The weekend upon us is one tailor-made for outdoor adventure, marrying the best of summer (which officially ends Monday) with the best of fall. Meaning? We’re looking at cool temperatures (around 60 throughout much of our area) to start the day, rising into the low to mid 80s — all under dry, clear skies. With that in mind, we give you three options.

Camp Craggy Hike, Saturday, 12:30 p.m., Umstead State Park (Harrison Avenue entrance), Cary. The temperature should be in the mid-70s when this hike begins, a hike that requires a bit off off-trail adventure on long-abandoned roadbeds. The objective: Camp Craggy, a short-lived Boy Scout camp from 90 years ago with a few features remaining. It’s a stop on our GetOriented! Finding Your Way in the Woods program at Umstead, and offers a great peek into the park’s past. About 2.5 miles of moderately difficult hiking. Learn more and sign up here.

Haunted Hike, Saturday, 8:15 p.m., Carvers Creek State Park, Spring Lake. The temperature should be in the low 70s for this hike “through the Rockefeller House and around some of the old farmhouses. See if you can detect any unusual presence in the air. There are quite a few unexplained phenomena and many untold stories, so it will be up to you to interpret your experience.” Bring a flashlight and water. For more information and to sign up, go here.

Canoeing 101, Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Merchants Millpond State Park, Gatesville. In the heat of the day (but in a heat that’s not too hot), learn to paddle, then paddle and explore this 760-acre millpond-turned-swamp. $7 canoe fee. Learn more and sign up here. 

GetHiking! this weekend

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

GetHiking! Charlottesville: Stony Man and Nicholson Hollow Circuit,Saturday, September 21, 8 a.m., 4105 Lewis and Clark Drive, Charlottesville. Strenuous. 12-miles. Hike highlights: Appalachian Trail, Indian Run Trail, Old Rag Fire Road. Learn more here. GetHiking! Charlotte: Panthertown Valley,Saturday, September 21, 9:30 a.m., Ingles Market, Cashiers . Moderate. 8-mile hike through multiple waterfalls. Learn more here. GetHiking! Charlottesville: Hanging Rock,Sunday, September 22, 9:30 a.m., Reid’s Gap, Lyndhurst. Moderately strenuous. 7-mile hike through rocky terrain. Learn more here. GetHiking! Charlotte: South Mountain,Sunday, September 22, 10 a.m., South Mountain State Park, Connelly Springs. Strenuous 10-mile hike primarily on double-wide trail. Learn more here.

Live the video

Is it ever nice having a gem like Eno River State Park in your backyard! Last weekend we enjoyed a late summer hike on the Buckquarter Creek and Holden Mill trails, which combine for  4.2-miles of ridge and river hiking. A classic choice for fall. Learn more about exploring Eno River State Park here.

More options

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