cascades. We will talk about the women that made a difference in NC State Park’s history and how you can contribute to our park system. As we walk the Lower Cascades Trail (0.4 miles each way) we will stop, draw and write about some of our findings. Nature journals will be provided. Please email Maggie.miller@ncparks.gov to register for the program.
Photo taken by Ranger Maggie Miller.

Book Talk: Trails & Treats
2025-06-04 17:30 - 19:00
Local authors, Palmer McIntyre and Hollis Oberlies, will be highlighting their book “Trails & Treats: A Hiker & Runner’s Guide to Great Trails and Good Eats in North Carolina” with a gathering on the Downtown Greenway. Join us on from 5:30 – 7 pm on Wednesday, June 4, for author readings, book sales and signings, and even a short walk along the greenway. Participants can also enjoy a few refreshments and treats from Maxie B’s Bakery.

Located at Meeting Place Park (at the corner of West Smith Street and Prescott Street). On-street parking is available at 801 W. Smith St

Pre-register online at https://tinyurl.com/DGBook2025 Drop-ins welcome; space permitting.

National Trail Day Bingo
2025-06-05 00:00 - 2025-06-08 23:30
There’s no better way to celebrate National Trail Day than on a trail! Make your next trail experience interactive with our National Trail Day BINGO. Take this Bingo card on any greenway or trail adventure between June 5-8. Email a photo or screenshot of your completed bingo card to Emily Halden at ehalden@cornelius.org to be entered for a prize! You must include a picture of one of your squares (trail photo, picture of a bird, squirrel etc) to be entered.
To see a list of trails and greenways in Cornelius, visit our website.

Old Fort Trails & Trains Festival
2025-06-05 08:00 - 2025-06-07 22:00
Come celebrate 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. Visit our Vendor Village, grab a bite at the food trucks and hit the trails with our multiple guided hikes. Kids will love the duck race down Mill Creek, scavenger hunt, and a ride on a miniature train. This 3 day event will include multiple presentations around town including Yoga Fest, Book Signing and Trail Talk with AT Record-Setter and Author Jennifer Pharr Davis (as well as a Keynote address), the Rythym & Rails Bluegrass Festival, and the Mountain Bike Film Festival from Ritual Mountain Bike Film Tour. Check the website for the complete schedule of events.
