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.
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.
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.)
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.
Our Summer Bucket List
Summer is a calling, and it's a great time to embark on an unforgettable trail adventure in North Carolina! Here are 11 activities we'll be surely checking off of our list! Artwork by guest artist Lauren Patterson @lataplat. As summer approaches, it's time to...
Embracing the Beauty of The Great Trails State at 75
Having recently celebrated my 75th birthday, I found myself reflecting on the incredible journey of being a lifelong hiker, with many years of it being on the trails of North Carolina. The trails that weave through this beautiful state have become not only a source of...
Trails for the Future: How History is Shaping Trail Development in Randolph County
https://youtu.be/zZ1e9Q7UwDY Randolph County sits in the heart of North Carolina. Located approximately an hour from the millions of people living in Charlotte, the Triad, and the Triangle, it offers an escape from urban hustle and bustle through an abundance of...