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.
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.
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.
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...
Charting New Trails: Reimagining Accessibility in Outdoor Adventures
Wes Hall is a pioneer in adaptive sports in the Great Trails State and beyond. Born right here in North Carolina, he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 15, leading to the amputation of his right leg. Wes has been pushing the envelope of what is possible by turning limitations into opportunities.