Speed Friending
2025-05-16 17:30 - 19:30 UTC
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.

NC Trail Days 2025
2025-06-05 09:00 - 2025-06-08 14:00
Join us for the 6th annual North Carolina Trail Days in the towns of Elkin and Jonesville – home of three great state trails! The festival celebrates the great outdoors and recreation culture found in the Blue Ridge foothills. Highlighted are a collection of local trails, themed hikes, Yadkin River paddles, outdoor gear vendors and demos, live music everyday and much more! New this year is the first ever Big Elkin Trail Relay Marathon! The festival is at the intersection of three state trails: Segment 6 of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the eastern terminus of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and the Yadkin River State Trail. NC Trail Days is always held on the weekend aligning with with National Trails Day – the first Saturday in June.

Guided Nature Hike
2025-06-05 17:00 - 18:30
Guided Nature Hike
In celebration of National Trails Day, join us for a leisurely hike along the greenway as we learn about the different plants and animals!
Thursday, June 5
5:00pm – 6:30pm
The Mills at Rocky River
1095 Drake Mill Lane SW
Ages: All Ages!
Cost: Free
Preregistration required
Register online: https://secure.rec1.com/NC/concord-nc/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2ODkzMDU=
or call 704-920-5600

Outer Banks Trail Night
2025-06-06 18:00 - 21:00
Celebrate NC Trails Days during First Friday in historic downtown Manteo at The Outer Banks Trail Center to learn about annual events held in Elkin, as well as local OBX hike, bike, and kayak trails. Enjoy FREE live music at Magnolia Market and stroll the beautiful waterfront boardwalk. To view our interactive Google Maps, please visit obxway.org, or scroll our Instagram page to see our more creative work.

Sunrise Hike with McDowell Trails
2025-06-07 05:30 - 08:30
Don’t miss this hike as you watch the skies color at sunrise. The McDowell Trails Association will lead a hike on the Point Lookout Greenway.
Yes, a very early start, but we will arrive at Point Lookout for the 6:12 AM
sunrise. We will hike at a brisk pace 2.5 miles from the Old Fort Point Lookout
Trailhead.
After the oohs and aahs from the sunrise we will return to the trailhead. Just
think how good a cup of coffee will be when you get back to Old Fort and refuel for the
full day of the Old Fort Trails and Trains festival!

Sendere-Ton
2025-06-07 08:00 - 2025-06-08 17:00
Latinos Aventureros invites you to the 2025 Sendere-Tón, a weekend of hikes, paddling, and nature adventures across North Carolina in celebration of National Trails Day. Choose your adventure, connect with others, and enjoy joy, culture, and community on June 7–8!
Latinos Aventureros te invita al Senderetón 2025, un fin de semana de caminatas, paseos en kayak y aventuras en la naturaleza por todo Carolina del Norte para celebrar el Día Nacional del Sendero. ¡Elige tu aventura, conéctate con otr@s y celebremos junt@s la alegría, cultura y comunidad el 7 y 8 de junio!
LATINOS AVENTUREROS
SENDERE-TÓN
WALK AND CONNECT!
UNITED BY NATURE
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Charlotte – Greenway and Park Road Park – Long hike (10 mi)
Connelly Springs – South Mountains State Park – Difficult hike
Danbury – Hanging Rock State Park – Difficult hike, time at the lake
Davidson – Lake Norman State Park – Hike, picnic, time at the lake
Durham – Eno River State Park (Cox Mountain) – Hike
Gastonia – Crowders Mountain – Hike
Highlands – Glen Falls – Moderate hike
Hickory – Riverwalk – Family hike
Morganton – Fonta Flora Trail – Hike + picnic + Lake James

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

Belmont – Seven Oaks Preserve Trail – Hike
Hillsborough – Adventure for kids
Huntersville – Latta Nature Preserve – Kayak & Paddle (bring your own!)
Raleigh – Yates Mill Pond Trail – Moderate hike
Wake Forest – Falls Lake Dam – Moderate hike + biking

🔍 Check the details of each event in our Facebook group: exact location, time, what to bring, and who to contact if you have questions.

🌿 Choose your adventure, invite your friends, and let’s celebrate Sendere-Tón 2025 together with joy, culture, and community.
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (704) 879-6290

National Trails Day with Carolina Thread Trail
2025-06-07 08:30 - 18:00
Be a part of our region’s largest celebration of trails and the outdoors! On Saturday, June 7, Carolina Thread Trail is spreading the National Trails Day fun across North and South Carolina with 15 FREE guided outdoor programs across 15 counties. Programs start as early as 8:30am and continue throughout the day. Registration requested. Presented by Duke Energy.

National Trails Day Events - Hike, Bike, Paddle and Play In The Charlotte Region
2025-06-07 08:30 - 21:30
Be a part of our region’s largest celebrations of trails and the outdoors.
presented by

On June 7, we’re spreading the National Trails Day fun across North Carolina and South Carolina with a variety of FREE guided hikes and bike rides throughout the day in multiple locations. Pick the adventure you want and spend the day outdoors with us! Advance registration is required.
8:30 AM
Bike Ride at Mountain Creek Park
Join a ranger for a group ride on the Carolina Thread Trail at Mountain Creek Park! The ride will include a lollypop loop that is both novice-friendly and challenging enough for experienced riders.
9 AM
Irish Buffalo Creek Fun Run
Join our Trail and Volunteer Manager Becca Cohler, for a leisurely 5K fun run celebrating National Trails Day! The majority of this run is on a paved greenway, with a small portion on a natural surface trail. This event is for casual runners to enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning on the greenway, ideal for those who prefer a comfortable, easy-going pace.
Lincoln County Rail Trail Bike Tour
See the best of Lincoln County’s trail by bike with our Community Coordinator Jane Love! Scenery includes downtown Lincolnton, neighborhoods, rural yards, woods and a historic mill along the South Fork River.
“Cool” Bird Hike at Catawba College
Spend your Saturday morning on an easy birdwatching hike through the 100 Acre Ecological Preserve at Catawba College. Hike will go through floodplain/swamp and along waterfowl impoundments/ponds. Attendees may see summer taningers, herons, wood ducks, indigo buntings, and more.
Hike at Mountain Creek Park
Join a ranger for a group hike on the Carolina Thread Trail at Mountain Creek Park! The hike will follow a paved ADA-accessible trail that winds through a quiet cove to a pier looking out onto Lake Norman, then follow natural-surface trails to meander along the edge of the lake and through a loblolly forest for a leisurely stroll through the woods.
Twelve Mile Creek Greenway Hike
Hike Twelve Mile Creek Greenway, including crossing the NC-SC state line via suspension bridge, with staff from the Town of Waxhaw! We have National Trails Day on Saturday, June 7 at 9 am start time. Location: HC Nesbit Trail Head -1304 H C Nesbit Park Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173 We will have a small team to help lead the hike on the Nature trail- CTT trail with the NC/SC Suspension bridge to SC- CTT trail side to Carrington Dr. Trail head (Rocks), then turn back to HC Nesbit. Sign-up can be found here.
9:30 AM
Tour of Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge – Bicycle Ride
Discover the beauty of the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge in Anson County by bicycle. The Refuge, situated along the Pee Dee River, includes 8,500 acres of diverse landscapes including hardwood forests, pine forests, mixed fields, wetlands and open waters.
Hike and Sketch at Duke Kimbrell Trail
Join local artist Wil Bosbyshell and the Carolina Thread Trail for a nature sketching hike at the Duke Kimbrell Trail and Daniel Stowe Conservancy. The program will start with a quick sketching demonstration by Wil, then the group will hike out and use the remaining program time to sketch “en plein air” (outdoors)!
Guided Hike and Observations at Falcon Trail
Enjoy a leisurely hike on the Falcon Trail in Stanly County, NC. Hike leader Gary Weart is a photographer who often notices things others don’t while exploring the trail.
10 AM
Cowpens Battlefield History Hike
Come join the Carolina Thread Trail and National Park Service on a history hike at Cowpens National Battlefield. Enjoy an easy stroll where you will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of Cowpens as a key encampment for the Overmountain Men during the American Revolution who marched to Kings Mountain to face Major Patrick Ferguson and the British Army.
Lindsay Pettus Greenway Hike
Explore the Lindsay Pettus Greenway with our Land Conservation Associate Grace Rooker. This mostly level, easy walk along a paved greenway and boardwalk features lots of local art along the way!
Great Falls Rail Trail Hike
Join Great Falls Home Town Association staff for an easy 2-mile hike along the Great Falls Reservoir in Great Falls, S.C. The recently opened Great Falls Rail Trail has beautiful views of the reservoir and Dearborn Island where a new state park will open in the next two years. Hike leaders will discuss other outdoor recreation opportunities in the Great Falls area including the whitewater facility and future opportunities. Meet at 451 Republic St., Great Falls, SC 29055. No dogs please. Restroom facilities not available on site. To RSVP and for additional information, email: gassociation@truvista.net.
Kings Mountain Gateway Trail Hike with CARE Dogs
Join CARE for a hike at Kings Mountain Gateway Trail! This is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while helping a CARE doggies get out, socialize, and be seen by potential adopters. Just let us know when you sign up, in the comment section, what size and energy level of dog you would like to walk, so we can match you with a dog. More information and sign-up can be found here.
Lake Norman State Park Hike
This year Lake Norman will host a guided hike on Alder Trail to help celebrate National Trails Day on June 7. Bring your water bottle and wear some closed-toed shoes as we hike this 0.8-mile trail along the banks of Hicks and Norwood Creek. Please call the Visitor Center at (704) 528-6350 to register.

All-day Event
Anne Springs Close Greenway 30th Anniversary Challenge
Enjoy free entry to the Anne Springs Close Greenway as part of National Trails Day! In honor of our 30th anniversary this year, help us log enough miles to make 30 laps around all of the Greenway’s trails! Hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding & dog paws all count!
Town of Cornelius Trail BINGO
Enjoy a game of trail BINGO while you explore the greenways in Cornelius! Get your BINGO card here.

Looking for places to get outside in the meantime? Find your own trail adventure on our online trail map.
FIND TRAILS!

Looking for ideas for trails to visit? Download our Guide to 6 Springtime Adventures on the Thread Trail
download now

Paddle the Dan River with Dan River Basin Association and Piedmont Land Conservancy
2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00
Saturday June 7 | 9:00am

Moratock Park | 1077 Sheppard Mill Rd, Danbury, NC 27016

Join the Dan River Basin Association and the Piedmont Land Conservancy to celebrate National Trails Day on a scenic 4-mile paddle in Danbury, NC, on the Dan River.
We’ll paddle from Moratock Park in Danbury, NC, to the Pitzer Road Public Fishing Area takeout. Enjoy a day with two community organizations that work to protect our natural resources.
About the Paddle
Participants will meet at the Moratock Park boat launch (GPS coordinates: 36.4088, -80.1965) to unload boats and set the shuttle. This trip is suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. As always, Dan River Basin Association outings and meetings are free and open to the public.
History Along the River
The boat launch is located next to the historic Moratock Furnace, built in 1843 by Nathaniel Moody. The furnace played a key role in supplying iron to the Confederacy during the Civil War. In The Dan River Book, author Forest Altman praises this section of the river: “I don’t know why this isn’t a more popular section; it’s one of my favorites.” This outing offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature. Expect to see blooming mountain laurel, along with butterflies, hawks, kingfishers, and herons. About a mile downstream, we’ll encounter Flat Shoals Creek on river right. Flat Shoals Creek rises on the flank of the easternmost Sauratown Mountains, named after the “Saura”, a Siouan-speaking Native American tribe that lived in the area before European colonists arrived in the early 18th century.
What to bring
Participants must provide their own boat, paddle, life jacket, water, and lunch. Dress in water-shedding synthetic fabric or wool (avoid cotton and jeans), and bring a spare change of clothes.
All participants must sign a waiver before paddling.
For more information, contact:
Keith Elliot at 336-613-2966 or keithmale1@gmail.com
In case of cancellation:
Please check www.danriver.org or our Facebook page by Friday, June 6, 2025, for any updates regarding weather or river conditions.
No sign up needed!

National Trails Day 2025
2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00
Come celebrate the beauty and importance of our trails with National Trails Day! On Saturday, June 7 from 9 am to 1 pm we will have free trail-related activities for all ages including (calendar subject to change):
Come out and enjoy live music, guided hikes, birding walk, ongoing activities, kids zone, and food vendors.

More than 30 community partners will be on-site offering information, giveaways, and activity stations related to birding, trail maintenance, orienteering, footwear, and more. Stay tuned for a more details about scheduled activity times throughout the event!

Greensboro’s Trails Day celebration is made possible by sponsorship from VF Corporation.

Trail Daze of Summer: Pace Cliffs
2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00
This event is part of our Trail Daze of Summer Series sponsored by On the Road and Off

Details: Help us get this climber trail up and running!
Meet: https://maps.app.goo.gl/J7SV1ssNhKcn21sBA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Bring: Work gloves, reusable water bottle/water, lunch/snacks, bug spray, sunscreen
Wear: Sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants/sleeves recommended
Email dcanter@carolinaclimbers.org or dvanbrocklin@carolinaclimbers.org with questions.
This event is part of our Trail Daze of Summer Series sponsored by On the Road and Off.
If you come to any 3 trail days all summer at any location you’ll be entered to win HUGE prizes at the End of Daze Party August 16th to celebrate all our hard trail work at the end of the summer. All are welcome to the End of Daze Party on August 16th, but only those who attend 3 trail days during the summer will be entered into the Black Diamond raffle for HUGE prizes. You can attend any 3 trail days during the summer (not just Trail Daze events) to quliafy for the EPIC Black Diamond raffle. All are welcome to the End of Daze Party August 16th.
