Squirrel Lake Park - NC | YEAR OF THE TRAIL | 2023

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Squirrel Lake Park

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1631 Pleasant Plains Dr
Matthews
NC
28105

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After months of dedication and substantial investm

After months of dedication and substantial investments, Lake Crabtree Park in Cary has undergone a remarkable transformation, now offering mountain biking trails accessible to riders of all abilities. 🚵‍♂️💫

Brian Parks, a seasoned mountain biker, expressed the joy of witnessing his children, including his daughter Audrey, enjoy the trails together. This achievement was made possible by Wes Hall, CEO of North Carolina Adaptive Sports (NCAS), along with 67 volunteers dedicating 487 hours and nearly $7,000 in supplies over the past year.

Supported by sponsors and Wake County Parks, the initiative aimed to enhance trail accessibility by widening bridges and removing tight turns, ensuring everyone can enjoy the thrill of nature on two wheels. NCAS is now fundraising to expand their adaptive bike fleet, furthering their mission of making outdoor adventure inclusive for all. Their next goal is to improve accessibility at Harris Lake's mountain biking trails, setting a precedent for an inclusive outdoor experience for the entire community. 🌲🚴‍♀️💚

Read the full article on WRAL News by following the link under our bio.

#InclusiveOutdoors #Trailblazers #greattrailsnc #yearofthetrail #greattrailsstate #northcarolina

The 20th Annual Eden River Fest was a success! 🚣‍♂️

This festival isn't just about fun and festivities; it's a tribute to the incredible beauty and importance of our local rivers. 🌊🌲 One of the activities that festival-goers participated in was painting a rain barrel that will be raffled off at DRBA's Forest School, a mini environmental education program for young children between the ages of 3-6 and their parents to get outdoors and spend time in nature together.

Photos by Dan River Basin Association @danriverbasin

#EdenRiverFest #WorldRiversDay #DanRiverBasin #RiverCelebration #greattrailsnc #yearofthetrail #greattrailsstate #northcarolina

Today, on World Rivers Day, we turn our hearts to

Today, on World Rivers Day, we turn our hearts to the flowing waterways that carve their paths through North Carolina's stunning landscapes. 🌲🚣‍♀️

Our rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are the lifeblood of our ecosystems, the playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts, and the source of countless memories. 🌅💧

North Carolina boasts a tapestry of rivers, from the powerful rapids of the French Broad to the tranquil meanders of the Neuse. They provide us with drinking water, recreational opportunities, and habitat for diverse wildlife. 🦆🌊

On this special day, let's pledge to be responsible stewards of our rivers. Together, we can keep them clean, protect their ecosystems, and ensure they remain a source of wonder for generations to come. 🌎🌿

#WorldRiversDay #NorthCarolinaRivers #RiverLovers #YOTT #GreatTrailsNC #GreatTrailsState 🌊🌲

10 of North Carolina's top State Parks and Nationa

10 of North Carolina's top State Parks and National Forests for #NationalPublicLandsDay - Which one is your favorite? 🌿🏞️

1. Umstead State Park (Central NC): Located near Raleigh, it offers a network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Photo: Pott's Branch Trail

2. Eno River State Park (Central NC): Known for its scenic river, this park has many miles of hiking trails.
Photo: Cox Mountain Trail

3. Crowders Mountain State Park (Central NC): Offers challenging hikes with rewarding views of the surrounding area.
Photo: Pinnacle Peak

4. Hanging Rock State Park (Piedmont NC): Known for its unique rock formations and extensive trail system.
Photo: Hanging Rock Trail

5. Morrow Mountain State Park (Piedmont NC): Offers hiking trails with views of Lake Tillery.
Photo: Lake Tillery

6. Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Eastern NC): Features coastal trails and stunning beach landscapes.
Photo: Bodie Island Lighthouse

7. Croatan National Forest (Eastern NC): Offers hiking trails and access to the coast.
Photo: Cedar Point Recreation Area

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Western NC): Offers a vast network of trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail.
Photo: Clingsman Dome

9. Pisgah National Forest (Western NC): Known for its waterfalls, this forest has extensive hiking and biking trails.
Photo: Pilot Rock Trail

10. DuPont State Recreational Forest (Western NC): Known for its waterfalls and numerous trails for hikers and mountain bikers.
Photo: Triple Falls

Comment your favorite below ⬇️

#greattrailsnc #yearofthetrail #greattrailsstate #northcarolina

🌲🏞️ Embrace the Beauty of North Carolina's

🌲🏞️ Embrace the Beauty of North Carolina's Public Lands & Trails! 🌄🚶‍♀️

From the rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene shores of the Outer Banks, North Carolina's public lands and trails are a treasure waiting to be explored. 🌊⛰️ Today, we celebrate the boundless opportunities these lands and trails offer - for adventure, reflection, and connection with nature. 🚴‍♂️

Whether you're hiking through lush forests, mountain biking along rugged trails, or simply soaking in the majestic views, our public lands and trails invite you to be a part of their story. 📖💚

Let's honor our responsibility as stewards, ensuring these lands and trails remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come. 🌳🌎

Share your favorite North Carolina trail adventure, and let's inspire others to discover the magic of our state's natural treasures one trail at a time!

📸🌅 #ExploreNC #PublicLandsProud #TrailBlazers #NCAdventures #YOTT #GreatTrailsNC #GreatTrailsState #YearOfTheTrail 🌿🌄🥾

In 1994, @mypubliclands organized a "Public Lands

In 1994, @mypubliclands organized a "Public Lands Appreciation Day" at two public land sites in California and Nevada. The advertisement for the event noted: "Our nation's public lands are a gold mine in which all Americans can stake a claim. But without the investment of volunteers, they're in danger of going broke."

On Saturday, we will be celebrating the 30th iteration of annual event, now known as National Public Lands Day! 🌳🌿😍 @neefusa_org coordinates the event, which has become the largest single-day volunteer event dedicated to our public lands, celebrated by agencies at the federal, state, and local level.

We value our volunteers as good as gold. Without the generosity of North Carolina residents and visitors — donating their time, labor, money, and other resources — many of our state parks would not exist today.

If you don't have plans yet this weekend, consider participating in one of our volunteer events on this special day! We also have Nature Day at South Mountains, the Mountain Monarch Festival at Gorges, and a celebration of the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail at Chimney Rock. The full list of events is at greatrrailsnc.com

If you can't make it to one of our parks this weekend, check out our Volunteer page for other opportunities, including how to join the @ncfsp or your local state park's friends group: ncparks.gov/volunteer.

And for #TBT, enjoy these images of our volunteers through the years from our archives:
1. Volunteers doing trailwork at William B. Umstead State Park, c. 1990 ⚒️
2. Volunteers participating in beach cleanup at Bear Island at Hammocks Beach State Park, c. 1980 🗑️
3. Volunteers participating in the Big Sweep at Lumber River State Park, c. 1995 🛶
4. Student volunteers working on building project at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, c. 1989 ⚒️

Reposted from @ncstateparks

🍂 Embracing the Magic of Autumn 🍁 As the Au

🍂 Embracing the Magic of Autumn 🍁

As the Autumnal Equinox graces North Carolina, nature transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of colors. It's the perfect time to hit the trails and immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty that blankets our state! 🚶‍♀️🌳

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal trails, North Carolina's outdoors come alive with a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows. 🌄🍂

Join us in celebrating this equinox by exploring the trails, breathing in the crisp air, and savoring the moments of serenity only nature can provide. 🌞🍁

What's your favorite North Carolina trail for embracing autumn's splendor? Share your recommendations below! 👇🏞️

#AutumnEquinox #NorthCarolinaTrails #NatureLovers #FallColors #GreatTrailsNC #YOTT #yearofthetrail

Join the Brackenfest 2.0 and pedal your way toward

Join the Brackenfest 2.0 and pedal your way towards preserving nature! 🚴‍♂️🌳

THIS SATURDAY, help us secure the land and kickstart the creation of 2-3 miles of inclusive trails for our entire community. Let's match or surpass last year's success to make Bracken Preserve even better!

Learn more and register by following the link under our bio.

@oskarblueswnc @thehubpisgah @conservingcarolina @earthmountainbicycle @cedarmountainoutpost @squatchbikes @lookingglassrealty @noblebraubrewing @185kingstreet @_sylvansport @3oakhandcrafted @sycamorecycles
#Brackenfest2 #PreserveAndExpand #GreatTrailsState #GTS #YOTT #YearofTheTrail

🌿🌟 Celebrate North Carolina's Year of the Tr

🌿🌟 Celebrate North Carolina's Year of the Trail with Kid-Friendly Adventures! 🚴‍♂️🌲

1️) Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens, Hendersonville 🧚‍♀️
Step into a world of enchantment along the 300-yard Fairy Trail! Open seasonally from June to August, this magical path, crafted by volunteer Mary Martin in 2017, beckons families into a miniature realm of make-believe. Discover fortune-telling fairies, yoga-practicing gnomes, and endless laughter from young explorers. Let the Fairy Trail inspire your own scenes of wonder!

📍 Bullington Gardens, Hendersonville, NC 28792

2️) Saxapahaw Island Trail, Saxapahaw 🏝️
Just a short walk or drive from Saxapahaw, this island paradise is perfect for kids and families. Explore a 1.3-mile walking loop around the island, offering riverfront fun, wildlife spotting, picnicking, and shady hammock naps. Let kids play on swing sets, slide down a 45-foot-long wooden fish, ascend the spider climber, and unleash their creativity at the fort creation station.

📍 Saxapahaw Island Park, Graham, NC 27253

3️) Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach 🌱
Embark on a captivating half-mile journey along the Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park. Winding boardwalks guide you through pocosin wetlands, where you can seek out the Venus flytrap, North Carolina's official carnivorous plant, and other carnivorous wonders like pitcher plants and sundews. Kids can become explorers as they search for these unique plants in their natural habitat.

📍 Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Adventure awaits on North Carolina's trails! Which one will you explore first? 🌄👣

Read the full article on @ourstatemag by following the link under our bio.

#YearOfTheTrail #KidFriendlyAdventures #FamilyFun #NorthCarolinaTrails 🌟🚴‍♀️

🌟🌄 Thank You to everyone who joined us at th

🌟🌄 Thank You to everyone who joined us at the Ten to Try: Trails Preview event on August 31st! 🚴‍🎬

James Mieczkowski, content development producer at @mypbsnc and executive producer of Ten to Try: Trails, led an insightful discussion featuring:

🌍 Randy Johnson - Author & Travel Writer/Editor
🌟 Vivianette Ortiz - Executive Director, Aventureros en las Carolinas
🎬 Matt Chenet - Series Producer
🎥 Jeremiah McLamb - Producer/Director

If you missed any part of the Ten to Try: Trails discussion or wish to revisit it, you can watch the recording by clicking the link provided in our bio.

Your feedback holds immense value to us, the filmmakers, our production partners, and PBS North Carolina. Please spare a moment to share your thoughts about the event by participating in our brief audience survey, also linked under our bio.

Remember, Ten to Try: Trails is now available for streaming online and on the PBS App - Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, celebrating the beauty and wonder of trails that connect us all! 🌟🌲🚶‍♀️

#TenToTryTrails #Trailblazers #PBSNorthCarolina #YearOfTheTrail

Dogs love #YearOfTheTrail just as much as we do! 🐾

This week’s #YearOfTheTrail selection is the Blue Ridge Conservancy Trail located here in Blowing Rock. This 2.2 mile loop meanders up and around the BRC Campus, winding through diverse forests and delighting hikers with bold rock outcroppings mixed in with lush wildflower segments throughout.

The Blue Ridge Conservancy Trail is a relatively short but moderately strenuous hike. It begins with a short Pollinator Walk before leading up the mountain. While it doesn’t offer any overlook views, this is a great trail for exercising, dog-walking, and for those who are interested in viewing native wildflowers and some really unique rock structures.

This is a fairly low-traffic trail, which will offer some great leaf looking this Fall for those who want to avoid the congestion on those busy days on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead, and great signage as well.

Reposted from @blowingrocknc
#greattrailsnc #yearofthetrail #greattrailsstate #northcarolina

It's "Creek Week" in Rowan County, NC! 🚣‍♀️ Check out the events that will be hosted during this week-long celebration of Rowan County's waterways.

🚣 Free Kayak Launch at Lake Corriher
📍Lake Corriher Wilderness Park
When: Sept. 17 from 8am - 5pm

🎣 Kids Fish Free at Lake Corriher
📍Lake Corriher Wilderness Park
When: Sept. 17 from 8am - 5pm

🌊 Creek Crawl and Exploration
📍Lake Corriher Wilderness Park
When: Sept. 17 from 2pm - 3:30pm

🥾 Stanback Educational Forest Hike
📍Fred and Alice Stanback Educational Forest and Nature Preserve
When: Sept. 18 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm

🌊 Water Wednesday
📍City Lake Park
When: Sept. 20 from 4pm - 6pm

🧽 Town Creek Cleanup
📍Town Creek Park
When: Sept. 22 from 5pm - 7pm

🗑 Heroes Branch Litter Cleanup
📍Heroes Creek Branch
When: Sept. 23 from 8:30am - 10am

See more details as well as our full list of events by visiting the link under our bio.

#greattrailsnc #yearofthetrail #greattrailsstate #northcarolina #creekweek #rowancounty #rowancountync

THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY GENERATES $11.8 BILLION IN
ANNUAL REVENUE IN NORTH CAROLINA & 130,000 jobs

trails are building north carolina

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The Great Trails State Coalition is a broad-based group of diverse organizations, agencies, and supporters advocating for increased state investment in all types of trails statewide: hiking, paddle, mountain biking, equestrian, and paved.

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