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.
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.
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…
What Trails Mean to Me: Ultra Runner Ciara Wilder Massingale’s Inspiring Journey
A mere two years ago, Ciara embarked on a path that would challenge her in ways she couldn’t have fathomed. “While I have always had a love of being in nature since I was a child, it wasn’t until two years ago that my life began to completely transform because of trails! On August 2, 2021, began my trail and ultra running journey for the first time. Back then, I could only run 3/10 of a mile. I was literally starting my journey from the couch,” Ciara recalls.
Tails and Trails: Montgomery County’s Hiking Hope for Shelter Dogs
Montgomery County, home to the majority of this beautiful forest, thrives as a scenic jewel in central NC. While it offers a diverse range of forest activities, the county faces challenges due to its sparse population and limited resources. This is particularly evident in the realm of animal care, where the local shelter continuously seeks ways to enrich the lives of its many cats and dogs awaiting adoption.
Resources for Getting Youth Engaged on the Trail During Summer Break
Summer break is here! Here are a few resources for engaging your young explorers with trails during the summer! NC State Parks Junior Park Ranger Program is a great way to engage youth in getting on trails and the program has created an activity guide that can be used...
Children of The Great Trails State
Celebrate the rewards! The destination doesn’t have to be a 40-foot waterfall or a big mountain overlook. (Side note: Most kids really don’t care about the view from the overlook.)
14 North Carolina Hikes, Walks & Paddles to Help Beat the Summer Heat
As the summer sun starts to scorch and the humidity climbs seemingly higher each day, it’s time to plan your escape into the shaded forests, cool waters, and higher altitudes of North Carolina’s less trafficked trails.
Celebrating Freedom in North Carolina’s Great Outdoors
North Carolina, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, has always been a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts and historians. As we celebrate Year of the Trail, there are many intersections of trails and history, one significant parallel is between the state's trail...