This weekend, explore a swamp, paddle a lake, hang with the stars.
Coast
The 22-mile Dismal Swamp Canal runs south from the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia to the Albemarle Sound. It is the oldest continually operating man-made canal in the U.S., opening in 1805 after 12 years of construction. It’s longevity is especially impressive considering the vast majority of the nation’s great canals led brief lives, opening in the early 1800s only to be quickly rendered obsolete as railroads spread throughout the nation. In addition to its natural wonder, penetrating its vast namesake wetland, the canal is rich in human history.
You’ll have a chance to experience a section of the canal Saturday on a ranger-led, two-hour tour beginning at the canoe/kayak launch at Dismal Swamp State Park. Equipment — kayak, PFD, paddles — will be provided (you’ll need your own bug spray, sunscreen and drinking water). It’s an intimate trip with limited spots available; thus, you’ll need to register in advance by calling the park at 252.771.6593. The trip, which is free, is at 10 a.m., leaving lots of time in the afternoon to explore more of the park and swamp.
Learn more about the park here.
Photo courtesy Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center.
Piedmont
In these dog days of August in the Piedmont, what better place to spend them than on the water? And what better way than at Saturday’s 2nd Annual Paddle Days of August at Greensboro’s Lake Higgins Watershed Park.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes an eco tour, skills sessions, a safety & rescue clinic and a boat demo, offering the chance for you to check out a variety of boats and take them for a leisurely paddle. (If you’re own boat gets jealous, feel free to bring it; it’s a rare opportunity to paddle Lake Higgins.) Sponsors who will have a presence at the event include Get: Outdoors, Greensboro Watershed Parks, Earth Fare, the American Canoe Association and various local paddling clubs.
The event is free. For more info, go here. For directions to Lake Higgins Watershed Park, go here.
Mountains
If it’s August, that must mean it’s time for the Persied meteor showers, one of the best annual displays in the night sky. And the best place to view the best display? A place that’s far from the light pollution of modern life. A place such as Stone Mountain State Park, where on Saturday evening the Forsyth Astronomy Club will set up its big whompin’ telescopes and let you check out the Persieds up close and personal. No charge, the show begins at dark in the field behind campsite No. 33 (sounds clandestine).
If you’re thinking what we’re thinking — that since you’re their for the show, you might as well spend the night in the campground — reservations are advised. This campground fills up quickly on weekends. Reserve a spot by going here.
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Those are GGNC’s thoughts for an active weekend. Find out other ways you can get out this weekend by browsing our super calendar, a collection of events calendars from throughout the state, below.
Coast
CapeFearCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar for the Cape Fear/Wilmington/southern N.C. coast searchable by date and event name.
Coastal Guide
Comprehensive calendar including nature programs from a variety of costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs. Covers the entire coast.
Crystal Cost Tourism Authority
Comprehensive calendar focusing on the Crystal Coast. Good source for programs offered by N.C. Coastal Federation, Cape Lookout National Park, N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and other costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs.
NCCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar including programs for the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.
North Carolina Coast Host
Comprehensive calendar for the entire coast that lets you search for events by day, by region, by county, by city or by event (based on key word).
This Week Magazine
Primary focus is the Crystal Coast (North Carolina’s coastal midsection).
Mountains
Asheville Citizen-Times
From the main page, click on “Outdoors,” then WNC Outdoors calendar.
Blue Ridge Outdoors
Searchable calendar lets you extend your reach to events throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeast (or you can just limit it to North Carolina). Also lets you search a boatload of categories, ranging from Hiking, Mountain Biking and Climbing to Trail Running, Triathlon and Road Walking.
The Mountain Times
From the main page, click on “Calendars,” then Main Events.
Piedmont
Charlotte
Charlotte Observer events calendar
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including Nature, Recreation, Recreation & Wellness, Running
Charlotte Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Triad
GoTriad.com
Comprehensive calendar includes a Sports & Recreation category.
Piedmont Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Triangle
Triangle.com
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including: Birding, Boating, Cycling, Nature, Rec & Wellness, Recreation, Running, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga.
Carolina Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Statewide
Office of Environmental Education
One calendar for the numerous Environmental Education Centers statewide.
North Carolina State Parks
Lets you search for programs at the state’s parks, recreation areas and natural areas by location, by month, by topic. To reach the calendar from the home page, click on “Education,” then “Fun & Free Programs at Parks.”
National Forests in North Carolina
From the home page, click on Carolina Connections for news updates on the state’s four national forests as well as hints on recreational opportunities and a detailed rundown of recreation areas and the amenities at each.