GetOut! And do it Friday or Saturday, because Sunday …

Such lovely springlike weather we’re having, with sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-60s, dry air!

Until Sunday, when, once again, temperatures barely topping 40 accompanied by a wintry mix return. But, again, until then … . So what say we start the weekend a bit early, on Friday? If we do that, we have a couple of intriguing options:

Untitled Hike, Friday, 1 p.m., Eno River State Park, Durham. “Untitled Hike,” may not sound appealing, but read the description: “Join a Ranger to hike about 2 miles to the site of a cemetery of enslaved people on park property. We will discuss the role enslaved people of color played in the formation of the Eno River Valley as well as the history of enslavement in North Carolina. This hike will include discussions of the practice of slavery and will feature a short hike off trail (about 50 yards) as well as one creek crossing.” Off trail and history — two of the best things a hike has to offer. Free, but registration is limited; call 919.383.1686 to register. More info here.

Leaf litter: good or bad? Discuss

Leaf Me Alone, Friday, 1 p.m., Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle. “Leaf litter” — a somewhat derogatory term, no? While it can have some downsides, it’s also a positive. Learn more on this hike. Learn more here.

Then, on likewise glorious Saturday:

History of the Longleaf Pine, 1 p.m., Jones Lake State Park, Elizabethtown. Any chance to visit Jones Lake in the winter should be taken, especially when the weather promises to be sunny and cool/warm. This hike is at the Salter Lake portion of the park. Learn more here.

BioDiversity Hike: Uwharrie National Forest, Saturday, 2 p.m., Uwharrie National Forest. Charlotte’s Reedy Creek Nature Preserve sponsors this 5- to 7-mile adventure, part of a monthly series exploring “Biodiversity together on a monthly pilgrimage around North and South Carolina.” Specifics provided upon registration. Go here for details and to register.

That’s a sampling of what’s up this weekend, a weekend that you might want to start on Friday because Sunday may not be weekend-friendly. But whatever you do, just make sure to GetOut!

And enjoy!

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Looking ahead

Next weekend we’re holding our first GetOriented! Finding Your Way in the Woods map and compass session of the year, at Umstead State Park. Our 3-hour class gives you both the basic map and compass skills and the on-the-ground training to make you a more confident, competent hiker. We also have a lot of fun! Learn more and register to join us here.

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