Exploring The Great Trails State’s State Trails
How do you follow an event like Year of the Trail? You don’t. You build on it. Last year's Year of the Trail was intended to promote North Carolina’s vast trail system. Hiking trails, sure, but paddling, biking and equestrian as well. Year of the Trail events were...
Four Long-Distance Trails in The Great Trails State
Exploring North Carolina's Long-Distance Trails... North Carolina boasts a diverse landscape, from the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the shores of the Outer Banks. Among its natural wonders are its long-distance trails, offering adventurers a chance to immerse...
Restoring the Heart of the Community: The Great Coharie River Initiative
In the heart of Sampson County, North Carolina, a remarkable initiative is quietly reshaping the landscape and rejuvenating the spirit of a community. The Great Coharie River Initiative, launched in 2015, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the...
The Future of Trail Development in North Carolina
The evolution of intentional trail design has progressed over the years and there are many people in NC on the cutting edge of trail development. Chuck Flink gives a glimpse into the future of trail development in NC.
Trailblazing in Burke County and Across the State
Trails don’t build themselves and it takes a great deal of motivation and innovation to get trails on the ground. Beth Heile took it upon herself to champion trails in Valdese
Trails, Triumphs, and Teaching: The Journey of Benjy “Doc” Brown on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Benjy “Doc” Brown is not just a lifelong resident but also an ardent adventurer. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) caught Benjy’s attention in 2018. Driven by passion and determination, he decided to section hike the entire 1,175-mile trail (hiking it piece by piece as time allows), and by May 2020, Brown had achieved his ambitious goal on the section near Kinston, NC. We had the opportunity to catch up with Benjy – read along to learn more about his inspiring journey.
The 3 1/2 Year (and Counting) Streak
Is it possible to accidentally have a 3-1/2-year streak of daily outdoor exercise? Well, it’s complicated…follow along as Jeff Rezeli recounts firsthand how his wife has consistently made it outside every single day for what’s soon to be four years amidst challenging conditions that involved a whole lot more than just inclement weather.
A Testament of Resilience and Adaptation on the Trail
For everyone, a trail adventure begins with a decision, a commitment to step into nature and embrace the journey ahead. Mary’s initial commitment to the MST ignited a flame of passion and connection to the trail that would prove unyielding in the face of obstacles and challenges. Follow along as Mary tells her incredibly inspiring story.
Putting Love for the Outdoors to Test: Every Day on a Trail
When The Great Trails State Coalition announced 2023 would be the Year of the Trail, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to put my love of the outdoors to the test. Now at the age of forty-two, I also needed a new challenge. My goal became to simply be on some kind of trail every day in 2023; which is, turns out, about as useful as a sticky note that urges a seventeen-year-old to win a state basketball championship alone…
Taking Learning Outdoors: Merrick-Moore Elementary
In an era where technology often dominates educational discourse, Merrick-Moore Elementary in Durham Public Schools (DPS) is offering a distinctive approach centered around outdoor education. At the forefront of this initiative is Stephen Mullaney, a teacher with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, who champions the idea that nature can be an enriching educational tool.