Imagine, if you will, a first weekend of November that begins bright and sunny with a temperature in the 30s, a temperature not likely to get out of the 50s during the afternoon peak. And a weekend that, throughout much of the state, will be festooned with the best fall color of the year. Imagine, if you will, this weekend … .
Now, imagine yourself doing one of the following:
Beginner Bird Hike, Sunday, 8 a.m., Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Raleigh. Crisp, clear skies and brisk temps make for ideal birding along the stretch of Falls Lake at NC 50. Hike with a ranger and experienced birders to identify the birds of Falls Lake. Learn more here.
Ivy Gut Hike, Sunday, 10 a.m., Goose Creek State Park, Washington (N.C.). Cool/cold weather also marks the perfect time to hike at the coast. The bugs are at bay, the snakes in slumber — ideal for a 1-mile hike through the diverse undergrowth and coastal woods of this marsh hike. Learn more here.
Fall Hike, Saturday, 2 p.m., Elk Knob State Park, Todd. We were in the region last weekend and the color was grand. We’re guessing it will still be pretty darn good this weekend. Plus, you’ll get to take in a big swath of it from atop 5,520-foot Elk Knob, which offers stellar views to the west, north and east. Learn more here.
GetHiking! this weekend
What are our GetHiking! groups in North Carolina and Virginia up to this weekend? Plenty, thanks for asking … .
GetHiking! Charlottesville: Old Rag the “easier” way, Friday, November 1, 8 a.m., Goodwill, Charlottesville. Moderate to Strenuous. 5.4 miles. 1700+ elevation gain. Learn more here.
GetHiking! Charlottesville: Devil’s Marbleyard, Saturday, November 2, 8 a.m., 400 Ray C Hunt Dr., Charlottesville. Strenuous. 8.3 miles. 1500 elevation. Hike highlights: ridge line views and the bouldery jungle gym of Devil’s Marbleyard. Learn more here.
GetOriented! Triangle: Finding Your Way in the Woods, Saturday, November 2, 2 p.m. William B. Umstead State Park, 1800 N. Harrison Ave., Cary. This three-hour session goes over basic map and compass skills, then hits the trail to offer key tips on how to follow and stay on the trail, how to find it again if you stray, and how to explore off trail. Learn more here.
GetHiking! Charlottesville: Jewell Hollow To Mary’s Rock, Sunday, November 3, 9 a.m. Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville. Moderately Strenuous. 6.5 miles through the Central District of Shenandoah National Forest. Learn more here.
GetHiking! Charlotte: Grandfather Mountain-RESCHEDULED, Wednesday, November 6, 9:30 a.m. 100 Blude Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock. Strenuous. 7.1-mile loop commencing at the Boone Fork parking area. Learn more here.
Live the video
The 11-mile Rock Castle Gorge Trail should be on everyone’s list. It’s got challenging climbs, bouldery descents, mountaintop meadows, a mellow walk along a mountain creek. Part of the Rocky Knob Recreation Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd, Va., it’s likely closer than you think. Learn more here.
More weekend options
Looking for more options for weekend adventure? Check out our GetOut! Find An Adventure resource page here.