GetOut! Your Nudge for Weekend Adventure

Summer called: it misses you and wants you to know it won’t be around forever — would it hurt you to pay a visit?

Did I say summer or your mother? In any event, Labor Day weekend, the ceremonial end of summer, is in three weeks and we have a most summer-friendly weekend on tap that you should get out and enjoy (before it’s too late): temperatures in the upper 80s under mostly sunny skies. Get Out and enjoy!

Here are some thoughts on the subject:

The Foundation of Morrow Mountain Hike, Saturday, 4 p.m., Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle. Morrow Mountain is strategically located between the Triad and Charlotte, yet how many of you have explored there? Saturday afternoon’s 0.8-mile hike around the park’s quarry is a great opportunity to visit. We suggest getting there early and hiking on one of the park’s 15 miles of trail: a favorite is the 4.1-mile Fall Mountain Trail, it’s challenging hiking but exposes you to the geology you’ll learn about on the ranger-led hike. Learn more here.

Fly Fishing 101, Sunday, 2 p.m., South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs (south of Morganton). Maybe you’ve been intrigued by the idea of fly fishing: of hiking to a secluded mountain lake or a remote section of stream and trying to outsmart a fish. Then, maybe, you’ve become overwhelmed by talk of flies and rods and how fish think at different times of the year, at different times of day. Is it really that complicated? Find out at this free clinic conducted by a veteran angler. Learn more here

Astronomy for Everyone, Saturday, 8-10 p.m., Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury (north of Winston-Salem). It’s hard to find a spot hereabouts with minimal light pollution; Hanging Rock State Park is about as close as you’ll get. Which makes it a perfect spot for viewing the night sky, which the Piedmont Astronomy Club will help you do in this two-hour session. Not only will you see a starlit sky (weather permitting), you’ll also have expert help in figuring out what’s what. Make the evening even more special by spending the night in the nearby campground for  some additional exploring. Learn more here.

GetHiking! this weekend

What are our GetHiking! groups in North Carolina and Virginia up to this weekend? Plenty, thanks for asking …

GetHiking! Charlottesville: Cove Mountain,Saturday, August 10, 8:15 a.m., Fontaine Research Park, Charlottesville. Moderately Strenuous. 7.5-miles. Hike highlights: A secluded waterfall, Little Cove Mountain Trail, Glenwood Horse Trail. Learn more here.
GetHiking! Triad: Celebrate MST along Watershed Lakes,Sunday, August 11, 10 a.m. Laurel Bluff Trail Head, Greensboro. Moderately Difficult. 4.44-mile hike passing through Reedy Creek Trail and Lake Townsend. Learn more here.

Live the video

For whatever reason, it has been a while since we hiked Day Hike Section J of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. We thought last Saturday’s GetHiking! Triangle hike might jog our memory as to why. Instead, it was more a reminder to put this hike back into our regular rotation. Check out out and to see why. For more information on hiking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and for details on the various hikes supporting the trail’s 42nd birthday on Sept. 9, go here.

More options

Looking for more options for weekend adventure? Check out our GetOut! Find An Adventure resource page here.

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