Yes, the sun is returning from its extended vacation. And just in time for the weekend!

Good news, yes. But keep in mind that it’s been raining for quite a while and that the ground was already saturated before that. So while the air may be dry, it will take the ground a while to catch up. 

That said, if you plan to get out on a trail this weekend, focus on trails on higher ground. This isn’t a foolproof strategy — trails in some places double as drainages — but it’s a start. Steer clear of trails that parallel creeks and rivers, especially trails in flatter areas with little relief. Also, avoid bottomland woods, where water is more likely to pool. Alas, in the Triangle area at least, this would include a good portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail along Falls Lake.

Good options? And keep in mind that with sun and temperatures in the 40s these may seem like good options to a lot of folks:

• Eno River State Park, Durham. In particular: the 3.75-mile Cox Mountain Trail has one brush with the Eno River, but otherwise stays high. More info here.
• Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle. Several good options, including the 2-mile Hattaway Mountain Trail, the 2.8-mile Sugarloaf Mountain Trail and the 2.6-mile Morrow Mountain Loop Trail. More info here.
• Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain. Lots of high options here, the least-crowded of which would be the 6.2-mile Ridgeline Trail, which you can pick up from the less-crowded Boulders Access. More info here.
• Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Bahama. The 1.8-mile Walker Loop, 1.6-mile Justice Loop, and the half-mile Peaks Loop all generally seek higher ground. More info here.
• Umstead State Park, Raleigh. The 5.8-mile Company Mill Trail may have some squishy spots along Crabtree Creek, especially just west of the bridge, but otherwise offers a relatively dry hike. More info here.

Another dry option:

Occoneechee Mountain Geology Hike, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, Hillsborough. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sun and a temperature in the 40s make this monthly session especially attractive this month.  Learn more and sign up here.

Still too cool for you? Temperatures in the mid-60s are expected by midweek. Really!

GetOut! And enjoy.