We take a slightly different tack this week. We know a lot of you have time off and might be looking for an outdoor adventure or two from your out-of-town guests. Or an adventure just for you.
Here are some resources that will hopefully help you find the adventure you want:
Take a hike, close to home. Looking for a place to hike near home? Here are our recommendations for:
- 25 Top Hikes in Charlotte
- 25 Top Hikes in the Triad
- Mountains-to-Sea Trail hikes near urban areas. Check this post for where to pick up North Carolina’s statewide trail near you.
Hike with a group. Find out what your local GetHiking! chapter (as well as GetExploring! Greenville) is up to over the holidays starting here.
Take a hike, farther afield. If you’re willing to commit and day (including driving), check out these worthy options:
- Five Great Hikes at the Coast and Coastal Plains. Heading to the beach for the holidays? Work in one of these hikes.
- Five mountain hikes on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Take a hike on New Year’s Day. The nationwide First Day Hikes program features New Year’s Day hikes at state parks across the land, including:
Check road conditions. You likely check the weather forecast before heading out on an adventure, but do you check road conditions? A few quick resources:
- Blue Ridge Parkway road conditions
- North Carolina road conditions
- Virginia road conditions (and more)
GetOriented! Finding Your Way in the Woods. This is our 3-hour off-trail romp that also teaches basic map and compass skills and how to navigate comfortably in the woods. It’s a great family activity, and fun to do with friends, too. Our holiday sessions are:
- Thursday, Dec. 27, 1 p.m., Umstead State Park, Raleigh. Find details and sign up here.
- Friday, Dec. 28, 1 p.m., Haw River State Park, Greensboro. Find details and sign up here.
Go skiing. Check current conditions, the forecast, lift ticket prices, lodging, rentals and more starting at SkiSoutheast.com.