Two paddle trips get you on the water on a hot Southern weekend, and there’s a classic 5K in the high country.
Coast
The only thing better than paddling a coastal swamp is paddling it with a knowledgeable naturalist who knows the terrain and can help make sense of what can be an overwhelming experience. Sunday morning, join said knowledgeable naturalist for a two-hour kayak trip up Goose Creek at Goose Creek State Park just east of Washington. Equipment — kayaks, paddles and pfds — provided.
Logistics: It’s free and starts at 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required for one of the 10 available spots, by calling the park’s visitor center at 252.923.2191
Sunday forecast: High of 90, 40 percent chance of rain.
Piedmont
If you’re going to be outside on a hot, sticky summer’s weekend in the South, you should have two objectives: 1) Get out early, 2) Make sure your outing involves water.
Sunday’s Canoe Hike at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area achieves both of these critical goals. It’s from 9:30-11:30 a.m., and the “hike” in on water, specifically the Weaver Creek sub impoundment. (This is good because you’ll be segregated from the lake’s wake-inducing speed boat traffic, an especially big plus for you inexperienced paddlers.) All equipment — canoe, paddles, pfds — is provided, and guide/ranger Steve McMurray will provide basic instruction for those who need it. Wildlife viewing includes a chance to see bald eagles.
Logistics: Meet at the Wildlife Access Area off Beaver Creek Road/SR 1008), about three miles south of U.S. 64, just beyond Pea Ridge Road. More info, contact Ranger McMurray at 919-362-0586, x 219 or steve.mcmurray@ncdenr.gov.
Sunday Forecast: High of 93, partly cloudy with a chance of rain.
Mountains
Looking for a classic North Carolina 5K to add to your list? Make that addition Saturday with the 33rd Bele Chere 5K in downtown Asheville. This popular run, which had more than 1,200 runners last year, is moving this year from McCormick Field to the new Pack Square Park downtown. The course circles downtown and is close to a number of parking garages — not always a huge consideration when you’re deciding on a 5K, but with so many runners … .
Logistics: $30 registration online through today, $35 race day. Race time Saturday morning is 7:30; race day registration opens at 5:30 a.m. More here.
Saturday forecast: High of 84, fog.
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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.
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.
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