As someone pointed out on Facebook earlier this week, this is the first time since November that a seven-day forecast has not included a chance of rain. Further, we’re looking at sunny days with temperatures in the 50s for the weekend, rising into the low 70s by the end of next week. Thus, you are obligated to get out. And we are obligated to help you.

Bloomin’ good hikes. Another solid reason to get out: the flowers in the forest are just now starting to bloom. Some of the hardiest bloomers: the daffodils. They come out early, they stay out when the cold forces other early responders to fold. Find three of our favorite daffodil hikes in our GetHiking! Guide to 3 Daffodil Hikes.

Hikes in solitude. Come that first nice weekend in spring — and this one appears to be it — everyone wants to hike. That means the trails with the easiest access — from visitor centers, with trailhead addresses — get the most attention. Our GetHiking! Three Hikes for Avoiding the Masses guide takes you to the trails less traveled. 

Short on time? Getting out for even an hour on a weekend like the one we’re about to see can make a world of difference. Our GetHiking! 5 Great Short Hikes in the Triangle shows you hikes short on miles (2-3), long on scenic return. 

New to hiking? Our GetHiking! 5 Great Hikes for Beginners takes you on hikes tailor-made for the beginning hiker: easy to get to, easy to follow, easy too make you fall in love with hiking. In you’re new to hiking, you might also consider our Let’s GetHiking!  A Quick and Comprehensive Guide for the Aspiring Hiker, a 109-page guide to help you get going down the trail, as well as our “100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina,” including 100 hikes statewide. More of a hands-on type? Starting March 21 and running every Sunday afternoon through May 9, we hold our 8-week “Let’s GetHiking! Sporing 2021 Series for the Aspiring Hiker” series. Weekly guided hikes plus additional support and guidance for those new to hiking.

More outdoor adventure

Here are additional sources to check for weekend adventure options:

• North Carolina State Parks. North Carolina’s state parks host a variety of activities throughout the week, in the evening, on weekends. Most have an educational focus, many are just intended to get you out in the wild. Activities include hiking, paddling and various nature programs. Most are free. Check out what’s going on this weekend at a state park near you, here.
• N.C. Environmental Education Center. The state’s 200-plus environmental education centers have outdoor events of an educational nature going on throughout the week. Check ‘em out here.