Today, we take a slightly different tack in our recommendations for how to get out and play this weekend. Events this weekend seem to center around certain themes, so instead of picking three specific events, we’re going with three themes and referencing the related events. Click on the link for details.

Snakes. The temperatures are warming, our no-footed friends are becoming more active. And, boy, do a lot of us have issues with snakes! While you may not be able to overcome that initial gasp! reaction when you see a snake, learning a little more about them — like the very few you need to be concerned with — may help ease some of your trepidation. Among your options for the weekend: Saturday: Snakes, Jones Lake State Park, Elizabethtown, 3 p.m.; Slithering Search for Snakes, Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle, 10 a.m.; Sunday: Spot the Snake, Medoc Mountain State Park, Halifax, 1:30 p.m.; Year of the Snake, Jordan Lake State Park, Apex, 10 a.m.; NC Snakes, Lake Norman State Park, Troutman, 1 p.m.; From Frogs to Snakes Spring Hike, Haw River State Park, Browns Summit, 2 p.m.

Earth Day. Earth Day had the audacity to not fall on a weekend this year, making it difficult for some  to get out and celebrate. Fortunately, your North Carolina State Parks believe that every day is Earth Day, including this Saturday and Sunday. Earth Day activities this weekend include: Saturday: Crystal Coast Earth Day, Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Earth Day Celebration at Mayo River, Mayo River State Park, Mayodan, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Earth Day Celebration, Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock, 2-6 p.m.

Spring. OK, technically every event this weekend has a spring connection since, well, it’s spring. These XX events underscore that connection. Saturday: Spring Wildflower Hike, South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs, 11 a.m.; Sunday: Spring Birdwalk, Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle, 8:30 a.m.; Spring Wagon Ride, Dismal Swamp State Park, South Mills, 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.; Spring Wildflower Walk: Ayr Mount, Eno River Association, Hillsborough, 2 p.m.

GetHiking! this weekend

What are we up to this weekend? Lots!

GetHiking! Charlotte: Hanging Rock State Park,Thursday, April 25, 10 a.m. Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury. Strenous. 8-mile hike exploring four peaks at Hanging Rock State Park. Learn more here. GetHiking! Charlottesville: Slaughter Trail and Pocosin Hollow Trail,Saturday April 27, 8 a.m, 4105 Lewis and Clark Drive, Charlottesville. Very Strenuous. 12.3 miles. Hike highlights: Slaughter Trail/Road, Conway River, Pocosin Hollow Trail. Learn more here. GetHiking! Charlottesville: Appalachian Trail from Long Mountain Wayside,Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. Fontaine Research Park, Charlottesville. Moderately Strenuous. 8-mile hike exploring part of a plantation used in the Civil War. Learn more here. GetHiking! Charlottesville: Monticello Trail, Sunday, April 28, 12:30 p.m., Dairy Barn Road, Charlottesville. Easy to moderate. 5 miles. Mellow walk on a trail of gravel and boardwalk. Learn more here.

Live the video

This week’s video was shot on a stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail along Falls Lake, on what the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail refer to as Day-Hike Sections C and D. It’s a nicely wooded 6-mile stretch that isn’t as physically challenging as some of the rest of the  here.